best hotel suites in the Middle East, Africa and Indian Ocean

The rapid development of the Middle East's tourism industry and luxury-hotel sector means it has become something of the go-to destination for extreme extravagance. With that being the case it's no surprise that its best hotel suites are among the most lavish to be found anywhere, but don't dismiss Africa and the Indian Ocean. Exceptional safari lodges and unparalleled wildlife-watching opportunities distinguish the former, while access to remarkable sea life and a remarkable sense of romance are on offer in the latter. Read on for our experts' guide to the best hotel suites in the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean.

The Private Reserve; Gili Lankanfushi - MaldivesSituated some 1,000ft from the resort's nearest villa, The Private Reserve at Gili Lankanfushi offers privacy on a scale unequalled in the Maldives. A recent refurbishment has seen the addition of a new bedroom, glass infinity pool and split-level bathing deck. The pick of the three double-bedroom suites has a 100sq ft bathroom partly open to the heavens, with a glass shower, a plunge pool and an oversized bath over coral gardens. The huge living area has a library, dining room, cinema and bar, plus spa, sauna, steam room and gym, even a slide… Sections of glass flooring remind you that you're in an over-water villa – easy to forget in a property this size. Daybeds, sunbeds and breakout areas offer numerous options to sunbathe or siesta, but the twin over-water hammocks are many guests' favourites – happiness is being suspended over the ocean, water lapping at your feet, fish flitting below and no sound but the roar of th e reef. A small boat is yours to visit the main resort as you please – most people, though, never want to leave. Sleeps 6; 18,300sq ft; from £10,665; gililankanfushi.comCharles Starmer-SmithRead more: the best hotels in the Maldives

Riad D'Honneur; Royal Mansour, Marrakech - MoroccoLocated close to the centre of Marrakech, but away from its bustle, the Royal Mansour hotel is a showcase for exemplary Moroccan craftsmanship. Its owner, King Mohammed VI, enlisted the country's most skilled artisans to create its interiors, and their handiwork is handsomely displayed throughout its immense Riad d'Honneur, or Grand Riad. Witness, for example, the delicate wrought ironwork of the lift – which resembles black lace, a style found only in Marrakech. Elsewhere, there is painted zouak woodwork to admire and geometric zellige wall tiles in bespoke colours; in one bathroom, the locally made standalone bath is crafted from maillechort (nickel silver) and adorned with filigree carvings. Other attractions are more immediately apparent: there's a cinema, for example, plus a library, bar, gym, solarium, hammam and spa treatment room. But it's on the rooftop that you'll find the suite's standout feature: its panor amic two-level terrace, complete with a tented living area, dining room, a small pool and views over the medina and Koutoubia Mosque to the distant High Atlas mountains.Sleeps 8; 19,375sq ft; from £30,000; royalmansour.comChristoper SylvesterRead more: the best hotels in Marrakech

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