February in Britain typically brings relentless grey skies, persistent rain and blustery conditions whilst we eagerly await the arrival of spring. The dreary weather and bitter temperatures can make winter seem interminable. Yet just three hours away, I discovered myself soaking up 23°C sunshine in a destination many describe as "paradise."

Determined to unwind beside a pool, I traded my heavy winter coat for summer dresses and sunglasses during my visit to Marrakech, Morocco. With quieter tourist numbers, exciting excursions, affordable accommodation and flights available from just £23.99 in March through Easyjet, here's why you ought to consider a trip yourself.

Why it's called paradise

When journeying to Morocco, fellow travellers may advise "you must stay in a riad" rather than a hotel to experience authentic Moroccan hospitality. The term riad means "garden" or "paradise" in Arabic.

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"Moroccan riads were meant to represent the Muslim vision of paradise," reported Moroccan Zest. "They were built and decorated by the best craftsmen from all over the Mediterranean area and enriched by Andalusian art to become the Moorish-style palaces we know today."

My family and I ultimately chose a five-star establishment called El Olivar Palace in Marrakech, which featured private sections functioning as miniature riads, and it truly was paradise. The architecture was utterly stunning, whilst the entire hotel grounds radiated luxury and tranquillity.

This hotel provided an all-inclusive package featuring unlimited buffet dining with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and pudding. Despite being situated in a Muslim nation, the establishment continued to serve alcoholic beverages in the restaurant and at the outdoor bar.

The hotel boasts three swimming pools: two outdoor and one indoor, all surrounded by comfortable sun loungers. In the evenings, entertainment takes place in their indoor lounge, though throughout this quieter season it tends to be more peaceful, with reduced visitor numbers.

Moroccan tradition places great importance on warmth and hospitality. The hotel team were outstanding, incredibly friendly, and helpful. For most of our stay, we hardly needed to do anything as the staff attended to our every need as though we were VIPs.

Not only was our accommodation remarkable, but Morocco itself feels like an exotic haven wherever you venture. Despite the bustling streets of Marrakech, the city brimmed with vibrant culture and stunning views.

My preferred element was strolling past orange and olive trees, when suddenly you'd spot a lorry with a flock of goats or a donkey transporting merchandise. There were countless horses, cats, monkeys and snake charmers simply present in the town centre whilst motorbikes and scooters whizzed through the crowds.

When the sun starts to descend and the golden hour arrives, the country truly shines at its finest. The sky becomes the most magnificent sight to behold as its blue and orange shades blend together.

As the cotton-candy-like Atlas Mountains become increasingly visible, the large, luminous moon begins to appear. Once darkness falls, the sheer number of stars in Marrakech's sky instils a tranquil serenity unmatched by any other location.

Morocco is also known as Al-Maghrib, translating to 'the place in the West'. "In its simplest definition, the Arabic word maghrib means sunset," as per The National News - an apt descriptor for this nation indeed.

Here's my 72-hour itinerary

Like any holiday, venturing into a new country, it's best to divide your time between adventurous pursuits, delving into the history and culture, and a day of relaxation. We spent five days in Marrakech, but this itinerary could easily be condensed into 72 hours.

For the first day, or rather the sunniest day of your trip, I'd suggest embarking on the desert excursion. We arranged this through Get Your Guide and paid a mere £15 for four activities spanning the entire day.

This included a visit to an Argan Oil Women's Cooperative, where we savoured tea and bread with a variety of scrumptious dips (do try the peanut butter, it's life-changing), followed by a tour and informative talk on the benefits of argan oil.

Next, you'll embark on a camel ride; this was an utterly surreal and exhilarating experience, akin to riding a towering horse that moves like a seesaw. I'd recommend investing in a headscarf, as the sand can infiltrate your system.

Following that, you'll team up for an exhilarating quad biking adventure, which proved an absolute thrill and a brilliant opportunity to bond with fellow travellers. Afterwards, you'll tuck into a sumptuous three-course feast showcasing authentic Moroccan dishes.

To cap off the evening, you'll witness a captivating, mesmerising fire performance that I promise will stay with you forever. For day two, I'd suggest taking things at a gentler pace. You ought to experience a hammam, an age-old, customary steam bath centred on purification and renewal.

This might sound extraordinary, but you're instructed to undress entirely and provided with merely a modest cloth to preserve your modesty and a plush bathrobe that remains so toasty it feels freshly tumble-dried each time you slip it on. You'll subsequently be bathed and thoroughly exfoliated before unwinding in the steam chamber.

Afterwards, you'll be served tea and treated to a massage. I emerged from this experience feeling utterly refreshed, spotless and at peace.

Most residents indulge in this ritual weekly, and I completely understand why it's become such a cherished custom. Next, make your way to Henna cafe for a stunning temporary hand design (resist anyone approaching you on the street offering it; visit a legitimate establishment to ensure you receive organic, genuine henna).

Finally, on your closing day, embark on a city tour and discover the captivating history of Marrakech. My personal highlight was the Bahia Palace.

Afterwards, wander through the souks, but stay alert to avoid being overcharged; negotiate firmly if you're tempted to purchase anything! I spent £20 on a small kitchen bowl, and I'm still annoyed with myself for not insisting on a better price.

Three words: Morocco is paradise

I've never felt so calm and revitalised before, and I came back to a somewhat dreary UK looking radiant and recharged. February proved the ideal time to visit as there weren't excessive numbers of tourists and the climate was favourable.

There were spells of rain as anticipated, but it felt crisp and pleasant after landing on a warm, sunny day. According to BBC News, this week the city is experiencing temperatures of 26°C, and it's expected to climb higher as days progress.

I'd suggest packing a jacket, as evenings can turn cool, but I predominantly enjoyed wearing modest dresses and sandals.

Reflecting on our trip, my cousin Keisha remarked, "It was paradise, everything about it felt perfect, even the rain. Being there felt surreal and beautiful. Definitely worth another visit in the future."