I arrive when the rose harvest is in full swing. Swathes of pink blossoms, bordered by walnut and pomegranate trees, stretch as far as I can see. I feel my breathing deepen and slow as we wander through the valley. The aroma is heady and rich. We stop at a small oasis pool for a glass of rose bud thé – it’s magical.

As the evening falls, the mountains glow pink with the setting sun, and our riad draws us back. We pass flat roofs heavy with harvested rose petals, drying naturally in the open air.

After a deeply relaxing bath, I follow the sound of the fountain through to a candlelit courtyard to feast on wonderfully spiced delicacies, the air heavy with oud. My senses are alive, I feel so warm and cared for. Life is full of rich promise and I feel lucky to experience this for myself”