The development has opened in phases over the past three years, with the final part – a 100-bed hotel and huge 4,000sq m thermal area devoted to health and wellbeing – launching in August. An upgrade of a separate public bathing facility, which attracts up to a million people a year, was completed in 2016.

The project has been backed by Sothermy, a subsidiary of the Moroccan financial institution CDG, which already manages a number of thermal facilities in the area. While Sothermy runs Moulay Yacoub’s public baths, it turned to Vichy Spa International, from the famous French spa town of Vichy, to consult on the new hotel and spa and to operate it. Sothermy believes the partnership with Vichy Spa will boost its international profile.

At the heart of Vichy Thermalia Spa Hôtel is a large pool with thermal waters sourced from 1,500m underground. The waters are said to be beneficial for rheumatology and joint pain, particularly osteoarthritis and chronic tendonitis.

There are more than 50 treatment rooms in the new spa, including 33 cabins with baths, jet showers, Vichy showers, underwater showers and special thoracic and lumbar therapy areas. A further 18 cabins include areas for traditional massages, as well as Gharieni MLX Quartz beds, Iyashi Domes and Vichy shower rooms. There’s also a hammam and facials by Laboratoiries Vichy as well as treatments from Moroccan skincare brand marocMaroc.

The MAD880 (US$93, €81, £72) Trilogie Soins Signature Experience includes repetition of a hydromassage bath, hot vegan-mineral clay wrap with Vichy minerals and Vichy shower massage with two or four hands.