I love big cities, especially when they incorporate welcoming green spaces into their urban cores. Such is the case with Casablanca, whose majestic Parc de la Ligue Arabe is a natural oasis amid the controlled chaos of the city. Casablanca's biggest park dates back to 1918, when the city decided a park open for all residents would provide a place for a hard-working population to rest and appreciate the toils of their labor in lush natural surroundings. It was a huge success, and now, 90 years later, it's still one of the best places in the city to retreat into a verdant world of palm trees, flowers, and fountains. It's easy to spend the better part of an afternoon meandering among the French-style gardens, jogging on nature trails, or taking a spin on carnival rides. But perhaps it's best to do what the locals do and simply have a seat at a charming outdoor cafe, order a cup of tea and a few sweet morsels, and enjoy the calming breezes of this pristine desert paradise by the sea. Starwood has two hotels in Casablanca: the Sheraton Casablanca Hotel & Towers and Le Royal Mansour Méridien.