Morocco is a tantalising treat for the senses. A fusion of Middle Eastern, African, and European influences, these varied lands are awash with heady, colourful cities, awe-inspiring masses of mountains, labyrinth souks, and swathes of golden desert.

There is so much to see and experience here that you may be scratching your head and wondering just where to start. We’ve carefully selected our portfolio of rarefied dars, villas, and sprawling estates so that you can have the keys to a world of your own in Marrakech. With mountain views and peaceful rural surroundings, often just a short drive from the city centre, these fabulous hideaways are where exquisite Moroccan design flair, exceptionally warm hospitality, and truly sublime local flavours come together just for you.

MOROCCO: BEST TIME TO VISIT

Just the spot for a spring or autumn escape

With almost half the country carpeted by the Sahara desert, the summer months in Morocco are undoubtedly very hot. Sitting away from any coastal breeze, Marrakech, in particular, is a city that comes into its own during the spring and autumn. The weather from March to May is mild and blooming: gorgeous sunsets illuminate the city’s ancient pink walls, and there will be plenty of opportunities for a scenic hike in the Atlas Mountains. Your villa’s rooftop terrace will get plenty of use on the long, balmy evenings, and verdant rose gardens all around will begin to overflow with colour.

The weather in Morocco is just as pleasant in the autumn; cooler skies and changing hues breathe new life into the mountains, and there will be plenty to admire either from a woody hiking trail or your villa’s shady terrace. You’ll really start to see the snowy mountain caps in the winter, and temperatures throughout the country will drop significantly. It is still, however, somewhat mild compared to a normal European winter. Morocco’s hearty cuisine has a gorgeously comforting feel in these cooler months, and many of our villas are handily complete with their own indoor cinema room, hammam spa, or roaring fireplace.

MOROCCO: WHAT WE LOVE

A world of your own in bustling Marrakech

Spend a day exploring in Marrakech, and it’s almost impossible to predict the steps you will take. Perhaps you’ll spot a cashmere shawl in the medina and tumble down a rabbit hole of colourful stands, woven rugs, and embroidered fineries. Or maybe it’s an intriguing archway that leads you to an incredible zellige-tiled mosque, the speckled domes so mesmerizingly beautiful you just have to stop and take a photo. The possibilities are seemingly endless, and that’s before you’ve even set off on your hike through the Atlas Mountains or on your desert excursion.

Activities in Morocco are infinitely varied and fabulously unique, and yet days of adventure are all the more relaxing when you know you have your dream villa or dar to cocoon in later. We pride ourselves on our selection of opulent homes in Marrakech, where a world of pure indulgence awaits. Stay on a private estate, lined with orange trees and olive groves, and complete with an in-house chef who will bring the most authentic Moroccan flavours to your table. Our sublime dars are chosen for their architectural delights and incredibly spacious grounds, with home spas and twinkling rooftops. You will be amazed at your blissfully peaceful rural surroundings, with the ancient medina of Marrakech only a short drive away. The suburbs also boast an excellent selection of renowned golf and polo clubs.

Marrakech

Marrakech brims with possibility. Every way you turn, you are greeted with colour and flavour; tiny archways on narrow streets lead to twinkling rooftop cocktail bars; and intricate Islamic mosques loom from vibrant walkways. Morocco will consistently hit the spot when it comes to thoughtful hospitality and incredible attention to detail. Many of our villas in Marrakech come with an in-house chef and dining spaces so opulent you will feel like you’re in a wonderfully exclusive restaurant. The main dishes are incredibly rich and aromatic—meats that are spiced and slow-cooked in clay pots for an enigmatic flavour—followed by indulgently sweet desserts.

Head for the hills, and you will find a walker’s paradise within the Atlas Mountains. The hiking trails here are one of the top things to do in Marrakech for any adventure lover, and you will be rewarded generously with undulating views of the lush valleys. It’s a stark contrast to the bustling, pink-walled city below. Leave it to us to tailor-make your bespoke adventure itinerary—be it a mountain hike, quad biking in the sand dunes, exploring the Agafy Desert, or swimming in the Ouzoud Waterfalls.

Essaouira

Essaouira is one of the most interesting beach destinations in Morocco, around three hours from Marrakech by car. This rugged coast is renowned for being incredibly windy, and, as such, the surrounding town has cultivated its own off-the-beaten-track vibe. The streets have a bohemian feel, lined with quirky eateries, art galleries, and shabby chic storefronts. The colours and patterns here are reminiscent of Marrakech, but life ticks by at a much slower pace. Surfers play on the rampant waves, and family-run restaurants bring out seafood dishes on painted ceramic plates. You might enjoy a local sweet pastry as you admire the unspoiled beach or find colourful treasures to take back home from the jumble of craft stores.

Atlas Mountains

For those who enjoy getting out on foot, the Atlas Mountains are an excellent choice for a day trip out of Marrakech. Go with our recommended guides to find Berber villages, taste the local tagine recipes, and share stories over a hot mint tea. On your way, you may also come across Toubkal National Park and Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. There is much to see here in terms of interesting wildlife, tucked-away villages, and snow-capped mountain tops. The varied terrain is sure to put your hiking boots to the test, and those with a penchant for the hills can even choose an overnight excursion, staying in a scenic mountain lodge.

Fez

Fez is an intriguing imperial city in northern Morocco. Until the late 19th century, it was the only trade hub in the world to produce the distinctive brimless hat that gave the city its name, and its narrow streets are now a celebrated maze of varied craftsmanship. One of Morocco’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Fez is surrounded by ancient olive groves and peppered with ancient ruins. Visiting this radiant city feels like taking a journey back in time; it is still very much defined by its trade routes, its winding medina is the beating heart of the action, its gorgeously decorated riads are a patchwork of colour.

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