Dar Zitouna

Experience the energy of Marrakesh, then retreat to the rejuvenating oasis of Dar Zitouna. Meaning “house of olive trees” in Arabic, Dar Zitouna is a lush oasis located just 30 minutes away from the ancient, pink-walled city. The villa is nestled among two-and-a-half acres of enchanting gardens—an elegant, boutique home in which every detail has been beautifully imagined.

Five bedrooms each boast sumptuously soft furnishings. King-sized beds are adorned in the finest Egyptian cotton, ensuite bathrooms are stocked with organic local toiletries, and terraces spill out into panoramic rooftop vistas. The villa has a private resident chef, Zahira, who brings the best Moroccan flavours straight to your dining table. Share delicious breakfasts of Moroccan pancakes and freshly squeezed orange juice al fresco as you overlook the turquoise pool. There is also an opulently decorated indoor dining room and a cosy living room with an open fireplace.

The sprawling rooftop terrace will be your favourite spot at Dar Zitouna. Come here for early morning coffee or to lie back and count the stars at night. Perfect holiday photos are a given, with plush white sofas and twinkling, colourful lanterns all around. There is also a beautifully landscaped swimming pool with uninterrupted views of the Atlas Mountains and a shady pergola for relaxing under with a holiday read. Guests can use the clay tennis court, gym studio, and spa treatment rooms, which are shared with seven other private villas on the Bab Adrar Estate, spread generously across a twenty-acre olive grove.

A secluded oasis that is fully staffed and catered, you may not wish to leave the tranquil bliss of Dar Zitouna. However, just a 30-minute drive away is a place of striking contrast—the vibrant, winding maze of Marrakesh. A city of colour, storytellers, and snake charmers, these fascinating streets are lined with labyrinth souks and magical rooftop restaurants that overlook the bustle of city life. Dar Zitouna is also close to the Ourika Valley, which is the gateway to a network of hiking trails in the Atlas Mountains. The house manager can organise a personalised adventure itinerary to suit your needs, be it a sunrise hike, a camel ride on the Bab Adrar Estate, a spot of golf at one of the local scenic courses, or quad biking through the sand dunes.