Owner's interview: an exclusive stay in the villa d'Ô
Written on : 02 December 2021 By : Chloé Girod
With its clean lines, raw materials, and contemporary inspiration, the Villa d'O promises an upmarket stay in the heart of the Palmeraie of Marrakech.
Alain has been living in Marrakech for the past ten years. After owning one of the most beautiful villas in the area, he decided to build the Villa d'Ô to create a true haven of peace that is both contemporary and traditional in the Palmeraie.
His job took him to travel a lot and, he liked to spend time with his family in Marrakech, so it was only natural that he chose this place to spend part of the year with his family and friends.
"The project lasted two years, during which time we evolved it."
The Villa d'Ô, with its vast living spaces, its modern and tasteful decoration, and its large windows, was designed by the talented Parisian architectural firm Studio Beja-Pujol. Alan had worked with him before, so he had complete confidence in him to carry out this project.
The perfect combination of design and tradition where light is king
After visiting around 40 plots of land, he found the ideal location in the heart of Marrakech's Palmeraie, offering breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains.
"The villa highlights Moroccan craftsmanship, simple and graphic shapes with modern amenities."
The materials used are raw and inspired by Moroccan traditions, such as adobe for the exterior walls, beat, and Moroccan-style ironwork for the staircase.
Inside, the villa has large and bright living spaces, with natural colors, and noble materials such as marble and walnut, typical of the region, bringing a warm touch.
The villa's decoration is refined and elegant, down to the smallest detail, with a mix of design and contemporary objects, signed Cassina, and typical objects from Moroccan craftsmen's shops.
The living room, Alain's favorite room, is a place where he likes to gather with friends and family around the suspended walnut fireplace with a home cinema screen. This spacious room of around 100 square meters offers a breathtaking view of the garden. Thanks to its beautiful openings, you get a feeling of "being inside and outside at the same time".
"We wanted a strong element for the patio that you can see from the living room, kitchen, and dining room. So we traveled 200 km to find a 400-year-old olive tree. Luckily it survived all the work we did!"
The garden, which is vast and wooded, offers an intimate green setting with views of the Atlas Mountains in the distance and the Palmeraie. There is a long heated swimming corridor as well as several relaxation areas and terraces for you to enjoy all year round.
An intimate stay with hotel services
The villa is designed for a luxurious and comfortable stay. There are many modern facilities you will find such as a fully equipped kitchen, underfloor air-conditioning, a gym, and a wine cellar.
"Families or friends who are looking for an upscale stay in a design environment will be seduced by the villa.
The house staff, present all year round, consists of a butler, a housekeeper, and a cook with whom the owner has worked for years and who will be delighted to introduce Moroccan culinary specialties.
Head to Marrakech to discover its treasures!
Alain has been visiting Marrakech regularly for many years and never gets tired of it. As he explains, there is "always something to do and discover" in this vibrant city in the heart of a region full of riches.
The villa is ideally situated for exploring Marrakech and the region. Nearby, many walks are possible on foot or with the mountain bikes, provided during the stay. Golf lovers will also be satisfied, as there are many courses in the vicinity.
Of course, Alain mentions the must-do activities during a stay in Marrakech, such as visiting the Yves Saint-Laurent Museum, having lunch at the Grand Café de la Poste, strolling through the Medina via Jemaa el-Fna Square, and getting lost in the souks.
Many lesser-known places are not to miss, such as the Musée des Confluences - Dar el Bacha, considered one of the most beautiful palaces in Marrakech, a "real treasure for art and history lovers". Alain also talks about this small café in the heart of the palace, Bacha Coffee, which is very pleasant for a break.
He also gives some restaurants not to be missed to discover Moroccan gastronomy, such as the Dar Rhizlane restaurant in the Hivernage district of La Palette located in Guéliz offering Western cuisine.
But some shops are worth a visit, such as Chez Soufiane Zarib, a dealer in modern Moroccan carpets, and Corinne Bensimon's shop at the Beldi Country Club, which offers ceramics and tableware. Finally, the Chez Zoé shop, which simply offers "the most beautiful sheets in the world".
"The surroundings of Marrakech are magnificent, you should not hesitate to leave my car and get lost to discover magnificent landscapes and typical Berber villages such as Oumnas".
Your stay in the Villa d'Ô in Marrakech
The Villa d'Ô is a unique house in Marrakech, where you can only be "bluffed by its perspectives, its spaces, and its materials". So don't wait any longer, and come and spend an exclusive stay in the heart of the Palmeraie.
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