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A vibrant city, brimming with colourful charm, gorgeous riads and infinite possibilities, Marrakech is a destination par excellence and an essential inclusion on any traveller's bucket list. Whether you're looking to sip cocktails on a trendy rooftop terrace, lose yourself in the bustling souks, catch the latest in contemporary art or hop on a camel and head forth into the desert, a holiday in Morocco's most celebrated city has something for everyone. So, with so much to see and do in Marrakech, the only question remains: where to stay? Villanovo takes a look at some of the best places for your trip to the Red City.
A stay in the old quarter of Marrakech is above all a chance to discover the history and culture of Morocco up close. The Medina is where you'll find most of the traditional palace-like riads you associate with Marrakech, with peaceful internal patios and elegant architecture reminiscent of the 1001 nights. It's also home to many of the most iconic monuments and tourist attractions, including the Majorelle Garden, the Jemaa El Fna Square (and its snake charmers), the Koutoubia Mosque, and other palaces, many of which are within easy walking distance of your riad or villa. Many fine restaurants, quiet gardens and rooftop terraces can be found in the lively streets of the Medina.
But beyond the more objective reasons to stay in the Medina, there is also the matter of the Medina exuding a special, romantic feel that no photo or printed word can truly do justice to. It is something beyond the fragrant spice that fill the air and the kaleidoscope of colours that greet you at Souk Semmarine, the sounds of music and chatter as you try to take in Jemaa El-Fna Square, or the feeling of awe at experiencing the intricacy of design at on show at the Medersa Ben Youssef, and it needs to be experienced first-hand. In short, The Medina is the beating heart of Marrakech and to choose to stay there is to open yourself to the wonder of Marrakech in all its splendour.
Dar Mayeul
This pretty, traditional Moroccan house in the heart of the Medina houses up to 10 people and offers a delightfully cool inner sanctum in the form of its leafy centrla courtyard Tastefully decorated and furnished with an understated elegance, Dar Mayeul also boasts a swimming pool and a rooftop terrace - a first-class riad, perfect for unwinding on a hazy Moroccan evening.
Villa Deutzia
Another beautiful traditional riad set a short walk from many of the most beloved parts of the Medina, Villa Deutzia is the perfect place to sip a mint tea in a cool patio surrounded by delightful greenery, or to curl up and read a book on its plump sofas by the open fire. Wonderfully decorated and lit and in possession of a heavenly hammam, Villa Deutzia offers an authentic experience in the heart of the Medina.
Recharge your batteries away from the hustle and bustle of the city without straying too far from it. The Palmeraie is a haven of peace and tranquillity famed for its many palm trees, golf courses and resorts. Located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, it is the ideal place for families looking for peace, quiet and wide open spaces. With easy access to the dessert, there are plenty of outdoor activities open to you and your family as well as a selection of some of our most sought-after riads and luxury villas. This is the place to go if you’re looking for a stay in a luxury villa with a beautifully manicured garden, swimming pool and stunning views of the Atlas Mountains, while remaining close enough to visit the Medina and the countless tourist attractions and livelier areas of Marrakech that lend the Red City such appeal.
Don’t miss: take a ride on a camel or a quad bike, go to a spa
Villa Aman
One of our most exclusive villas in Marrakech, the verdant splendour of Villa Aman is apparent at first sight. Surrounded by palm and olive trees, this luxurious 2000m² property is truly a sight to behold. A wonderful garden to unwind in, whether beside the swimming pool or beneath the pagoda, and a gorgeously decked out interior, where classic Moroccan architecture meets a vintage, lived-in feel. Sumptuous.
El Jenna
A first-class property located just 15 minutes from the centre of Marrakech, the lush confines of El Jenna have everything you and your loved ones could need from a stay in the Palmeraie, from tennis court and swimming pool to fitness room, hammam and a sprawling garden, not to mention ten bedrooms with private bathroom.. Combining a traditional Moroccan aesthetic with modern facilities El Jenna is the ideal retreat for an escape to Morocco.
The trendy districts of Hivernage and Guéliz offer a contrast to the old town of the Medina, showcasing a contemporary feel which is as much about modern art galleries, chic brunch spots and trendy rooftop restaurants as they are about palatial riads and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Guéliz, designed and built by Marshal Lyautey is very much the 'new town' of Marrakech - the first, in fact to be built outside of the Medina - and has managed to maintain its fresh, youthful feel to this day. There are plenty of places to eat and drink a mint tea or something stronger, while remaining within walking distance of the main tourist attractions such as El-Fna Square, the Saadian Tombs and the Bahia Palace. Fans of Art Deco will love it; what it lacks in history it more than makes up for in style.
L'Hivernage, meanwhile, is a more residential neighbourhood, where you will find many of the city's more modern, upmarket residences. Again, within walking distance of the centre of the city and blessed with some of the best places to dine or go out in Marrakech, it’s easy to see why this classy district is a favourite among our clients as well as one of the most exclusive areas of Marrakech.
Don’t miss: the Grande Poste of Guéliz, taking a ride in a horse-drawn carriage
Villa Kalla
A sleek, contemporary villa offering crisp, clean lines and plenty of natural light, Villa Kalla has everything you need for a comfortable stay in this trendy area of Marrakech. Less traditional than a typical riad, but no less charming, Villa Kalla is wonderfully situated, offering easy access to the nearby Majorelle Gardens and comes with a complement of first-rate house staff.
Villa Excelsior
Located a stone's throw from the Majorelle Gardens and the Yves Saint Laurent museum, the quiet haven of Villa Excelsior is an invitation to relax and bask in the gentle luxury of a stay in Marrakech. A swimming pool, shaded outdoor seating areas, and interior rooms blessed with joyful decoration, this classy accommodation
While not strictly speaking the city of Marrakech, the gorgeous Ourika Valley does fall under the region of Marrakech and can be found some 50km south of the city centre, sat close to the vaunted peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. This is the place to go if you want an authentic taste of the surprisingly fresh Moroccan countryside, far removed from the occasional opulence of Marrakech. Very much an oasis in every sense of the word, this fertile area is fed by the waters of the Ourika river. and surrounded by poplar trees and hills scattered with cascading Berber villages.
Day trips into the mountains or the desert can be arranged with local guides, where trickling waterfalls and excursions to traditional Amazigh houses await.
Villa Mauresque
A place to experience the simple pleasures of the Moroccan countryside, the delightful Villa Mauresque is beautifully designed and decorated with a keen eye for detail. With common spaces bathed in plentiful natural, an elegant swimming pool, and a jaw-droppingly beautiful view of the Atlas Mountains, this pretty, tree-circled villa is an open invitation to unwind and recharge with your loved ones in a truly idyllic location.
Villa Singuila
A stunning property located on the road to Ourika just 20 minutes from the centre of Marrakech, the 9-bedroom Villa Singuila is an idyllic retreat nestled in quite lovely surroundings. A beautiful pool area and terrace provide plenty of space to while away the hours in perfect luxury.
Not everybody comes to Marrakech for the tourist sites. Marrakech and its surroundings are blessed by a large number of first-class golf courses, making it an ideal destination for a golfing holiday. At Villanovo, we have taken care to cater for keen golfers by providing some wonderful high-end villas and luxury riads close to the popular golf courses of Royal Palm, Amelkis and Al Maaden.
Located near the Agdal gardens, the Al Maaden golf course features 18 holes par 72, and has an extension of 6,249 metres, in a setting home to lakes, palm trees, almond trees and olive trees. Offering a very varied course, playing golf at Al Maaden will be possible for apprentices, beginners and professionals.
Comprising 27 holes and located in a spectacular setting close to Marrakech with stunning views of the Atlas Mountains, the Amelkis golf course is full of surprises. A highly technical course, Amelkis is not a place to hit and hope.
Meanwhile, the 18 holes that make up the beautifully landscaped course at Royal Palm are an invitation to relax and take in the surroundings at a leisurely pace. Perhaps the most visually pleasing of the different courses, Royal Palm is situated between Marrakech and the pretty town of Lalla Takerkoust, with the equally beautiful Agafay Desert a little further out, making for a great destination from which to launch some unforgettable day trips.
For more information on where to play golf in and around the red city, take a look at our selection of the best golf courses in Marrakech.
Villa RL
Situated in the Royal Palm Estate itself, mere metres from the tee, Villa RL comprises 2 delightfully self-contained villas, each blessed with plentiful natural light and modern facilities, and a vast garden, complete with swimming pool. 6 en-suite bedrooms and provide fantastic comfort. The ideal location for a golfing holiday.
Dar Paipou
This sleek, modern villa, with perfectly manicured garden and both indoor and outdoor swimming pool is wonderfully placed overlooking the fairway of the Amelkis golf course, making for a first-class stay of comfort and convenience. Featuring an exceptionally stylish design and the benefit of a private gym, cinema room, private bar, sauna and hammam, Dar Paipou sits proudly among our finest golf villas in Marrakech.
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