La Villa des Orangers – Marrakech, Morocco
You could be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped into the Morocco of yesteryear when staying at La Villa des Orangers. Its very cool, classic French colonial décor and vibe make it one of the smartest places to stay in Marrakech. Enter through a heavy carved door to a pair of early 20th century residences, tranquil courtyards with tumbling greenery from their balconies and babbling fountains.
And each morning, wake to the evocative sounds of the call to prayer from the Koutoubia minaret, then luxuriate in the oasis-like gardens. Then each evening, listen to musicians on traditional instruments, accompanied by the heady aroma of orange blossom.
At A Glance
Boutique Hotel
Why We Love It:
For its authentic riad charm with lashings of added luxury.Style:
Colonial Medina chic.Location:
Just outside the walls of the medina in the southwest of the city, it’s a short walk to the Djemaa el-Fna, and just 15 minutes from the airport.Rooms:
27 rooms and suites overlooking the courtyards, with private terraces or balconies, and dreamy views.Swimming:
A large pool flanked by orange trees and a roof top plunge pool.Children:
The Villa is more of a grown up affair, where children need to be 12 or over.Accessibility:
There are no facilities for guests with reduced mobility.Open From:
All year round.rooms
The rooms and suites are an artistic blend of colonial chic and classic Moroccan design. Traditionally furnished, with rich fabrics, heavy lanterns, stuccoed plasterwork, hand carved beds and bathrooms of dark marble, or intricate mosaic tiles, they ooze charm and sophistication.
Each is individual in design and layout, with guests choosing between spacious rooms with roof terraces and even larger suites, that can sleep three or four, that overlook the pool and gardens, or across the city and towards the peaks of the Atlas Mountains. The Grand Riad with its private courtyard and pool, can sleep up to five.
food
Dine in style and elegance at La Villa des Orangers. The high ceiling and ornately decorated restaurant, has a well-deserved reputation for its traditional and modern Moroccan menu, as well as for its French and Mediterranean influenced dishes. Alternatively, savour the cuisine at a table around the end of the pool, amongst the orange trees. Breakfasts are a feast and can be enjoyed on your private terrace or tucked away in the gardens.
activities
You are just moments from all the wonders of Marrakech. It’s just a short walk to the bustling Djemaa el-Fna, with its snake charmers and musicians during the day, and vibrant food market from dusk. The Marjorelle Gardens are a favourite, and a delightful respite from the busy souks. The concierge will willingly book you a guide. The Villa is excellently placed for heading to the mountains or the desert, or a day trip to a remote Berber village. But it is also the perfect place for relaxing and being pampered.
The Spa has an indulgent, traditional hammam, surrounded by the scent of rose petals, and the pool and gardens are the most ideal spots for spending a lazy day or two.
family
You’ll find no specific children’s facilities at the Villa, although extra beds can be put into a couple of the suites, and the Family Suite can sleep up to four.
The villa is best enjoyed by couples or families with older children.
Location
Marrakech, Morocco
Just outside the walls of the medina in the southwest of the city, it’s a short walk to the Djemaa el-Fna, and just 15 minutes from the airport.
