There is a slew of mega-hotels and Riads in Marrakech but if you are looking for a quiet place with 5-star luxury away from the chaos that Marrakech is famous for, book your stay at Villa des Orangers. People who visit Marrakech frequently would agree that Villa des Orangers is THE place to stay in Marrakech for that authentic Moroccan Experience and hospitality.
When you enter through the carved door into the citrus-scented garden it feels like you entered a secret royal palace. Big carved doors and intricately carved plaster archways frame a courtyard with orange and olive trees, water gurgles soothingly off a fountain and from inside appears a friendly face with sweet mint tea and cookies.
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About the Hotel
Villa des Orangers is a luxury establishment that blends authenticity and modern comfort and is a perfect reflection of the spirit of Moroccan culture. The traditional Moroccan house with an interior courtyard was built in the 1930s for a prominent Judge who lived in the home until 1998. Then the current owners remodeled the riad into a magnificent hotel that has been a Relais et Châteaux member property since 2001. The city’s finest craftsmen worked on the Riad for nine months to complete the renovation work.
Relais & Chateaux’s only Marrakech Riad is classy, cool and sophisticated. The 27 rooms are housed in two grand, early 20th-century mansions and had well-manicured and spacious courtyards. The rooms are well-appointed with comfortable bathrooms. There are no connecting rooms which might be an issue for families traveling with younger children.
There are 3 pools in the property but the best is the one in the center. The heated mirror-like pool is lined by white bougainvillea and chic white-cushioned loungers. We were visiting in December and didn’t get to try it or make time for their wonderful Spa.
A few photos from Villa des Orangers
Every time you come back home to the Riad, a waft of sweet-smelling air welcomes you back into the calm and serene space. A scent so unique to the Hotel, the perfume is sold in the little shop at the Riad if you want to take home the smell of orange blossoms.
Don’t miss Breakfast
At Villa des Orangers’s kitchen of the products are sourced locally, like homemade hams, farm butter and artisan-made cheeses. The chef sources fresh fish from fishing boats on the Atlantic coast and other items from a cooperative run by fishermen’s wives. I love that about Relais & Chateaux properties, they make every effort to be socially responsible while offering a wonderful culinary experience. Ask and the staff can set up the meals in different locations within the property.
See here for the exceptional Christmas meal we had at the Relais & Chateaux property in Kyoto.
The best part is the Location
Villa des Orangers enjoys a great location as well. It sits right at the foot of the Koutoubia Mosque which you can see from the terrace. It is 5 minutes from the souks, and you are right between the Royal Palace and the famous Jemaa El Fna Square. Don’t miss Bahia Palace which is only 10 minutes away. The Agafay desert is 40 minutes away and the hotel can help arrange for some adventures there or a trip to Essaouira, on the Atlantic coast.
Why you should book directly with Villa des Orangers
When you book directly through the hotel, Villa des Orangers will arrange your transfer to and from the Marrakech Airport. Continental breakfast, Lunch, Laundry service and Free Wifi are will also be included in the room rate. After one too many tagines, we appreciated the salads and club sandwiches for lunch. We enjoyed the endless supply of sweet mint tea and pastries.
See Villa des Orangers’ website for rates and room details.
6 rue MimounPlace Ben Tachfine, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco
See Our 7 day Marrakech Itinerary here.
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