From the ever-present scent of the orange blossoms to the freshly-squeezed juice at breakfast and luxuriating massages with orange blossom mousse, La Villa des Orangers certainly lives up to its name. The atmosphere is a million miles away from the beeping and braying of the Medina, yet La Villa happens to sit at the foot of the Koutoubia Mosque, right in the heart of the winding streets of Marrakesh. Built in the 1930s and brought back to life by some of the city's finest craftspeople, the house forms its own oasis without forgoing any of its authenticity.
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La Villa certainly knows the importance of a cushy spot to put up your feet; choose from the tropical gardens in summer to the fire-warmed lounges in winter, and the terraces with immaculate views of the famous Koutoubia minaret at any time of year. Even better, there's a large pool in the middle of the villa with plenty of loungers, plus two more on the rooftop, and all heated in season. Meals combine local fare - seafood from the Atlantic and artisanal cheese - with dishes from East to West.
The rooms at La Villa are classic and clean with plenty of dark wood furnishings and silk scatter cushions. They range from courtyard rooms to a Master Suite with a private balcony, living room and walk-in closet. The bathrooms are chic with marble finishes, twin basins and luxury amenities. If you have a larger group or fancy the added privacy, book the exclusive riad with two bedrooms, an alfresco dining area and living room, and a private pool. All rooms also have high-speed Wi-Fi, a Nespresso machine and satellite TV.
With a location as good as this, there's nothing stopping you from diving right into Marrakesh's 1000-year-old history. Take a stroll down the city's winding lanes to find the gilded Saadian Tombs and the grand Bab Agnaou Gate; venture into the French Gueliz district to the beautiful Marojorelle Garden and Yves Sant Laurent Museum; and return to Djemaa El Fna for an evening of good food, storytelling and music. Of course, this is Morocco so adventure isn't far off - you'll find plenty of it on a hot air balloon ride over the Atlas Mountains or hiking to a far-flung Berber village.
What can we say, the spa is divine! Built in the style of the Moroccan baths, you'll be treated to a 'sensory escape' scented with rose petals and orange blossom.
A private sitting room can be reserved for a candle-lit dinner Ă deux, and the staff have a knack for organising something special.
Being right next door to the mosque may have its perks, but it also means you'll hear the call to prayer five times a day.
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9 nights from $5.6K per person
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13 nights from $9K per person
15 nights from $9.8K per person
9 nights from $10.2K per person
5 nights from $3.4K per person
Villa Des Orangers can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Morocco trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Morocco trips featuring Villa Des Orangers or get advice and suggestions from one of our Morocco specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Villa Des Orangers start from around $340, or US$340, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
Swirling culture and show-stopping sights in the frenetic pulse of the Red City.
