Villa des Orangers

Rooms

Rooms have been given an earthy, almost colonial, twist on the traditional North African style so prevalent in Marrakech riads. Dark cedarwood closets and solid carved tables anchor a natural palette of taupes, charcoals and white – think dark coffee marbled with fresh cream. The hotel’s signature orange blossom scent is matched by strategically placed fruit, and the suites are expansive enough to accommodate sprawling sofas and a queensize (or twin) bed. On the subject of beds, they’re extremely comfortable, as are the thick kilims and courtesy babouches.

Designed as a sanctuary from the bustling city, every room looks onto an inner courtyard or garden, and most have a private terrace or balcony – you really are in your own little world here. The only exceptions are the Intemporelle Rooms and Cocoon Suites, which instead of a terrace have direct access to a quiet communal courtyard. Convenience has also been considered. Every room has a music system, effective air-conditioning, Nespresso machine and mini-fridge.

Previously we've stayed in a Intemporelle Suite and relished our outside space – the Cocoon Suite with Terrace is just as appealing. Bathrooms are always impressive with enormous mirrors and twin basins. On our last visit we had one of the Merveilleuse Suites which have particularly decadent décor and feel more like mini-apartments than hotel rooms. Honeymooners will love these suites: spread over 2 floors, you’ll get a ridiculously large lounge with fireplace, and separate first-floor bedroom with walk-in wardrobe, balcony and romantic adjoining bathroom.

Tucked away at the back of the walled garden, double-height arches and carved doors lead through to Villa des Orangers’ most luxurious offering, a 2-bedroom Riad Millesime complete with alfresco courtyard lounge and a tempting plunge pool. Ornate tiling lines the outdoor space while the lounge is dominated by a caramel sofa and fireplace. Upstairs the 2 bedrooms (double or twin) each have a large ensuite bathroom and share access to a pretty terrace overlooking the hotel garden.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Bathrobes
• Central heating
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Plunge pool
• Safe box
• Toiletries
• WiFi

Eating

With so many authentic Moroccan eateries nearby, including the famous night stalls of Djemaa el Fna, it’s refreshing to find something a little different within the walls of Villa des Orangers. Here, the evening menu takes a more Mediterranean slant, with light seafood starters like red tuna cerviche, and sophisticated mains of monkfish medallions or grilled beef tenderloin in red wine sauce. Both heavenly, and both served with a flourish from beneath a silver cloche. In fact, the service remained outstanding throughout our meal; don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations either, the staff know their wine. To finish off, we shared a sweet red fruit douceur with verbena.

Breakfast can be taken almost anywhere in the hotel, from the tranquil shaded courtyard to the tree-covered poolside dining tables, though many guests opt to the take it in their room, particularly if they have a private terrace. We chose to do just that, specifying our menu and time the night before. Our spoils arrived on the dot, with the breads still hot, and everything was promptly laid out on a crisp white table cloth by the efficient and smiling staff. A leisurely morning of paper-reading and view-gazing ensued over the tasty selection of high-quality tea, fragrant coffee, fresh traditional Moroccan breads, jams and creamy yoghurts - and rest assured the menu encompassed much more, from pancakes to fresh fruit salad.

For booking through i-escape, you'll get a simple light lunch free of charge. Served between 12-3pm daily (again, you can choose the setting), it was a welcome refresher when we arrived at the hotel, tired and dusty from a long journey through the Atlas Mountains. The offerings are simple, but satisfying: omelettes, a club sandwich, salad and pasta. Plus, there’s always mint tea, pastries and iced drinks to break up a busy day of sunbathing by the pool.

Features include:

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Explore the many and varied delights of Marrakech, from gardens (Jardin Majorelle) to the many palaces (El Bahia Palace) and mosques (Koutoubia Mosque's, the tallest building in Marrakech)
  
• Shopping is a national pastime, and Marrakech’s souks are only a short walk away - official guides can be arranged but getting ever so slightly lost is part of the fun
  
• Engross yourself in the all-singing, all-dancing, fire-eating, snake-charming, food-vending madness of Djemaa el Fna, just 500m away
  
• Pull up a lounger and relax, then lap the large heated courtyard pool or cool off in the bracing rooftop pool
  
• Spend the afternoon in the hotel’s Ec(h)o Spa, choose from a wide range of massage treatments (including couples massages) or indulge in the traditional hammam experience
  
• Enjoy a sunset caleche ride (horse and carriage) around the city's famously pink city walls
  
• Take a road trip. The hotel can arrange bespoke excursions to the Atlas Mountains, the southern deserts or the Atlantic Coast
  
• Play golf at one of the various 18-hole courses 10-15 minutes away

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cooking classes
• Golf
• Historical sites
• Museums / galleries
• Nightlife
• Private guided tours
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Traditional cultures
• Well being

Kids

Villa des Orangers is not ideal for children under 12 years, as there is little in the way of facilities and the atmosphere is that of a tranquil, adult retreat. That said, children under 10 stay for free. Extra beds can be provided in the Cocoon Suites and Merveilleuse Suites (extra charge), and the Riad Millesime and Millesime Suite each have 2 bedrooms which can be made up as doubles or twins. Cots and highchairs are available to borrow on request (please check when booking).

Best for:

Teens (over 12)

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Villa des Orangers is just outside the medina (old city) of Marrakech, about 5 minutes' walk from Djemaa el Fna.

By Air
Fly into Marrakech Menara (8km). Served by several airlines; click on the links below for a list.

By train / bus
Marrakech has good rail and bus connections to the rest of Morocco, including Casablanca and Agadir.

From the airport
Bookings through i-escape include a transfer from Marrakech Menara in an air-conditioned vehicle. You will be dropped at the hotel entrance so there is no danger of getting lost. Taxis are also available.

By Car
There's no need to have a car in Marrakech, but if you want to explore the wider area see our car rental recommendations. There is guarded parking available bedside the hotel, for a nightly charge.

More on getting to Morocco and getting around