La Villa des Orangers stands behind a heavy carved wooden door on rue Sidi Mimoun, at the edge of the Marrakech medina, with the Royal Palace, the Koutoubia and Jemaa el-Fna square as neighbours. It has been receiving guests for more than a quarter of a century and is a member of Relais & Châteaux. The hotel joins a pair of early 20th-century houses around two courtyards, one with an 18-metre heated pool, the other with a fountain and armchairs, and its restoration and enlargement, overseen by Studio KO and Aire au Carré, called on master craftsmen in marble, carved plaster, painted cedar ceilings and zellige. Sub-Saharan tribal art, Ottoman furniture, bridal jewellery and textiles hang alongside modern and contemporary works. Rooms are decorated in traditional Moroccan style with modern bathrooms, and the suites add private terraces; there is also a private riad. The kitchen moves between Moroccan home cooking and classic French dishes, served in the dining room or in quieter salons and patios. A large hammam built in the spirit of Roman baths anchors the spa, and the rooftop terrace has a second plunge pool and views to the Atlas Mountains.
- Nearest airport
- Not given on the sources read
- Rooms
- 33 rooms and suites (MICHELIN Guide), plus a private riad
Insider tip Go up to the rooftop terrace at the end of the day for the view over the old city to the Atlas Mountains, with the small plunge pool to hand.
Why I choose it A walled house of courtyards beside the Koutoubia, with a Roman-style hammam and a rooftop over the medina.