La Villa des Orangers

In the rugged foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, the Kasbah Tamadot – meaning soft breeze in Beber – is a stunning luxury retreat in a valley just an hour from the bustling Marrakesh. The expansive estate can be divided into four main areas. The original Kasbah building contains 15 original rooms, indoor pool, spa, library, tented Asmoun Lounge and a stunning courtyard reflection pool. Lovingly restored from what was once a crumbling fortress, the unique rooms feature a smattering of antiques, many with private balconies or terraces, and the best located for views of the valley and Atlas Mountains. Next to this is the fabulous heated outdoor swimming pool (ideal for winter dips), hot tub, amphitheatre, sundeck, gym, spa treatment room and a collection of fruit trees. On the other side of the pool, find the Master Suite, a miniature version of the main Kasbah with three bedrooms and a private pool, an ideal set up for families. Beyond this are extensive gardens, tennis courts and the 10 Berber Tents. Sitting on decking overlooking the valley below and mountains beyond. All are sumptuous and six have their own jacuzzi. The Kanoun Restaurant serves delicious local and international cuisine and, if the weather suits, you can dine al fresco by the pool or on the rooftop terrace. There’s also an intimate fireside bar where you can try the local Moroccan wines. This is a great place to simply relax after time in the city but there’s plenty on offer to keep you busy too. You can learn the secrets of Berber cooking with relaxed culinary classes, visit to the local craft houses in the neighbouring villages supported by the Eve Branson Foundation, trek along the river or up mountains on a range of trails or get acquainted with our resident mules, Peppermint, Peanut and Paprika, before a ride around the property. On warmer evenings Kasbah Tamadot hosts cinema nights where you can watch a selection of Moroccan inspired films in the open-air under the stars. Children of all ages are welcome and a range of activities can be tailored to suit each child.

The creation of a French theatre producer, the Dar Ahlam is more than just a beautiful 200-year old Kasbah turned oasis retreat. In the historic village of Skoura, once an important trade post between the Atlas Mountains to the north and the desert to the south, this ornate four-towered fortress now has 14 rooms, some tucked away within the Kasbah itself and others among the lush gardens. Days here are long, languid and tailored around your whims, with a few magical surprises along the way. Laze around the pool or in the hammam, take a cooking class or explore Skoura on walks and bicycle rides. With a guide and 4×4 you can also venture further afield down scenic valleys to other charming villages, markets and snow-capped mountains. For a truly unforgettable evening, spend a night at one of Dar Ahlam’s private Berber camps out in endless the sands of the Sahara Desert at Dune’s Camp during the winter months or in the aptly named named Valley of the Roses in the summer. Every meal is a gourmet experience with delicate, innovative takes on Moroccan and international cuisine created by Frederick Grasser-Hermé and desserts dreamed up by French patissier Pierre Hermé. When you eat is entirely up to you and the setting will always be private and never the same, whether in the herb garden, a hidden corner of the Kasbah by lantern or a picnic by a desert oasis.

A romantic private camp deep into Morocco’s portion of the Sahara on the ancient salt lake of Iriki some five hours south of Dar Ahlam in Skoura, Dune’s Camp is the spot for an unforgettable night in the desert. Surrounded on all sides by rippling sands that stretch to the horizon, you’ll find your tent set up for you, spacious and airy with a comfortable bed, sitting area and bathroom with reed mats, Berber cushions and vintage furniture. Enjoy your time here exploring your own corner of this magical landscape before watching the sunset from atop a dune, aperitif in hand. Walk barefoot back to camp along a path of lanterns to a dinner by the campfire under an astonishing night sky, awaking with the first light to a delectable breakfast. The Dune’s Camp is open during the cooler months from late September to early May (during the summer months, the camp moves to the Valley of Roses) and exclusively used for overnight stays for those staying at Dar Ahlam.

At the edge of the medina, the Riad Fes is a Relais & Châteaux property with a traditional feel, blending Andalusian, Moroccan and modern décor in a way that reflects the city’s heritage and its current. Four communal patios are distinctly styled in traditional, Moorish, Baroque, and contemporary finishes with colonnaded arcades, stylish pools, zellige tiles and fine stuccowork. Around these, find 30 rooms and suites – the largest of which are positively palatial – refined Moroccan food in L’Ambre Restaurant, hammams, lounges, a wine bar and a library. Up on the rooftop, enjoy fabulous panoramic views of the medina and mountains beyond with a drink from the bar in hand, a most spectacular scene at sunset.