Marrakech's Riads Part 5 - Villa des Orangers

It was my pleasure last year to visit the fabulous city of Marrakech. It is a vibrant city, overflowing with cultural sights, sounds and smells! One of its great surprises was the existence of the Riads! These are traditional Moroccan houses, many within the Medina itself, with an interior courtyard, largely hidden behind walls in alleyways. Often with very unobtrusive signs, their insignificant doors open into hallways leading to, in many cases, the most awesomely beautiful terraces and gardens and little plunge pools. With accommodations to rival any quality hotel, these offer a true Moroccan cultural experience! They provide a real oasis of calm in the midst of this bustling city. You might even need to climb onto the roof terraces to confirm you are still in the middle of Marrakech, from where the views of the city and the stunning Atlas mountains are a gorgeous sight. I would like to share some of my favourites with you... One of Marrakech's best known Riads, the gorgeous 5* Villa des Orangers was built in the thirties. It is located in the heart of the Medina, perfectly located just a few hundred yards from the Jemaa el Fna (square.) Here you will find the luxury and world class service you would expect from a property belonging to the famous Relais & Chateaux group. Villa des Orangers offers an authentic Moroccan ambience, beautiful accommodation and fabulous food! There are 27 uniquely designed deluxe rooms and suites, many with private terraces. The 6 deluxe rooms offer rich colours and dark wood, in true Moroccan style, and some have their own roof terrace, with great views, as do some of the more spacious junior suites. The lovely Master suite is spread over two floors, with a lovely sitting room. Finally there is the wonderful and private 2 bedroom Riad with a winter lounge and small pool. All the accommodations are air conditioned, have heating (for colder times) and contain all the facilities you would expect from a quality property - TV's safes, minibars ipod docking stations etc (DVD players can also be supplied on request) Villa des Orangers have two renowned restaurants serving delicious French, Mediterranean and local cuisine. You can eat wherever you choose, perhaps dinner under the stars or breakfast on the roof terrace? There are some lovely lounge areas and a main sitting room with a fireplace, and two terraces with fountains. All the 'public areas' continue to offer plush and elegant furnishings and decor..It is a grand place to be, and the aromas from the lovely flowers and orange trees are a fragrant memory... There are three swimming pools (two public) one of which is surrounded by a lovely sun terrace with a bar serving complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and the obligatory mint tea. The other (heated) pool is situated in the well appointed gardens. In addition at the Villa des Orangers, you will find a boutique, a really good Traditional Moroccan Hammam with a massage and beauty center, a gym and a cigar cellar! This is a largely adults only Riad (children are welcome if they are over 12) and it is a peaceful, serene oasis in the midst of the bustling city of Marrakech. I will be delighted to tell you more about Marrakech, and its unexpected, charming Riads. Please call me anytime on 023 80863663