Villa des Orangers

 
If I only had room to write “Relais & Châteaux”, that is all you would need to know that Villa des Orangers is just about perfect.

But since I have more room, let me tell you how it is so perfect.

The front door is deceivingly plain, but once you enter Villa des Orangers, discrete opulence awaits. The buildings originate from the 1930s and were the home of a judge until 1998. They have been completely restored with exquisite attention to detail and design. I was most impressed with the intricately carved wood and plaster and with the captivating scent of orange blossoms from the gardens, and I wanted every piece of furniture for my own house.

The hotel has 27 rooms and suites, including a private two-story riad. There are two pools, one on the roof and the other, heated, in one of the courtyards. Villa des Orangers boasts a very popular spa with hammam and an evening restaurant (headed by Jean-Claude Olry), both open to outside guests. Befitting a Relais & Châteaux property, the restaurant is excellent (day time dining is for in-house guests only).

I loved my suite with its separate areas for sleeping and sitting, and its wood fireplace on view from both. There was another fireplace in the bathroom, perfect for gazing at while soaking in the stunning clawfoot tub, while being read to from the armchair next to it. Upstairs was my own private terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains, their snows pinked by the setting sun.

At Villa des Orangers you will feel completely cared for, and the hotel is so lovely it will be difficult to leave to explore Marrakech. Rates are inclusive of breakfast (in the dining room, in your suite, or on your private terrace), a delicious three-course lunch, afternoon tea, non-alcoholic drinks, airport transfers and even your laundry.