Villa Aref

About this property

Beyond Marrakech’s vibrant heartbeat, nestled within 11 hectares of fragrant gardens and palm-dotted parkland, Villa Aref unfolds like a surrealist’s dream. Sculpted animals surprise and delight at every turn, from acrobatic orangutans swinging through the double-height lounge to a stoic sheep keeping watch by the pool. Inside, the villa is an ever-evolving gallery, part artist’s retreat, part sophisticated hideaway. Ten eclectic bedrooms across the main house and riad fuse warmth with playful curiosity, all exquisitely furnished and designed for absolute comfort.

Wander past cascading palms and sculptural installations into a world of quiet indulgence. A heptagonal heated pool sits at the centre of the grounds, fringed by sunbeds, giant cushions and olive trees. Guests can meander through the olive hedge maze, visit the organic garden, or retreat to the hammam and spa after a game of tennis or pétanque. By night, dine beneath lantern-lit trees or in the grand dining room beneath a watchful giraffe.

Located in the Palmeraie’s serene Bab Atlas district, Villa Aref offers a poetic counterpoint to the city’s hustle, just fifteen minutes from the medina, yet entirely its own world.

Please note that the kitchen is for staff usage only; guests are not allowed to cook or prepare any meal. Usage of the kitchen for nibbles (tea, coffee, sandwich, etc.) might be allowed prior to agreement with the owner/property manager.

Set on the outskirts of Marrakech in the sought-after Palmeraie enclave, Villa Aref enjoys the best of both worlds: peaceful seclusion and proximity to the city’s cultural soul. Bab Atlas, with its palm groves and stylish private estates, is a tranquil area known for its calm, wide-open spaces and beautiful desert light.

Within fifteen minutes, guests can be winding through the souks of the Medina, admiring the mosaics of Bahia Palace, or enjoying mint tea on a rooftop terrace overlooking Jemaa el-Fnaa. The surrounding area is home to some of Marrakech’s finest golf courses, scenic camel rides through the palms, and elegant spa retreats. For food lovers, this region is rich with gastronomic gems, from contemporary fusion restaurants to traditional Moroccan fare prepared in secret gardens.

Once a royal palm grove, the Palmeraie now blends heritage with modern indulgence, making it an ideal base for those who want a cultural yet restorative escape.

Accommodation

Ground Floor
- Dining room with larger-than-life giraffe
- Orangutan lounge
- Multi-functional room can be set up as a cinema, meeting or party room, a traditional hammam and a spa treatment room- Bedroom 1: Double bed (Twins on request), ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, fireplace, office table, minibar, safe, dressing room, private garden- Bedroom 2: Double bed, ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, fireplace, office table, minibar, safe, dressing room, private terrace- Bedroom 3: Double bed (Twins on request), ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, stove, office table, minibar, safe, dressing room, private garden- Bedroom 4: Double bed, ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, office table, minibar, safe

First Floor
- Bedroom 5: Double bed, Single bed, ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, fireplace, office table, minibar, safe, dressing room, private terrace- Bedroom 6: Double bed (Twins on request), ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, stove, office table, minibar, safe, dressing room, private terrace, private balcony- Bedroom 7: Double bed, Single bed, ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, stove, office table, minibar, safe, dressing room, private terrace- Bedroom 8: Double bed, ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, fireplace, office table, minibar, safe

Second Floor
- Bedroom 9: Double bed (Twins on request), ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, fireplace, stove, office table, minibar, safe, dressing room

Riad (Suite with 2 Bedrooms)
- Bedroom 10: Two Double beds (Twins on request), ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, stove, minibar, safe, private terrace, outside shower

Exterior Grounds
- Large heated heptagonal swimming pool
- Deckchairs
- Daybeds
- Giant mattresses under the olive trees
- Gardens
- Pergola for al-fresco dining
- Organic vegetable garden
Additional Facilities
- Hammam
- Ping-pong table and pétanque court
- Gym
- Private tennis court