This fascinating country where the old customs and way of life still exist in rural areas to the newly built up and westernised areas of Marrakech and Agadir offers so much to any traveller who is looking for sun, fascinating cities and long sandy beaches. The noise of the Medina in Marrakech is legendary with storytellers, snake charmers, musician’s and thronging with people. It is so diverse - one minute a smart Mercedes, the next minute a laden donkey groaning under local produce perched precariously on its back. This imperial city lies at the foot of the Atlas Mountains is a must to see at any time of the year but I found the best time to visit was between October and May with temperatures ranging between 25°F – 28°F on average. Summers are hot with temperatures rising to 50°F in August.Before you rush to book one of our Moroccan Villas then allow me to tell you about these amazing places that I return to time and time again and who can beat flying to Africa in just 3 hours by the low budget airlines that offer affordable airfares!!
I have visited Marrakech many times now and each time I visit I love it even more. Yes, tourism has arrived in Marrakech but traditions are still the same. Bartering in the Souks (my favourite pastime!) is fun and great bargains are to be had from leather goods to Berber materials and ceramics.
On one of my many trips to Marrakech I visited Essaouira which is a 3 hour drive from Marrakech and easily reached by coach, car or taxi. Essaouira's biggest attraction is its relaxing atmosphere. It's not a big town, and being on the coast it has a holiday feel about it. As soon as you enter Essaouira you notice that everything is pained blue and white, the colours of Essaouira, from taxis to houses. It’s a working port whereby many varieties of fish are caught daily. Walk along the ramparts early in the morning to watch the fishing boats come in. Some of best seafood I have ever tasted has been in Essaouira. The Medina & Souks are much easier to get round than Marrakech as it’s that much smaller and not so commercial as Marrakech.
One of the main attractions of Essaouira is the beach which is 10kms long and sandy. Because Essaouira is on the Atlantic coast then the sea can be quite cool and it also quite windy but between October and May is still a pleasant 23°F to 25°F. It’s very popular for windsurfing and kite surfing with windsurfing schools dotted along the coastline.
Quality Villas has recently expanded into Agadir, one of Morocco’s most visited Southern city. Agadir is not your typical city of traditional Morocco, but it is a modern, busy and dynamic town with well maintained beaches and palm-lined boulevards. There is a very western feel about the place with its beachfront bars and the mild winter climate (January average midday temperature 20°C/68°F) has made it a major "winter sun" destination for Northern Europeans.
We have two luxury villas close to the beach, both in a residential complex and offer quality accommodation with comfort in mind.
Whereby our splendid selection of villas in Morocco and riads in Morocco are in both of these places they offer something for everyone and who can beat flying to Africa in just 3 hours as well as by the low budget airlines that offering affordable airfares!!
We have Riads in the Medina of Marrakech and villas to rent in the Palmeraie area which is outside of the main city walls about 15 minutes from the Medina.
Our riads can be rented exclusively for the whole Riad but generally they operate more on a bed and breakfast type arrangement. Our riads can be rented for a minimum of one night therefore allowing the client to tailor make their own holiday. All riads are fully staffed and many offer beauty treatments such as massage and hammams. Airport transfers are available at some riads.
Our villas are located outside of the Medina and on the edge of the city. Large domains that have been developed with luxury villas, gardens and some with shared tennis courts. These domains are enclosed and private from the road. All domains have well tended streets and many are patrolled for client safety. All villas are fully staffed with cooks, maids, housekeepers, gardeners, pool men and on request drivers. The villas are generally very large with at least 2 salons, dining room and all have ensuite bedrooms. Decorated in tadelakt style with rich furnishings and fabrics these villas are luxurious escapes from the busy Medina. Kitchens are not available to clients in any villa or riad as they all offer “hotel type services”. Meals are discussed daily with the housekeeper and chef and some of our villas offer breakfast as part of the package. Lunches and dinners can be taken either formally in the dining room or al fresco on the many terraces that these villas have. These meals are paid locally and prices do not include drinks.
The grounds to these villas are extensive with water features, palms, olive trees and flowering shrubs. All villas have large swimming pools and some share the tennis courts situated in the domains.
Villas can be rented for a minimum of 3 nights and can be rented exclusively as well. Beauty treatments such as massage are available; chauffeurs and babysitting can be arranged for a small cost. Airport transfers are available at most villas.
Our Dar Azrou villas are very popular so book early to save disappointment!!
The Dar Azrou complex is situated in a large private domain about 20 minutes from the Medina. This enclosed complex has around 14 individual 4 bed roomed villas all with their own swimming pool. Quality Villas have 9 of these villas available to rent from a minimum of 3 nights on an exclusive rental. Situated within mature grounds the complex offers a fitness centre, beauty salon with various treatments and tennis. All of the villas are next to each other therefore forming a small village that is popular with all ages and particularly families. All villas are decorated and furnished in typical Moroccan style with covered terraces, ensuite bedrooms and a large salon and dining room.
Return airport transfers and a 4 x 4 vehicle with up to 100kms per day are all included in the price.
Meal costs: Breakfast 5€; lunch 12€; dinner 20€ with a 50% reduction for children under 12 years old
I never tire of Marrakech and each time I have visited whether for business or pleasure I have always received a warm welcome and been well looked after.
If you would like to speak to a specialist on a Morocco villa holiday or where best to visit, do visit this site on line : http://www.qualityvillasmorocco.co.uk or contact our office or email us – we are awaiting your call !!
Gill Woolsgrove
Regional Manager - Morocco
