Casa Taos, Near Marrakech, Morocco - Explore & Book

"Step from your suite into 3 hectares of lawns, lemon and orange groves and pecans, apricots, peaches and plums, and head for a palm-slung hammock by the shimmering pool. First impressions suggest a glamorous desert resort, but Hicham and Karima’s renovated villa is run like a maison d’hôtes; this is not a hotel, they insist, but a family home, filled with warmth, generosity, life and soul. Set in Souihla - Morocco’s ‘little California' - the adobe-style villa is a confection of terracotta pillars, carved cedar, tadelakt plaster and earthy talaouh, finished off with splashes of vibrant colour. The 7 guest suites are spacious and striking; some have distant views of the Atlas Mountains, others open onto the refreshingly cool pool, lined with parasols and rattan loungers. Hicham used to have a gallery in Casablanca, and every pore of the décor reflects his love of art; he used to run restaurants, too, and the food here is a real treat. From intimate courtyard breakfasts to merry candlelit dinners in the contemporary dining pavilion, the variety, quality and freshness of the dishes is amazing. Bliss, too, to return from the medina to orange blossom and birdsong - and you can rely on your hosts to negotiate a fair price with the grands taxis into town. Highs Really wonderful home-cooked food, prepared with fresh fruit, veg and aromatic herbs grown in the kitchen garden A tranquil oasis of lush gardens and palm trees Large, super-comfortable suites, zinging with colour. Most have terraces or mini gardens and winter fireplaces The personal touch - the owners and their staff are perfect hosts Great for kids of all ages as well as couples, solos and friends Lows You are reliant on taxis to get you in and out of Marrakech; be aware not all taxis are roadworthy and many don't even have seatbelts Like many swimming pools in Marrakech, this one is unheated, but the pool area is very attractive The dogs at the villa are friendly but there were inevitably some renegade dog leavings in the garden" - Lesley Gillilan