Dar al Laimuna, near Marrakech

Far enough from Marrakech to enjoy the tranquillity of its oasis setting; near enough, at just 28km, to experience the buzz of the city’s lively bazaars, this beautiful villa makes a cossetting base from which to explore. With the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop, beckoning trekking enthusiasts to their rugged trails, the villa’s quietly calming tempo encourages ‘at home’ days of indulgent idling. With a cook among the permanent staff, a cool pool with loungers and parasols on its paved poolside terrace, and shaded patios, comfortably furnished for al fresco dining and relaxing, Dar al-Laimuna is a beautiful house, where interior décor is a stylish blend of classic elegance and local character.  Strewn with rugs, lit with ornate lanterns, tastefully styled and fully air-conditioned, the villa has an open-plan living/dining room, with a fireplace at each end. From the terraces steps lead up to the furnished roof terrace, a perfect spot for evening drinks. The accommodation layout is straightforward. At ground floor level there are two very generously sized twin bedrooms, a pretty and also large double bedroom and a bunk bedroom accessed through the kitchen. On the first floor, the master bedroom suite has a romantic four-poster with private terrace with magnificent views of the Atlas Mountains. It is one of just eight villas sharing the private estate, where guests can also enjoy use of a tennis court and fitness room.