Villa Aya, Luxury Riad in Marrakech [MR004A]

Contemporary Moroccan Riad near Marrakech to sleep 8

This property may be rented from a Saturday or Sunday, depending on availability. Prices available for less than 8 people please ask for details.

Set in the privacy of nearly four hectares of land and only 5 minutes drive from the Royal Golf Club of Marrakech, the Amelkis Golf Club or the Palmeraie Golf club, BALIA is a development of 9 similar and independent villas all with private pools which were built in 2002 and provide one of the best value for money deals in Marrakech.

There are two 'communal' tennis courts, and a communal pool of 800m2 on the domaine, a bar open from April to October. Some of the villas have heated pools and all villas come with the services of a maid/cook and transfers to and from the airport are possible (supplement). All houses have air-conditioning, heating, internet access.

Possibility of hiring a 4x4 for trips out to the desert, the Atlas mountains and other excursions.

Moroccan Riad near Marrakech sleeping 8

Each of the nine villas is of a high standard and is situated on the grounds of the Domaine which goes by the name of "Le Jardin des Oliviers", an ancient but re-planted olive grove, on the old road to Ouarzazate. The domaine is private (there are 24 houses all together on the domaine, built by a French-Moroccan architect, entirely gated and has 24 hour security).

Balia is only 9km from the centre of Marrakech and offers tranquility, peace, quiet, views of the Atlas, and verdant gardens. The old road to Ourzazate is like an oasis amidst the region's arid landscape, so you can enjoy the calm and relaxing surroundings and still be within 15 minutes of the Souks in the Medina.

Ground Floor

Through the front door there is a hallway which leads into a big open plan living room and dining room. The living room has a fireplace and is furnished with comfort retaining the unmistakable Moroccan style - traditional craftsmen were employed using authentic materials like dark wood and tiles to make this a harmonious setting.

The villa is not a self-catering property, the kitchen is for the onsite chef only, you can choose from an all-inclusive or half board option. (no alcohol included)

First Floor

21 steps go up to the landing where we find 2 bedrooms both with double bed, a terrace, and an en suite bathrooms with a washbasin, a toilet, and a bath with a shower over it.

Two other bedrooms have 2 singles, a communicating bathroom, but no terrace. There is another small terrace off the landing.

Each villa has its own private pool, some of which can be heated for a supplement.

The kitchen can be used by the guests and is equipped and has a Cafe Nespresso machine, although maids tend to do all cooking and serving.

Full air-conditioning
Small garden with a private pool (some of the 9 villas can be heated - heating is an additional fee) and garden furniture like sun loungers

TV in the living area and all bedrooms - Satellite TV - French Channels Flat screen TV, DVD
Laundry (supplement)
3 Panoramic terraces
Fireplace (wood burning)
Cot and high chair
Wi-Fi
I-phone dock

Airport transfers possible (supplement)
Board games
Linen included
Services of a maid

Garden furniture in pool house and on covered terraces
Sun loungers by the pool

4x4 vehicles (7 seater) can be hired
Massage Service can be arranged (supplement)

ON THE DOMAINE
Car Parking
Pool bar for the 9 villas (open from April)
Communal gardens set in 4 hectares of a gated and guarded private 'domaine' 2 tennis courts, communal pool measuring 800 m2
24 hour security
Fax, Broadband Internet access
Garden furniture in pool house and on covered terraces
Free shuttle into the centre of Marrakech Free airport transfers 

Baby Sitter is available at an extra cost
Private chauffeur is possible at an extra cost

The villa is not a self-catering property, the kitchen is for the onsite chef only, you can choose from an all-inclusive or half board option (no alcohol included). Please contact us for details.

NB. Daily cleaning and cooking service during your stay, by the live-in maid, is included in the rent, but a tip is appreciated (in euros).

Please remember Morocco is predominately a French speaking country and take into account that local staff sometimes do not speak English. Often a guide book is handy to maximize your Moroccan experience.

Each house has a private pool which is about 8m x 4m and a well tended small garden with sun loungers and outside chairs and tables. The pool is not fenced in and does not have an alarm so children must be surveyed at all times.

Some villas on the domaine have heated pools (supplement).

The villas do have vis a vis on to the neighbouring villas, although some are more private than others.

ON THE DOMAINE

Car Parking Pool bar for the 9 villas (open from April)
Communal gardens set in 4 hectares of a gated and guarded private 'domaine' including a small children's playground
Tennis courts
Communal pool measuring 800m2
24 hour security
Boules Piste
Garden furniture in pool house and on covered terraces

Main attractions

Apprx 10 minutes drive from 3 of Marrakech's golf courses:
Royal Golf Club, Amelkis golf Club and Golf Al Maaden

The Koutoubia mosque, a Marrakech landmark, surrounded by sunstruck rose gardens and distinguished by a 230-foot, pink sandstone tower.

The Place Jemaa el-Fna, the heart of the medina and the liveliest UNESCO World Heritage Site ever seen.

Incomparably seductive Souks Berber carpets, spices, silver, Berber jewellery. Ben Youssef Medersa, one of the Muslim world's great educational centres. The recently restored, domed Qubba, a Medieval water station, and the Museum of Marrakech, which puts contemporary art in the frame of a late 19th century Moroccan palace.

South of the Place Jemaa el-Fna (only appx 15 minutes drive), there are palaces, gardens, and museums, such as Dar Si Said, dedicated to the arts and folk crafts of Morocco. On twisting alleyways nearby is Dar Tiskiwin, an elegant townhouse, open to the public as a museum and full of Moroccan and sub-Saharan wonders collected by Bert Flint, a Dutch expatriate.

The Place Jemaa el-Fna - Marrakech is always a little bit of everything: djellabas and babouches, bright colours, energy, heat. Once you've wandered around the stalls, gorged on all the mouthwatering food and watched everything on the square, it's time to retreat to one of the many cafes and watch the goings-on from a distance. In terms of views, though not of food, the best are the rooftop cafes.

WHERE TO EAT

Dar Moha, 81 Dar el Bacha, 38-64-00, set in a garden around a pool, and Dar Zellij, 1 Kaasour Sidi Ben Slimane, 38-26-27, in a fastidiously renovated 17th century mansion with carved cedar ceilings and hand-cut zellij tile, specialise in fine, traditional Moroccan fare. Multi-course dinners run €25-€30, and both restaurants have wine lists.

Casa Lalla, Rue Riad Zitoune Lakdime, 16 Derb Jamaa, 42-97-57, offers a set-price menu created by Michelin-starred British chef Richard Neat. There is one sitting at 8 p.m., and only 14 people are served each night, so the required reservations are hard to come by. The price per person is about €25, and diners may bring in their own wine.

Le Pavillon, 47 Derb Zaouia, 38-70-40, and Le Foundouk, 55 El Moukef Souk Hal Fassi Kat Bennahid, 37-81-90, serve French food and wine. Both are in the heart of the medina. Dinner about €25.

Bo-Zin, Route de l'Ourika, 38-80-12, is a 15-minute drive south of town, with a beautiful cactus garden for al fresco dining. The cuisine is chiefly Thai and there is a full bar. The price for a three-course dinner is €25-€35, not including drinks.

ACCESS

Marrakech International Airpot is Menara - approx 15 minutes from the centre of Marrakech.

Easyjet from Bristol, London Gatwick, London Stansted and Manchester.

For more information about Morocco please refer to www.visitmorocco.com

This Moroccan Villa is located 9km from the centre of Marrakech

Daily cleaning and cooking service during your stay included in the rent by the live-in maid, but a tip is appreciated (in euros). 

At the domaine other Discover Morocco trips can be arranged and organised:

Buggy driving
4 wheel drive excursions into the desert
Parapenting
Hot air ballooning in the desert
Walking
Spa and massage treatments
Golf - near the top 3 courses in Marrakech - Royal Golf Club, Amelkis golf Club or Golf Al Maaden
Restaurant reservations