Your luxury villa in Marrakech Boutique with Moroccan flair Villa Dinari the perfect antidote to the beautiful chaos of Marrakech

maa el Fna, North Africa’s most vibrant and exotic square, theJ ancient heart of Marrakech, where snake charmers, storytellers and acrobats have entertained the passing crowds for a thousand years. And only twenty minutes from this beautiful chaos, the peacefulness of Villa Dinari, where you can enjoy the luxury of a staffed private home or your own secluded accommodation in beautifully tended gardens.

2 3 Welcome

We rented the whole villa - it was simply wonderful Contents 5 Welcome

6 Few people these days have time to work In the following pages we show you our home Villa Dinari their way through a website while trying to – and this actually is our home – the rooms we find a place to stay for their holidays; what is designed ourselves, the delicious Moroccan food 8 the accommodation like, is the food good, what we serve, our lovely gardens and swimming pool. Party Time else can they do apart from sleep in a comfy bed You will also see photos of the weddings and or lounge by a swimming pool? So here you Weddings parties we host and the exciting mini-adventures have the answer – Villa Dinari’s ‘website in a we can arrange for you, whether it’s a tour of the Family Parties magazine’. tantalising souks or an escape for the day into the Romantic Getaways High Atlas Mountains. 14 Our major news is our new restaurant and bar Your Room with a cosy lounge area, with roaring fires for winter months, which will be finished by the end 20 of January. For warmer times, our romantically Dinari Dining lit gardens are perfect for outside dining under the stars. The food at Villa Dinari has always featured highly in visitor’s comments, and our new 26 restaurant will give us the opportunity to add even Excursions and more gastronomic delights to our menu. Special Packages We look forward to welcoming you to Villa Dinari, Sports and Adventure and be sure to click on the link below to be kept Golf up to date with future magazines and special offers. 34 Our Man in Heather and Abdellatif Benhrima 36 Villa Dinari, Marrakech, Morocco. Tel: 00 212 524 32 89 22 Mob: 00 212 661 18 66 84 Villa Delicious Web: www.villadinari.com Email: [email protected]

4 5 Any occasion or celebration where you would like to take time away with your favourite people.

The Facilities at Villa Dinari • Swimming pool with bar: our chill-out zone to meet new and old friends. • Lunch or dinner, both Moroccan and international cuisine, with our own unique twists. • Massage and beauty therapy arranged by appointment and conducted in the Villa privacy of your own room. illa Dinari sits in over two acres of beautifully occasion or celebration where you would like to • Airport pick-up and chauffeur service landscaped gardens and is an oasis of calm take time away with your favourite people. during your stay by arrangement. Vand tranquillity – a perfect antidote to the • Personally designed guide services by hustle and bustle of Marrakech yet still close During the long hot months of spring and summer, Abdellatif, Our Man in Morocco. enough to the centre of the ancient city for you life centres around the swimming pool. Its well- • General welcome information pack with to dip into and enjoy all the fabulous sites and stocked bar becomes the focal point for an aperitif map of Marrakech. restaurants it has to offer. before you enjoy a candle-lit dinner on either the ‘My third time here and pool terrace itself or at one of the more intimate A selection of eight bedrooms, suites and self- settings pocketed throughout the gardens. it never disappoints.’ ‘My third time here and it never contained garden chalets creates a relaxed environment. In the main house your room in We’ll meet you at the airport with a chauffeur- disappoints.’ has access to its own private patio, and you can driven car, return you there when your adventure also enjoy the beautiful lawned gardens, pool and in Morocco is over, and for the days in-between do shady terraces. Pockets of privacy for you to share our best to make sure you have everything you a romantic getaway for two, small bungalows need for a lifetime of happy memories. Mint tea for families or space for groups of up to twenty and home-made cake will be waiting for you during to enjoy family gatherings, weddings, ‘girlie’ the winter, or a lounger by the pool when the sun is weekends, golfing breaks, birthday parties – any shining – which is most of the time!

‘The grounds are just stunning.’

6 7 Your new dining room is gorgeous. One of your special cocktails at the bar, a delicious meal and a lounge on the sofa with a book - all within five paces. My idea of heaven!

8 9 Nothing pleases us more than organising

a special wedding - and Villa Dinari is the ideal place to celebrate it.

xchange your vows in the shade of a specially designed tented pergola, surrounded by scented roses, set in our luxurious gardens. The perfume of jasmine in the air and rich, brightly textured Moroccan rugs under your feet; nothing could be more romantic. In the evening, candle-lit lanterns guide your way to a sumptuous meal, enveloped in the deep blue of a night sky glittering with stars.

The Dinari Suite, tucked away in a secluded corner of the gardens, awaits you, knowing that you can continue your celebrations the following day, with your family spending the night in one of our delightful rooms or chalets.

‘A very big thank you from the heart for making Sarah and David's wedding day perfect.’

We offer a wide range of options: Venue and accommodation Celebrant wedding ceremony Lunch and dinner, based on traditional Moroccan food if desired Table flowers and marquee decoration Entertainment, including: Your Wedding Cake and Favour sourcing DJ Hair and make up for bride and guests Belly Dancer Bridal flowers Fire Eater Wedding Planning Gnaoua Musicians – African chants and rhythms. Dkaykiya – Marrakech musicians with horns and trumpets. Wedding Henna artists And much more… This is your special day, the one you have planned We work with several excellent wedding photographers who know Villa Dinari for and dreamed of for so intimately, and know exactly where to get long. Why not celebrate it the best shots to keep your memories alive under blue Moroccan skies at for years to come. Villa Dinari?

10 11

Family Parties Romantic Getaways

illa Dinari has been children use the pool there is a Desert nights under the twinkling stars, glorious Our two private bungalows, the Dinari Suite and the Vdesigned with adaptability responsible adult nearby. golden-ball sunsets, enticing souks, candle-lit dinners Garden Studio, are tucked away under the trees in in mind. Perfect for a romantic in ancient Moroccan homes, chilling out under the our beautiful landscaped gardens, to give you your stay in one of our delightful During the warmer months life enormous canvas spread of a traditional Moroccan private corner of paradise. The swimming pool and tucked-away suites for perfect at Villa Dinari centres around the haima, a luxurious relax in a hamman followed by a pool bar are near at hand to relax in, and if you would privacy, but equally enjoyable for swimming pool – complete with its massage with scented soaps and oils, snow-capped like a special meal prepared for a candle-lit dinner a group of friends or a family get- own bar – and meals can be served mountains, pools to bathe in under towering cascades. a deux, all you have to do is ask. But really, you together. A combination of suites, there or in one of the marquees don’t even need leave Villa Dinari to enjoy a special double and single rooms means that dot the garden. Romantic and exotic are two words inseparable romantic getaway – anything else is a bonus! we can accommodate guests of from Morocco. Whatever your romantic dreams are; a all ages – we can even supply camel ride across the dunes, a gentle float in a hot-air There is so much to see and do a cot and baby chair for the balloon; a ride in a horse-drawn calèche around the smallest members of the family. in and around Marrakech, and rose-pink walls of Marrakech – we can arrange it for you. we can arrange a wide variety of Our landscaped gardens are excursions and events to suit every completely secure, so they are taste, whether it’s a simple stroll perfectly safe for children and around the souk or a round of golf, To visit our web page toddlers to run around, leaving at the end of the day you can all simply click on any ‘It was so memorable, and you safe in the knowledge that get together for a relaxed glass Villa Dinari they won’t come to any harm, of before dinner and try to logo perfect in every way.’ although we do suggest that if outdo each other’s yarns!

‘The perfect venue for our family and friends to get together.’ ‘It was the best party we've ever had in our lives.’

14 15 Your Room Each of the rooms at Villa Dinari has its own character, but they all have one thing in common – a seductive mix of soft colours, rich Moroccan textiles, and the best craftwork of local artisans. Lusciousness and luxury combined. All rooms include: Air conditioning & heating Toiletries & pool towels Minibar Safe iPod dock Tea and coffee making facilities Hairdryer

Dinari Suite Suite This delightful and very private bungalow is tucked Large twin/double junior suite with dove grey walls away in a secluded part of the beautiful gardens. and fuchsia hand woven textiles, with portrait Your own little corner of paradise, with views over photos of Berber and desert nomads. Situated in the entire garden and swimming pool. Private and our newly built annex, it has large French windows perfect for a romantic getaway or honeymoon or leading out to a semi private terrace with a view of just great for friends to share as the bed can be the gardens. Tadelakt en-suite bath/shower room separated into twins. Soft greens and chocolate and cosy seating area. brown décor and a private terrace, perfect for Situated next to the Blue twin, Amazigh and Silver relaxing and recharging those batteries. Small rooms. kitchen, en-suite double sink bathroom.

‘The Dinari suite is perfect for privacy.’

Garden Studio Oriental Room Private bungalow surrounded by foliage and an A large double bedroom decorated in an oriental extensive cactus garden, perfect for relaxing in style of soft greens and creams and local artwork, your own private world. Large double bed and with en-suite tadelakt bath/shower room. decorated with artisan pieces and a palette of soft This room is situated in our traditional courtyard creams, mochas and splashes of red. You feel and has a private terrace overlooking the rose instantly at peace on entering. Comfortable seating garden. area overlooking the garden. En-suite shower room, kitchenette. Private terrace. ‘Heather has thought of everything.’

18 19 You can visit our website at any time by clicking on ‘I can’t imagine staying in Marrakech and not Villa Dinari staying at Villa Dinari.’ logo

Colonial Room Silver Room A large double bedroom decorated in a colonial Double/twin room decorated with soft silver grey style, of soft creams, beige and browns, with en- tones and turquoise accessories. The perfect suite tadelakt bath/shower room. room to unwind with its cool, modern touches and period black and white photo gallery. En-suite This room is situated in our traditional riad tadalakt shower room . Large shared sunny terrace courtyard and has a private terrace overlooking overlooking the garden, perfect for friends and the garden. family to share.

‘Every room is beautiful, with it's own little terrace.’

Amazigh Room Blue Twin Room This is a large twin/double room decorated in Twin room decorated in shades of soft grey and bright sunny colours. En-suite tadelakt shower blue, with en-suite tadelakt shower room. Air- room and air-conditioned. Local Moroccan art work conditioned. adorns the walls, and rich woven fabrics have been Perfect for travelling friends, or teenagers travelling used to give this room a rustic, homely feel. Large with parents. shared sunny terrace overlooking the garden. It has all the facilities of the other rooms, but is a little smaller. Perfect for family and friends on holiday together. Large shared terrace overlooking the garden.

‘I would recommend ANY of them.’

20 21 Sample lunch menu – 100dhs Marinated Chicken or turkey brochettes (skewers) Mixed salad Dinari Dining Spiced yoghurt dip Eating is a very important affair at Villa Dinari. Our love of food, and Moroccan food in particular, has led us to experiment with many different recipes known and loved by our clients. Sample dinner menu – 250dhs Monk fish or chicken pastille (filo pastry square Nezha, our splendid chef and housekeeper, has worked with us parcel) over the years to create our very own traditional menu – with a Chicken Makfoul (sweet and savoury tagine) twist – for our guests. Each famous dish is just a little different served with rice or couscous to the cuisine you will find in the Moroccan restaurants in town. Lemon cream crunch Tea or coffee We always keep a selection of Moroccan for you to sample with your meal, and you will probably be surprised just how good they are. ‘The food!!! Oh my goodness the food was amazing!!’

‘I love Moroccan food and the food I had at Villa Dinari was as ‘Lemon and chicken good as any I’ve eaten tagine to die for.’ in the restaurants in town.’

22 23 Thalvin, Domaine des Ouled Thaleb Première du Président Cabernet Rouge : , Rich ruby colour with a full taste but soft on the palate, and a good balance of acidity and velvety tannins. Slighty peppery nose with notes of earth and red fruit. This is your uncomplicated quaffable Moroccan red. Cuvée du Président White Grapes: Clairette, Ugni Blanc, Farranah A crisp, balanced wine with a pale straw colour, a light blossomy nose and a slight savoury taste. An affordable wine perfect Les Trois Domaine for most occasions, including Moroccan Wines lounging by the pool. It comes as quite a surprise to many people that Morocco, a Muslim country, produces wine, but wine has been made in North Africa for S de Siroua Rouge least 2,500 years, since the Phoenicians colonized its coast around Grapes: 100% the 12th century BC. During the era of the Roman Empire, wines A rich ruby red colour but soft and silky on were exported to Rome from the region. Curiously enough, the word the palate, with a nose that suggests wild ‘alcohol’ comes from the ‘al-kohl’. berry fruit and smoky spice, which is repeated Morocco is one of the biggest wine producers in the Muslim world, in the taste. With moderate acidity and and even though its production may have fallen to almost a tenth tannins, and supported by the barrels it is of its output during its heyday of the 1950s during the period of the matured in, the finish is fresh and lively. French Protectorate, it still produces around 35 million bottles each year. dominates, with over 75 per cent of production. Rosé S de Siroua White wines and vin gris account for almost 20 per cent, and Grapes: 100% for the remaining five per cent. The majority of the wine produced is everyday vine de table, but with a new breed of producers A pleasing wine of bright gold color and green hues. Peach and apple flavours experimenting with a variety of vines the quality of Moroccan wines on the nose. A full bodied 14 percent alcohol from aging in new barrels which has risen enormously, receiving international accolades and an add a hint of vanilla caramel. Lively and fresh in the drinking. increasing number of awards. The grapes used for the S de Siroua wines come from the prestigious Rommani , where the vineyards are all ploughed and weeded by hand. No fungicide or herbicide treatments are used. Domaine de la Zouina The first produced by Domaine de la Zouina was in 2005 and since then the wines Les Tres Domaine have won a number of accolades and are improving year on year. Guerrouane Gris : Cinsault Volubilia Rouge A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah, Mourvedre and . Dark cherry in colour, on A fresh, fruity, easy to drink dry rosé wine, that pairs with the nose it has clean hints of blackcurrants, with gamey and vanilla undertones. A ripe, smooth palate salads, roasted fish and spicy dishes. The ideal wine for suggests notes of leather, mocha and game, ending with soft tannins and a juicy freshness. couscous and tagine. Volubilia Rosé Grapes: Caladoc, Marselan, Syrah Moroccan Wines à la carte A luscious rose-pink, with fresh, zesty mineral notes. Light and delicate on the palate with savours of fennel, herbs and citrus fruit. We will be delighted to create a private of a selection of Moroccan wines especially for your party. Vin gris, given this name because of its colour that falls between white and rose, is made from red grapes, Just let us know your preferred style of wine or - better in particular , a black grape but which can also be used to make rosé or white wine. When the still - leave it entirely in our hands. grapes are brought to the and crushed, the juice is run off and removed from contact with the skin, Minimum six people. leaving the colour and flavour compounds from the skin behind.

24 25

If you are feeling adventurous – even just a little bit It’s not all just Marrakech camel rides! is the place to be

Many of the people who visit us are quite surprised by how much there is to do. Everyone expects there to be camel rides and mountain trekking, but there is so Ballooning much more within a very short ride of Villa Dinari to keep you entertained for days. Marrakech is also becoming an important golfing destination, with six 18- or 27-hole For anyone who has courses and one nine-hole course within a short drive of the city, laid out by some of never been the top names in golf-course design. in a balloon before, you honestly can’t There are plenty of sports to sample imagine just in and around Marrakech; horse how tranquil riding, ballooning, golf, and one of it is – at least the best ways to see the city or take apart from when a ride further into the mountains the pilot has to is by bike. Marrakech is as flat as use the burners Zip Wire a pancake and a bike ride is the to keep the balloon perfect way to experience the city afloat! It’s such a Terres d’Amanar – and it’s not nearly as hectic as wonderful sensation, is a wonderful the traffic looks! Argan Xtreme gently drifting, watching sports and Sports do everything bike-wise the world pass by below. activities estate from a jolly around Marrakech to And don’t ask the pilot set in 247,000 serious off-road work in the Atlas where he intends to land, acres of beautiful Mountains. because he might be able to countryside beside the control going up and down, but Toubkal National Park, everything else is in the lap of the only thirty minutes from gods and winds. Villa Dinari. They have all sorts of exciting things to do, And it isn’t just the flight itself that including an adventure course is the adventure. It begins just after in the forest, archery, climbing dawn when you are picked up at your and trekking, and one of the ‘There is a bike hotel, and to see the flames from the best zip wire courses in the area. tour of the city burners shooting six metres into the air You don’t have to be hectic, as night recedes is a fascinating sight. though, because you can simply which is really The balloon is one of the biggest in the lounge by the swimming pool good!’ world, and to see it inflate as Maurice or take part in one of their craft Otin, Chief Pilot of Ciel d’Afrique almost workshops. And kids even have shoots the flames into the balloon to their own supervised park with inflate it is absolutely awesome. trampolines, swings and slides and a BMX course.

One of the reasons we recommend Terres d’Amanar is that most of the staff are locals, mainly from the surrounding villages. This means that families can stay together in their For April 2014 Villa Dinari is creating own villages and helps keep a special package to support the communities together. Marrakech Étape an international cycling event that Whatever you decide to do, we’ll have every- raises money for the charity thing booked and ready for when you arrive. Education For All 28 29 ‘We travelled as a group of golfers looking for some sun, relaxation, good food, good company and good golf. Marrakech Golf In all respects we were not disappointed.’

Marrakech is an excellent golf destination, whether to play a round as part of your holiday Al Maaden Golf or dedicate the whole of your stay to the green. It’s the ideal place for a winter golfing break, with Set in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, the Kyle temperatures from November to the end of April around the low- to mid-twenties. Philips-designed 18-hole course combines a love a nature with technical imagination, and blends beautifully into a There are six 18- or 27-hole courses and one nine-hole course within a short drive of the city, laid out by fabulous wooded scenery alternating flatlands and reliefs. some of the top names in golf course design. All courses have excellent facilities, with a practice ground The course is designed on a varied terrain, with undulating and/or driving range and the services of a professional and caddies – and of course they all have a fairways and scattered with one hundred and four bunkers, clubhouse, restaurant and bar. numerous water obstacles, and greens surrounded by palm, cypress and almond trees. Al Maaden golf course is adapted If you would like to enjoy a round of golf during your stay at Villa Dinari, we can make all the to all levels of play, although the mirror lakes in the arrangements for you; transfers to and from the courses, pre-book tee times and make restaurant centre of the two 9-hole stretches add excitement to the reservations. We can also arrange a complete package, which includes accommodation, transfers and challenge, and a bunker and an uphill green give the course green fees. a demanding finish. Opened in 2010.

The Royal Golf Club of Marrakech Palmeraie Golf Royal Golf opened in 1923, on the instructions of the Palmeraie Golf is situated in the Palmeraie on the then Pasha of Marrakech who fell in love with the outskirts of Marrakech, one of Morocco’s most important game after a visit to Great Britain, Royal Golf is the natural palm oasis. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, it second oldest golf course in Morocco. Sir Winston opened in 1993 as an 18-hole course, extended to 27 Churchill, David Lloyd George and Eisenhower, all holes in 2009. It is quite a technical course, with plenty played the fairways, as did the late King Hassan of water hazards and many of Trent Jones’ trademarks II, a self confessed golf fanatic. Set at the foot of – unusual shaped bunkers, dog-leg holes, undulating the snowy peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, the greens and, in this particular instance, lots of palm trees. luxurious vegetation, technicality and stunning landscapes makes this an excellent course, with 27 holes spread over three nine-hole stretches.

Amelkis Golf Assoufid Golf Named after a Queen of the Berber tribes, Amelkis Golf This is a brand new desert course designed by Scottish Club was designed by Cabell Robinson, a protégée of designer Niall Cameron, which opened at the beginning Robert Trent Jones, and opened in 1995. Its 27 holes of 2012 and has ambitions to be one of Marrakech’s are spread out over three nine-hole stretches, with one best. It has a variety of green fairways and brown desert 18-hole round of about 6,300m from the white tees. landscaping, with a particularly challenging par four at the The Amelkis Golf is a difficult and technical course, with sixth hole, and a dogleg to the right. many blind shots and nice water hazards. It is a quite a spectacular course, hilly, bumpy, with traps at each hole – a course strewn with ambushes and huge bunkers Samanah Golf When Jack Nicklaus designed the eighteen-hole course at defending each green. Amelkis hosted a European Tour Samanah Golf he created demanding greens that need a event within its first five years, the 2000 Moroccan Open. lot of concentration; technical, but playable for all levels. There are wonderful views of the High Atlas Mountains, particularly from the 13th hole. The eighteenth hole can be particularly difficult, with a lot of bunkers on the fairway and a dogleg to the left, bordered by a large water hazard. ‘Just returned from a fabulous week’s golf holiday at the Try our ‘Tee for Two’ with your partner; Atlas Golf a day of golf at one of Marrakech’s gorgeous Villa Dinari. The courses are wonderful, and Atlas Golf is a nine-hole golf course designed by Alain Prat, superb courses, with a relaxing sports my personal favourite, the Amelkis has views of the snow which opened in 2010. The third hole is a challenging 151m or beauty massage at the luxurious par three, with a variety of water hazards and bunkers. The Bains de Marrakech. capped Atlas mountains, such a treat.’ club offers special golf training and lessons, tailored to the individual’s needs. An excellent course for beginners, who can be set on their way by a friendly pro.

30 31 Special Packages It’s always a temptation to just flop and relax in Villa Dinari’s beautiful gardens and soak up the sun, but there is so much to see and do that we are continually creating new packages to help you make the most of the gloriously mystical Red City and the surrounding area. A day out the High Atlas Mountains, a delve into the heart and history of Marrakech’s exotic past, a wine tasting of Morocco’s excellent wines or a wander through the beautiful gardens of this enigmatic city, including the delightful Majorelle Gardens with its dazzlingly blue buildings, taken from the colour of the robes of the nomadic Tuaregs. We’ll arrange everything for you, and to whet your appetite here are a couple of packages that are our most popular. Shopping and sightseeing Tee for Two Day 1: Arrive Villa Dinari: Welcomed with mint tea If you are a golf lover you could try our ‘Tee for Two’ and home-made cake. with your partner. (or ‘Tee for Four, Six or even more 19.30: An aperitif before dinner at 20.00. if you would like to come as a group.) Marrakech has some excellent golf courses, far better than A lazy breakfast followed by lounging around Day 2: most people imagine, some of which are located in the gardens or by the pool until a light lunch at 13.00. virtually on Villa Dinari’s doorstep. On page 24 you 14.30: Gird your loins for an assault on the fabulous will find details of some of the best. In this package souks of Marrakech with your personal shopper. you choose two courses to play and we make all the Everyone’s first experience of the souks is magical; arrangements. the glitter of light from pierced metal lamps, row upon row of soft, lusciously coloured leather babouche Day 1: Arrive Villa Dinari: Welcomed with mint tea slippers, richly embroidered djellabas, a jewel box and home-made cake. of the exotic and unusual. And if you find that 19.30: An aperitif before dinner at 20.00 bartering isn’t your strong point he’ll take you to the surrounding Marrakech, with olive groves and citrus Day 4: The day is yours until your car arrives to Breakfast before leaving for the first of fixed price Aladdin’s cave where we shop personally. trees, poplar and weeping willow scattering the Day 2: take you to the airport. Return to Villa Dinari to wind down before an hillside, until finally you are in the lush countryside your chosen golf courses at 9.30. Return to Villa Dinari for lunch at 13.30. aperitif at 19.30. of the Ourika Valley itself, with its pine and cedar The price of our Tee for Two package includes 15.00: Tour of Marrakech Medina (See ‘Medina Tour, forests. transport to and from Marrakech airport, your room Day 3: Is it to be a return to Marrakech for a tour Shopping and Sightseeing.’). 18.30, return to Villa Whichever tour you choose, after a leisurely (two people sharing), all meals taken at Villa Dinari, of the ancient Medina, or a ride into the foothills of Dinari to relax before a pre-dinner aperitif at 19.30. breakfast you will leave around 10.30, have a light a personal guide for your sightseeing excursion, the High Atlas Mountains? The choice is yours. lunch at 13.00 and return to Villa Dinari around entrance fees where applicable on your tour. The Medina Tour. Marrakech medina comes to life as you Day 3: Breakfast before leaving for the second of 16.00 to relax before a pre-dinner aperitif at price does not include drinks other than pre-dinner explore the Saadian tombs, Bahia Palace, Ali Ben your chosen golf courses at 9.30. 19.30. (If you wish we can arrange for you to have aperitif. Youssef Koranic School, and discover the intricacies of Return to Villa Dinari for lunch at 13.30. lunch in a traditional Berber home if you decide on Course fees vary. We can let you have further the various souks, escorted by your personal guide. Free afternoon to relax in the beautiful gardens the Ourika Valley tour.) information when you make your choice for the The Medina might seem like a haphazard arrangement or around the pool before drinks at 19.30 prior to package. of skinny lanes, but it has its own historic organization Day 4: The day is yours until your car arrives to dinner. that is mirrored in every ancient city throughout the take you to the airport. country. Or you might choose to visit the glorious The price of our Shopping and Sightseeing gardens of Marrakech, an eye-opener for many people package includes transfers to and from Marrakech who imagine Morocco to be nothing more than Atlas airport, your room (two people sharing), all mountain peaks and Saharan desert. meals taken at Villa Dinari, a personal guide for Ourika Valley Tour. For generations Marrakshis both your shopping and sightseeing excursions, have taken their weekend jaunts to the cool of the entrance fees where applicable. The price does not Ourika Valley. The land rises from the arid plain include drinks, other than your pre-dinner aperitif. Further Afield

is a fabulous place to visit, but a arrakechreasonably early start will reward you with a glorious Mday out to enjoy the enormous range of culture, scenery and colour that this delightful country has to offer.

Ourika Valley Ourika Valley is the nearest of the preferred destinations. Just 60 minutes from town, you will find a completely different way of life. Mainly inhabited by Berbers, this valley is a delight to see. Stop at a roadside café and eat a Berber tagine by the riverside, or lunch in Ourika’s best restaurant, Le Ramuncho. Alternatively, enjoy the spectacular views and excellent restaurant at Kasbah Bab Ourika. The option of climbing to the SettiFatma waterfalls is available for those who feel fit and adventurous. Asni and the Ouirgane Valley About 90 minutes from Marrakech, this is a beautiful area to visit. You will pass different types of mountain terrain, visit a Berber village and lunch in one of the area’s many delightful guesthouses, Chez Mou Mou, Au Sanglier Qui Fume or for those of you with deep pockets the ‘Kasbah Tamadot’, Richard Branson’s hotel. There are Berber markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays which are worth a visit.

Jbel Toubkal The highest mountain in the High Atlas range. Enjoy a truly scenic drive through the mountains and visit the ‘Kasbah du Toubkal’ with its 360 degree view of the mountains. Lunch can be arranged at the Kasbah and for the adventurous among you, trekking can also be organised. This is an amazing day out and not to be missed. Telout, Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate Not for the faint hearted, this trip is quite epic in proportions but so worth it if you can take the long car journey. Climb (by car of course) the High Atlas Mountains over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, (the highest in North Africa) then a sharp turn off to the left to descend into the valley to visit the old Glaoui Kasbah in Telouet. It is in ruins, but has some amazing interior architecture. There are a couple of nice cafes if you would like to have lunch and then continue on to Ait ben Haddou, (a World Heritage site), and then on to the town of Ouarzazate to visit one of the town’s Kasbah’s. Ourzazate is well known for it’s international film studios and is known as the ‘Gateway of the Sahara’. Please be aware though, that the nearest Dunes are another four hours from this town. The return journey takes a different route until you reach the Tichka Pass, where you rejoin the route from earlier in the day. Essaouira This pretty little fishing village on the Atlantic Coast was built by the Portugese and is sometimes known as ‘the Windy City’. It is well known amongst the surf boarding community. It still has the old fort and the people have a wonderful laid-back approach to life. The dulcet tones of Bob Marley can be heard on many a street corner. This is a great place to shop for local art, musical instruments and Thuya wood. About 2.5 hours from Marrakech, it is great for a beach day trip, sit in a beach side restaurant eating the local ‘catch of the day’ with a glass of crisp white wine and then taking a stroll around their medina. Our Man in Morocco

Half-day tours If your time in Marrakech is limited and you would like to get a feel of the city and its surroundings, we suggest these half-day tours:

Secret Medina - The hidden corners, tucked-away workshops and stories of life in the Medina that only a born and bred Marrakshi would know. MOROCCO HAS DAZZLED VISITORS FOR CENTURIES; writers, travellers, adventurers, searchers of the exotic, academics researching learned treatise, romantics to gaze at desert stars, and hardier Behind the Walls – Life lived away from public gaze explained and contrasted with the glories of the types to trek Jbel Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak. Rarely did anyone leave less than enchanted. Bahia Palace of the Grand Vizier Si Moussa and life in the tiny cells of the students at the Ben Youssef . As Edith Wharton, the doyen of early travel writers, wrote, “Morocco is too curious, too beautiful, too rich in landscape and architecture”, and there are few who have the depth of knowledge of this Personal Shopping – Everything from a glittering lamp to houseful of exotic ideas, Our Man in Morocco delightful country to ensure a most remarkable adventure as…. knows where to find it. The Gardens of Marrakech - Marrakech was a ‘garden city’ long before the the idea occurred to urban designers. Green spaces, vibrant horticultural gems, calming pools, none of it is new Our Man in Morocco

Abdellatif Benhrima’s love of Moroccan history The essence of Our Man in Morocco is that Abdel as a child was the beginning of his career as a tour is Your Man in Morocco. From a half-day trip to guide – although he didn’t know it at the time. Born unearth the secrets of the souks to a month-long, and raised in Marrakech’s Medina, Abdel knew all once in a lifetime journey to discover this most the hidden corners of the ancient heart of the city exotic of North African countries, Abdel and his while still in his teens, and by the time he went team of experienced guides can create a Moroccan to Rabat University to study linguistics (he speaks adventure far beyond anything you hoped for or Arabic, French, Berber and English fluently), he was expected. A romantic night under the stars with already delighting his friends with his knowledge as a camel ride to watch the glorious desert dawn; he travelled his country devouring its sights, sounds ancient of once powerful lords of the and stories. The moment he received his license mountains; the workshops of ladies hand-weaving as a guide from the Moroccan Government, he luxuriously rich carpets, their tribal designs each was off, and in the intervening twenty-five years telling their own private story of daily life; the has become one of the most knowledgeable and glories of the Imperial Cities; private homes and respected guides in Morocco. gardens of friends, where you can take tea by invitation only – all you have to do is ask.

From an afternoon shopping to a ‘I would just like to comment on what a wonderful guide night under the desert stars, Our Man In Morocco Abdel is. We booked on his Secret Medina tour when we booked will organise everything for you our stay at Villa Dinari and it was excellent. He made our down to the last detail. holiday for us.’

36 37 As seen in Marrakech Uncovered And this is probably what Heather of filo pastry, and a chicken means when she says it’s a home- Makfoul, a wonderful sweet from-home experience because and savoury tajine. (Abdel the apparently casual layout of the is at that moment sitting by guest rooms, both attached to the another fire, but that one is at main house and carefully placed a desert camp under the star- throughout the beautiful gardens, sparkly sky of the Sahara) totally lack the sometimes oppressive “When we decided to build Villa formality of a hotel. Even when Villa the garden rooms we wanted Dinari is full you feel more like you are to create pockets of privacy having a garden party with friends so if, for example, a couple than staying at a chi-chi country B&B. were spending a romantic And, boy, it is chi-chi, but in the weekend here they would nicest possible way. be undisturbed in their accommodation and could Delicious Stylishly different have a candle-lit dinner enjoy When Heather Benhrima tells me that staying at Villa Dinari is a home- Each room is totally different and in the garden, if that’s what they so much. We usually join our brings together Heather’s beautiful wanted, and still be able to mix with from-home experience I think that she might be kidding herself a bit. guests for a drink in the evening and combinations of colour and fabrics other guests and enjoy each other’s This is about as unlike a home-from-home experience as you can get - we often find that people have so (so it’s no surprise to find that she company. That’s also why families at least as far as a home-from-my-home experience goes. much in common that we feel that we runs a very successful clothing design and groups seem to enjoy staying are just having a drink with friends. I’m business) and Abdel’s many years as here, because they can be together as sure many hotel owners say that, but one of Morocco’s top guides, who much as they like and yet still be able Villa Dinari is delicious, and magic wand when a friend when you have guests is that it’s true. I’m always learning something conducts the elite of the interior to slip off for a bit of peace on their as I lie in my island-size bed of Abdel’s rang to say he had neither they nor yourselves new, and for us it’s a pleasure to help design world on shopping forays into own without leaving the villa. in my elegant room of soft seen a piece of land that he’d can always have privacy, so guests with information about things the depths of the Medina (and who is shades of grey, it occurs to me better look at immediately, we decided to combine two to do that will help them enjoy their charmingly discreet when questioned Garden party for about the zillionth time, before the owner realised styles of house in one. The holiday.” about his A-list clients). And we go back to the feeling of “How come I’m on my own he’d left a zero off the end. main house is very modern Work calls and I pack my bag for I’m fortunate that my early spring being at a friend’s garden party. There yet again in such sumptuous “We’d never, ever have and has large rooms and a trip into the High Atlas Mountains, visit has days warm enough to lounge is plenty of space to be alone, but delight, when I should have believed we’d find a piece plenty of space, but we their peaks shimmering with snow off by the pool – but not warm enough yet the beautifully laid out gardens with an endearing little deary to of land this size within our decided to incorporate the in the distance through the window for a dip – and jumper-chill evenings pockets of tables and chairs almost be romantic with?” As ever, budget, so we jumped at it,” traditional style of house, of my room. It emphasises the charm ideal for sitting in front of the big log invites you to schmooze. there’s no answer – so much says Heather. “We just couldn’t the riad, that you find in the of Villa Dinari for me; a place of calm fire in the living room. Heather joins “I think it’s that informal ‘garden for the itinerant journalistic let it go, because it meant Medina for the guest rooms. between the frenetic Medina and the myself and the other six guests for an party’ atmosphere, particularly during life. we could have the house we A riad has a garden in the wilds and hard slog of the mountains. The villa didn’t start out wanted and large gardens, centre with rooms running off aperitif, to ready our appetites for a the warmer months (in other words, life as a holiday hideaway which are really important to it, but we decided that each tantalizing monk-fish pastille, parcels most of the year), that Abdel and I www.villadinari.com from the beautiful chaos of me.” room would also have its own Marrakech. The original idea private terrace so everyone was a family home for Heather, Starting small could have peace and quiet her husband Abdellatif and The first constructionand then get together in the their five year-old son Adam, was a small cottage and a main house in the evenings. within striking distance of the swimming pool so the family But it was never intended as city, something comfortable could enjoy weekends away somewhere for paying guests, but compact. After months from the city while they we just wanted our friends of searching, with hopes and designed the house and laid and family to be comfortable wallet never quite connecting, out the gardens. when they visited us.” the good fairy waved her “One of the difficulties Derek Workman www.villadinari.com

Villa Dinari, Marrakech, Morocco. Tel: 00 212 524 32 89 22 Mob: 00 212 661 18 66 84 Email: [email protected]

Designed by Derek Workman [email protected]