As exciting as the medina area of Marrakech is, a few days does it for me, so I simply picked up the phone and called the Dar Ayniwen Villa Hotel and said, “Madam” was ready to be picked up! (I’ll never tire of this phrase.)
Only a short 15 minute ride from all the hustle-bustle of the medina, brings you to this tranquil hotel, located in the heart of the “Palmeraie,” the Marrakech upscale palm grove area.

As I was welcomed by the Riad’s charming, sophisticated, (but surprisingly still single) host, Stephane Abtan, (his father built this luxurious, yet still homey villa,) I couldn’t help but notice all the photos on his walls, mostly of famous movie stars and models who had chosen Dar Ayniwen for their hideaway.

Originally built as the owner’s family home, after 20 years a villa with seven bedrooms became too big and four years ago it was turned into a luxury guest house, now run by father and son.

After spending a few days exploring the gorgeous antique-filled residence,(be sure and check out the owner’s perfume bottle collection,) sunbathing by the swimming pool while listening to the lovebirds, (not just the romantic couples but there really is an aviary) partaking of the convenient on-site hamman treatments (ask which suites have the new private Jacuzzi’s,) wandering through the jasmine scented gardens of this private 5 acre estate; and a few nights dining on delicious, market-fresh, made to order, authentic Moroccan dinners served in front of a roaring fire, or outside under the stars, afterwards strolling contentedly to my exotically furnished suite crawling into my comfy bed to sip my mint tea, I swear I knew what it felt like to be Angelina Jolie—even if it was just a mirage!

Dar Ayniwen Villa Hotel
Im, Lazrak, rue Hassan ben Mbarek
Marrakech, Gueliz
Morocco
E-mail: infos@dar-ayniwen.com
Website