Villa Mabrouka, near Essaouira

Located just outside of Essaouira, this unique villa (designed by the same architects who also built the new Yves Sant Laurent Museum in Marrakech) is the vision of a noted hotelier and interior designer who had always dreamed of building his own home near the sea. The accommodation is all on one level arranged around a sheltered courtyard, which serves as an 'outdoor room' and comprises a a bright open-plan living area furnished with bespoke, and designer vintage pieces, striking artwork and a glass wall looking on to the terrace. Fitted banquettes and a slight shift floor level help delineate the kitchen to the rear which features custom-made worktops that blend perfectly with the cool stone brickwork.

The bedrooms are located in the two wings.  The impressive master bedroom is located in one wing with a super-king size bed, an in-room freestanding bath for ultimate relaxation and access to the terrace. There are two further bedrooms, one double and one twin, and an additional cloakroom, while a steam room with shower completes the ground floor in the second wing. Step outside to the al fresco dining area that’s ideal for lazy long lunches, and behind it sits the superb 18m infinity pool and bespoke cushioned loungers looking out across olive groves, fields and dry stone walls to the distant sea. External steps lead to the  rooftop where there is built-in cushioned seating and a dining are. This terrace also doubles as a kind of observatory and guests  head up here to enjoy the sunset or for dinner under the stars.  

Nearby amenities and wide sandy beaches can be found in the port city of Essaouira a short drive away. Essaouira has a picturesque medina and has retained its traditional culture and character. It is the home to many artists and surfers, enjoying the strong winds. Guests love to wander through the spice-scented lanes and palm lined avenues of the fortified medina, browse the many art galleries and boutiques, and watch fishing nets being mended or traditional boats being constructed in the hugely atmospheric port city. We recommend this destination as a relaxed contrast to busy Marrakech.