Villa des Orangers: A Secret Garden in the Heart of Marrakech
Hidden away just moments from Marrakech’s legendary Jemaa el-Fna square, Villa des Orangers is a refined riad where discreet luxury meets genuine Moroccan hospitality. A historic mansion and now part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection, it offers far more than a simple stay: this is a fully immersive experience in an exceptional setting, where every detail tells a story.
Beyond its understated façade lies a world of tranquillity. Built in the 1930s and once surrounded by orange and olive groves, the house still feels like a countryside retreat, despite its prime location by the medina. Two patios, each with a character of its own, structure the riad. The main patio, centred on a Carrara marble fountain, opens onto gracious salons where time seems to slow, while the smaller patio, closer to the kitchen and more intimate corners of the villa, invites quiet moments of pause. Discover more on the official website: www.villadesorangers.com/fr.
Explore the surroundings
Souheil Hmittou, custodian of a tradition of excellence
Since 2014, Souheil Hmittou has run Villa des Orangers with a passion and dedication that shows in every detail of the service. Born in Morocco, Souheil joined the villa after ten years as deputy to its long-standing general manager, Jean-Paul Compagnon, a defining figure in the property’s history. When he took over, Souheil kept the villa’s original spirit intact while introducing contemporary touches to meet the expectations of a discerning international clientele.
In a recent interview, Souheil explained: “What makes Villa des Orangers so special is our ability to make guests feel at home. We’re much more than a hotel: we offer a truly personalised experience, and that’s exactly what our guests are looking for.” This warm, highly tailored approach defines the property and explains why so many guests return year after year, some seeing the villa as their second home in Marrakech.
Under his leadership, the property has retained its discreet, intimate atmosphere while adding elements of modernity, from new suites to upgraded leisure facilities. The team, true to the house’s spirit, has evolved with the times yet remains focused on one thing above all: guest satisfaction, down to the smallest detail.
A tranquil oasis in the heart of the city
Villa des Orangers offers something rare in Marrakech: the chance to step back from the city’s energy without ever being far from its main sights. The property lies just a few minutes’ walk from Jemaa el-Fna square, yet the moment you cross the threshold you enter a world of calm.
Two patios, each with fountains and lush greenery, invite you to slow down, while the rooms and suites, tastefully decorated in a traditional Moroccan style, provide every modern comfort for a standout stay. Today the villa has 32 suites, some with private terraces overlooking the Atlas Mountains, a rare privilege within the Marrakech medina.
The suites, with their clean yet refined design, combine carved wood, rich fabrics and zelliges, the colourful glazed tiles that are a hallmark of Moroccan craftsmanship. Every space is designed to offer complete privacy, sheltered from the bustle outside, while still making the most of the Moroccan light and landscape.
From tradition to innovation at the table
Villa des Orangers also stands out for its culinary offering. The restaurant, led by talented chefs, serves a cuisine that deftly blends traditional Moroccan flavours with Mediterranean influences. Meals can be enjoyed beside one of the villa’s three pools, on the terraces or in the salons, depending on each guest’s mood.
Breakfast, served in the gardens, feels like a moment apart. Far from the usual buffets, it is a carefully choreographed ritual, with each dish prepared to order from fresh, local ingredients. The homemade jams, produced by a women’s cooperative, offer a delicious introduction to Moroccan flavours.
Dinner is a gastronomic experience that shines a spotlight on local produce. The chef prioritises ingredients from sustainable fisheries, a strong commitment from the property to help preserve the country’s natural resources. The setting — with tables arranged around the pool or in elegantly decorated salons — adds to the sense of occasion, especially as night falls over Marrakech.
An exceptional spa for complete relaxation
Beyond its rooms and its restaurant, Villa des Orangers offers a distinctive wellness experience through its spa. Drawing on Moroccan traditions, it features a wide range of treatments and massages, all carried out with natural, locally sourced products such as argan oil and orange blossom.
The hammam, with its Roman-style vaulted ceilings, recalls the historic influence of Rome in Morocco and gives guests a deep, restorative break. This traditional ritual, combined with black soap exfoliation, is one of the highlights of the villa’s wellness offering. For those who prefer massages or facials, a team of experts is on hand to deliver tailor-made treatments in spacious, soothing treatment rooms.
Architecture where history meets modernity
One of Villa des Orangers’ defining features is its perfect balance between traditional architecture and carefully judged contemporary additions. The two original patios, with their fountains and lounges adorned with mosaics and carved wood, form the heart of the villa, while the extensions built in 2003 and 2008 created modern leisure spaces without ever undermining the house’s original character.
Among these additions, the 16-metre swimming pool is particularly notable. While most riads in Marrakech have only small plunge pools, Villa des Orangers gives guests the space to truly swim and unwind in a spectacular setting. This focus on comfort and on the needs of today’s travellers is one of the key elements that set the property apart from other hotels in the city.
The suites, meanwhile, have been designed with exceptional attention to detail. Every decorative element has been carefully chosen to echo the history of Marrakech while offering the standards of comfort found in leading international hotels. The private terraces of the upstairs suites open onto views of the medina or the Atlas Mountains, in an atmosphere of complete seclusion.
A team dedicated to excellence
Behind every memorable stay at Villa des Orangers stands a devoted team, deeply connected to the property’s history and culture. Staff loyalty is one of this remarkable house’s greatest strengths: most team members have been here for more than 14 years, some for over 25. A genuine sense of welcome, an eye for detail and thoughtful, attentive service are embedded in the villa’s DNA. Every employee, from front desk staff to drivers, plays a part in making each stay unforgettable, with service that is discreet yet always there when needed.
This strong bond between the team and the villa is one of the foundations of its success, as Souheil Hmittou explains: “Here, people feel at home. That’s what makes all the difference.” This personalised service is reinforced by close attention to every need. Staff anticipate guests’ wishes, whether that means arranging a private tour of the medina or serving breakfast at flexible times to suit those arriving from distant time zones. This adaptability has become one of Villa des Orangers’ hallmarks, thanks in large part to the commitment of every member of the team.
A deep social and environmental commitment
Villa des Orangers is not only a place of luxury; it is also a property closely involved in the local social and environmental fabric. Aware of the impact that a house of this size can have, the villa actively supports several social initiatives in Marrakech. Among these, it works closely with a local orphanage, the Fier et Fort centre, providing equipment and offering internships to young people in vocational training. The aim is to help them develop skills in hospitality and catering, while giving them a real chance to build a professional future.
On the environmental front, Villa des Orangers prioritises sustainable practices, particularly in its choice of restaurant produce and its sourcing of fish from responsible fisheries. This approach also includes partnerships with local producers, such as the women’s cooperative that makes the jams served at breakfast. Through these initiatives, the property underscores its commitment to responsible hospitality that cares for its surroundings and supports the local community.
A meeting place for art and culture
Villa des Orangers is not just a peaceful retreat; it is also a place where art and culture are very much alive. Sensitive to the importance of promoting local talent, Souheil Hmittou has established collaborations with Moroccan artists to exhibit their work throughout the villa. At the moment, visitors can discover pieces by Châtin, a local painter who donates part of his sales to charities. This initiative reflects the property’s desire to share and celebrate Moroccan culture within its walls.
Every corner of the villa tells a story, not only through its architecture but also through the objects and artworks on display. Materials come from near and far — from Moroccan zelliges and Egyptian light fixtures to Tanzanian fabrics and Italian leathers — symbolising the richness and diversity of Marrakech, a historic crossroads on the trade routes. This diversity is highlighted by meticulous attention to detail, further enhancing the authenticity and unique character of the place.
To travellers in search of a truly distinctive stay, Villa des Orangers opens its doors and invites you to discover the very essence of Marrakech, where luxury and authenticity meet. Under the thoughtful leadership of Souheil Hmittou and thanks to a devoted team, every stay here is a full immersion in a world where every moment counts.
Our warm thanks go to Souheil and the entire Villa des Orangers team for their exceptional welcome, a kind of hospitality that is becoming increasingly rare. Whether you are looking to recharge, explore Marrakech’s treasures or simply take a restorative break, Villa des Orangers offers far more than a stay: it is a sensory and human experience, where every visitor is treated as an honoured guest.
Villa des Orangers
6 Mimoun Street, Place Ben Tachfine
40000 Marrakech – Morocco
From €397 per night
Book on [www.villadesorangers.com/fr/](http://www.villadesorangers.com/fr/) or on the Millésime app:
