Dar Zemora

APPROACHING DAR ZEMORA AT NIGHT is a magical introduction to Marrakech. Flanked by olive trees, the driveway is lit by twinkly lanterns. Step inside, and things just keep getting better.

Dar Zemora sits in three acres of gorgeous gardens filled with date palms, lemon trees, jasmine and bougainvillea in the sleek Palmeraie district – the Beverley Hills of Marrakech – just 15 minutes from the Medina. From here you can have your fill of hustle-bustle and action at the souks and still be back swinging in your hammock with only birdsong to break the stillness, in next to no time.

Dar Zemora's five gorgeous bedrooms and suites have been created with decadent Arabian Nights in mind. Lanterns abound, throwing light against the surfaces of tadlekt (polished plasterwork) and terracotta brick tiles. Around you, antique and modish Moorish are beguilingly blended to seduce the senses, with exquisite hand painted ceilings and traditional moucharabieh woodwork.

Billowing gossamer drapes

Two stylish sitting rooms have sofas to sprawl on, while the Omar Room has a welcoming fire on winter evenings. The artistic and cosy library has leather armchairs, fireplace and beautifully intricate hand-painted ceiling, while the Fan room – an inside/outside loggia hung with swaying gossamer drapes – invites you to recline on sumptuous floor cushions or sip an aperitif before dinner.

Two luxurious suites have fireplaces and private terraces, while the three elegant bedrooms overlooking the gardens are similarly seductive. All have huge marble bathtubs, original artworks, rugged floors and intimate lighting. Little touches abound, whether it’s scented candles, flowers and books or the complimentary afternoon tea.

The vast Zahara suite comes with high ceilings, cool sofas, Moroccan rugs, a fireplace (lit on cool nights), a four-poster bed and its own garden reached through the French doors. Deep chocolate paintwork and cleverly mixed antique-new furnishings add style and ambience and there’s a huge marble bath. The swoon-worthy Perla suite, where we stayed,  has a colossal private roof terrace where you can laze on day beds or have a private dinner in the shade of billowing muslin.

Delicious home-cooked Moroccan dinners (bookable at breakfast) are served by candlelight in Dar Zemora’s dark red dining room or on balmy summer nights on the lantern lit terrace overlooking the lily pond. Our beef and quince tagine was a treat – you'd be pushed to find better food anywhere in town.

Peace reigns in the gardens, where splashes of colour from roses, scent from the flowering jasmine and the rustle of bamboo make sunbathing and dips in the heated outdoor pool a tranquil treat. It’s the perfect place to chill or book a massage. There’s also a beautiful hammam on the property where you can steam and soak.

This peaceful and shamelessly romantic haven just a short petit taxi ride from Djemaa el Fna square and all the colour of the Medina (though the best laid sightseeing  plans can easily melt away here) is one of Marrakech’s must-keep secrets. Charming and attentive service and some of the friendliest staff in town are the icing on the cake. 

© Room for Romance