A tranquil oasis of lush gardens and palm trees 15 mn drive from Marrakech

Step from your suite into 3 hectares of lawns, lemon and orange groves and pecans, apricots, peaches and plums, and head for a palm-slung hammock by the shimmering pool.
Set in Souihla - Morocco’s ‘little California' - the adobe-style villa "CASA TAOS" is a confection of terracotta pillars, carved cedar, tadelakt plaster and earthy talaouh, finished off with splashes of vibrant colour. The 7 guest suites and secluded villa, separated from the main house by a fountained terrace, are spacious and striking; some have distant views of the Atlas Mountains, others open onto the refreshingly cool pool, lined with parasols and rattan loungers.
Everything is striking about the 7 guest suites: the design, the rich colours, the sense of space. Peacefully housed in a 2-storey annex, 4 of them are separated from the main house by an Andalucian courtyard; the rest are set on 2 floors of the villa itself. Each is inspired by an artist - Senegalese sculptor Ousmane Sow, Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, vibrant Frenchman Matisse - and all feature natural fabrics, glowing colours, sofas and chaises longues, original art, quirky artefacts, vintage and ethnic furniture, and bowls of oranges fresh from the garden.
Head for a sun lounger on the pool terrace and let your mind drift while you enjoy the birdsong and the garden’s fragrant air
The pool is large enough for a serious swim. After your exertions, treat yourself to an on-site massage
Take a cooking class to learn the secrets behind Casa Taos' gorgeous food
Vibrant Marrakech is on your doorstep. A 15-minute taxi ride will get you to the heart of the medina, where you can shop in the souks and take a horse-drawn sunset caleche ride around the famous pink city walls. If you’re feeling adventurous, Casa Taos can arrange for scooter hire or lend you a bicycle. Just be prepared for a whole new approach to driving when you reach the city…
Escape to the Atlas Mountains (a 90-minute drive) for a trek and some cool mountain air, or visit the southern deserts for a dune-trek on camels
Play golf at one of several 18-hole courses a 10-15-minute drive from Marrakech by petit taxi
Hot-air ballooning is available 30 minutes away