Riad Aluna Morocco

Tucked away in over 2 acres of luscious gardens in complete privacy yet only a twenty minute drive from the centre of Marrakech, Riad Aluna offers a magical holiday destination for up to 14 guests whether it be for a special family celebration or a get away with friends.  

Iconic Marrakech architect Charles Boccara designed this fairy tale villa, his signature touches are obvious from the moment you enter through intricately carved entrance doors.  You will be mesmerised by the attention to detail of the lavish furnishings, Moorish artefacts, traditional paintings and glorious Moroccan lanterns.  

The ground floor living space is open plan yet offers several distinctively different areas in which to relax or gather your chosen guests together.  Whether it be on the more formal leather Chesterfields in front of an open fire, or the sumptuous red velveted sofas in a quiet corner or sprawling on the enormous Bhou soaking up the natural daylight from the glass ceiling above, you cannot fail to succumb to the villa’s magic. The indoor dining area with its banquet style dining table can be discreetly closed off from the other areas by flowing voile drapes.

The six incredible suites on the ground floor are all furnished exquisitely each having Moroccan marble bathrooms, comfortable seating to pull around an open fire for cooler evenings and access to its own private furnished terrace, gently shaded from the sun by scented Mediterranean shrubs.  The seventh bedroom is situated on the upper level, whoever is lucky enough to bag this room has the privilege of a terrace overlooking the swimming pool and the vast gardens.  

The fabulous mosaic tiled swimming pool is accessible from several rooms and from the grand covered terrace overlooking the gardens.  It is as exotic as the villa itself, majestically bordered by a walkway of columns covered with trailing bougainvillea one side and a large terrace on the other with several double sun loungers and a large outdoor dining area.  

The lush tropical gardens are a delight to explore, there are many secreted seating areas away from the madding crowd where you can enjoy a couple of hours soaking up the sun or reading a book, alternately, why not make full use of the beautiful lawns and have yourselves a garden party?

Sightseeing in Marrakech is best done on foot. The historical sights, including the Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the El Badi Palace can be done in one morning, leaving the afternoon and evening to focus on the arts and crafts of the city visiting the souks ending your day at the Djemaa El Fna.  You will need several visits here at different times of the day to truly experience it.  UNESCO declared Djemaa El Fna a Masterpiece of World Heritage in 2001 for bringing urban legends and oral history to life nightly, and although the storytellers who once performed here have mostly disappeared, Djemaa’s nightly carnival continues to dazzle.    

Five times a day, one voice rises above the din of Djemaa El Fna as the muezzin calls the faithful to prayer from the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech ‘s most famous landmark. The mosque’s minaret has been standing guard over the old city since the 12th century. 

The gardens of Marrakech are as famous as the medina itself and with or without a particular interest in gardening you will be sure to enjoy time spent in these beautiful retreats.  The Aguedal Garden is a popular stop for Moroccan families picnicking in the shade of the surrounding trees while the Menara Garden is an agricultural estate of irrigated olive orchards. Be sure to visit the green tiled pavilion, set against the backdrop of the high Atlas Mountains, the views from here are simply stunning. The Majorelle Gardens were once owned by Yves Saint-Laurent, these immaculately maintained gardens house Musée Yves Saint Laurent one of the best displays of contemporary architecture in Marrakech which displays his eclectic artwork.  

To truly experience Marrakech a guided tour is a great experience whether it be to visit the historical sights of the city such as El Badi Palace, Bahia Palace or the magnificent Saadian tombs, or take a food tasting tour around Djemaa El Fna.  Here, street food stalls cook a variety of dishes in front of you, including more adventurous options like steamed sheep heads and snail soup, bread is freshly baked for you in communal ovens.  Further afield there are many guided tours available to head into the mountains with the chance of riding camels and visiting traditional Berber villages.  

At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Please contact our Excellence Luxury Villas concierge team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning- Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport transfers- Babysitting/childcare services
Services available at this property:
The villa price includes daily cleaning, and a Housekeeper or butler will be available each day.  If a meal plan is booked a cook will also be on staff.
Meal plans can be booked at an additional cost, to be paid locally:
Half Board € 29 per adult per day / € 14.50 per child under 12 per day

Breakfasts with choice of lunch or dinner, prepared by the cook in your villa
Non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day

All Inclusive € 48 per adult per day / € 24 per child under 12 per day

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, prepared by the cook in your villa
Non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day

*Note, a menu will be provided, if you want an off-menu preparation, your cook will tell you whether they can prepare it. In addition, a dish off the menu, or a special preparation may result in the invoicing of a supplement.
Spa services are available at the villa, prices start from € 30 for a 30-minute massage. Full details are available on request.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfill your requests!