Dar Ayniwen Garden Hotel & Bird Zoo

The Dar Ayniwen Villa Hotel is a five-acre paradise set in a lush palm grove in a quiet suburb of chaotic Marrakesh. Every inch of the hotel is uniquely decorated in the early twentieth century “orientalist” style. Museum-quality antiques and colorful kilims are everywhere -- extravagant, exotic furniture still manages to still be inviting. Every room opens into the gorgeous gardens, where the special decorative touches continue: unique garden furniture, luxe pavilions, mosaic fountains, hammocks, fish ponds, and a tropical aviary can all be found. Palm, carob, and olive trees provide shade; there is a cactus garden as well, with stone pathways for guests to wander. 

There are many nooks and crannies tucked away on the grounds, where guests can hide away with a book, cup of tea, or deep thoughts. The hotel has been family-owned and run by two generations, and great attention has been paid to detail; among the antiques and objets d’art are several fascinating collections, including vintage posters, antique perfume bottles, and two hundred champagne buckets.

The Dar Ayniwen Villa Hotel is located in the palm gardens outside of Marrakesh. The city is a 25-minute drive from the hotel, which operates a free, flexibly scheduled shuttle for guests’ convenience. There are three nearby golf courses, with the closest less than two miles from the hotel. The property is located in a quiet area with several other luxury hotels nearby, far from the commotion and chaos of Marrakesh. The airport is 20 minutes away; the hotel provides free transfers on arrival and departure. For those who have cars, free parking is provided, with no reservations necessary.

Rooms at the Dar Ayniwen Villa Hotel are air-conditioned suites with separate sitting areas. Each is individually named and designed, and furnished with spectacular Moroccan antiques, lush fabrics, kilim carpets, and fantastic mosaic tiles. There are lovely touches, including cocktail shakers and modern conveniences like mini-fridges and large flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms are romantic, with elaborate tile designs and soaking tubs, but no showers. Some rooms have hot tubs and private terrace areas. The Mucha Suite has a private bathroom across the hall, not en-suite. The ultra-private Rotunda Suite has a round bed, and, like the other garden rooms, its own pool.

The Dar Ayniwen Villa Hotel has a lovely heated outdoor pool, surrounded by beautiful green lawns, with lounge chairs and waiter service. There is a spa with an authentic hammam and relaxation room filled with the scent of Moroccan rose and orange. The restaurant, La Tente, is atmospheric and the food is top-notch traditional Moroccan cuisine; the chef offers a three-course tasting menu and private cooking classes. Romantic candlelit dinners can be arranged by the pool or in guestrooms. There is a free continental breakfast, with omelettes and more available for an extra charge. Bikes can be rented on site.