Morocco villas

A private villa outside Marrakech is one of the best-value luxury houses anywhere: gardens, a pool, a cook who shops in the souk and a view of the Atlas. Families and groups of friends use it as a base for the city and the mountains.

Tell us the size of the party and the dates. We shortlist houses by position, staff and how the pool is set.

Where we go

Villas in the Palmeraie and along the Route de l'Ourika for the city; houses in the Atlas foothills for cooler air and walks. Two or three nights in a kasbah in the mountains or a camp in the desert make a second act.

How the week runs

A guide for the medina on the first day, then mornings in the city or the hills and afternoons at the pool. A cook for breakfast and dinner, a driver on call, a hammam, a cookery lesson and a day in the mountains with a picnic.

Who it suits and when

Families, groups of friends and multi-generational parties. Spring and autumn are ideal; winter is clear with cool nights; July and August are hot, though the pool and the mountains help.