This elegant cluster of sophisticated villas and suites is an oasis of barefoot luxury nestled beneath the brooding Atlas mountains, just 15 minutes from the heart of Marrakech's bustling medina but a world away in terms of chilled out relaxation and family-friendly appeal.
Whilst the magic and mystery of the souks is the highlight for most visitors to Marrakech, for families staying at Fawakay Villas, the magic happens closer to home thanks to the charming hospitality of the British family who run it and their friendly band of children, donkeys, chickens, cats and staff. Dawn and Francis Boys-Stones swapped City stock-broking for exotic Marrakesh back in 2005 and initially brought up their four young children in the heart of the Medina before moving 8 miles out to the 3.5-acre estate just a few years ago. Here they manage the delicate balance between independence and sociability, luxury and laid-back style with aplomb.
The estate is now home to three stylish villas, a selection of suites, the Boys-Stones' own home, and a stunning central pool area with pretty shaded day-beds and cabanas for dining. More akin to a boutique hotel than self-catering cluster, Breakfasts(included), light lunches, and snacks (children's menu provided) are always available and can be enjoyed in the villas, on their terraces or poolside, whilst delicious 3-course dinners can be pre-booked in advanced and enjoyed by candlelight inside or outside, whilst little ones are safely tucked up in bed.
On the subject of tiny travellers, the Boys-Stones' wealth of experience with their own four shines through at this fantastically child-friendly Moroccan escape. A handy list of baby and toddler gear including, cots, highchairs, sterilising tablets, baby monitors, toys, DVDs etc, are available on free loan plus babysitting on request and even activities such as cookery lessons, pizza making, mocktail blending, princess pampering, a tortoise garden and rides on Norman and Daisy the donkeys. Plus there's a a brilliant arts and craft shack, outdoor cinema, giant chequers and a dedicated kiddies pool by the bar.
Accommodation Overview - Villa 2 Bedrooms:
This villa is an elegant 2-storey villa boasting a one-bedroom suite upstairs with four-poster bed and another downstairs with a double bed and interconnecting twin room, perfect for kids. Each suite has space for a cot/childbed, a private terrace with loungers, and an en-suite bathroom with both a bath and shower.
Downstairs, the villa has an elegant dining room seating six plus highchairs and a comfortable separate lounge with cosy sofas, TV, DVD player, IPod dock and an open fire, which is especially romantic in winter and spring. Whilst the villas don’t have kitchens, they do have pantry areas complete with tea and coffee making facilities, enough space and gear for sterilising/making up baby or toddler feeds and a minibar, which is restocked daily.
Outside, Lak Lak has its own courtyard garden with plunge pool, dining area, and Berber tent, which is ideal for keeping dozing little ones out of the sun,