Fawakay Villas - Garden Suite

BFB's Overview.

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 Atlas View 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, 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 and rides on Doris the donkey. Plus there's a play area with swings and slide and a dedicated kiddies pool by the bar.

Accommodation Overview - Garden Suite (sleeps 4+cots):

Decorated in rich earthy tones with a Moorish feel, The Garden Suite is a secluded single story villa that sleeps four. It has two-bedrooms; a double bedroom, one twin bedroom, a bathroom. There is a central sitting room with dining area.

Location Information

Atlas View Villas are set just a short 15 minute drive from the centre of Marrakech and the bustling souks with their aromatic smells, traditional food stalls, café’s and bars. Mini travellers can be enchanted by the main square, with its storytellers, snake charmers, monkeys and street sellers, whilst parents will revel in the exotic buys from quality leather bags and shoes to pretty candles, Moroccan poufs and lanterns. It is well worth using the Boys-Stones' recommended personal shopper (fee not commission based) to help navigate the winding lanes to the best sellers and fore help negotiating the best deals. to leather handbags can be found in the main square and the interweaving alley ways. The villa owners can even provide a personal shopper to show you the best shops for the best bargains.

Since shopping is rarely a highlight for younger guests, the Boys -Stones' are happy to arrange supervised activities for little ones such as donkey rides, pizza making, arts and crafts, 'Princess' spa tratments or a day trip to the local water park. Meanwhile parents can enjoy the heated pool, relax with a spa treatment, hit the shops or indulge in a cocktail on their villa terrace.

Getting There: Marrakech-Menara International Airport is just 16km (around 30 minutes drive) away and transfers can be arranged with the villa owners. Menara Airport is served by many low cost airlines, availability and prices can be found at www.skyscanner.net