Villa Hera

Private 11-suite estate in the Ourika Valley, near Marrakech

Villa Hera is an 8-hectare private estate set among olive groves and walled gardens in the foothills of the Atlas, about 30 km south of Marrakech, with sweeping views of the mountains. Rented exclusively as a whole, it welcomes up to 22 guests between a main house and a series of garden villas, with a resident team taking care of every detail of the stay.

At a glance

• Capacity: up to 22 guests, exclusive use of the whole estate
• Suites: 11 suites (4 in the main house, 7 in the garden villas), plus a children's room and an annex double room
• Grounds: 8 hectares of gardens and olive groves facing the Atlas
• Pool: 18 m x 18 m heated pool with pool house
• Sport and wellness: clay tennis court, fitness centre with yoga studio, spa with hammam
• Location: Ourika Valley, 55 minutes from central Marrakech

The estate and its gardens

The grounds unfold as a succession of walled gardens where fragrant flowers and sculptural cacti grow alongside the estate's own vegetables, fruit trees and olive groves. Stone terraces surround every building, with sun loungers, shaded lounges and many places to eat outdoors, from the lantern-lit dining pavilion to a picnic under the olive trees.

Architecture and interiors

Designed by an internationally acclaimed architect, the estate combines generous volumes with the pared-back lines of Berber architecture, in warm earth tones that echo the landscape. The main house, of around 1,200 m², is laid out along a long gallery leading to the living rooms, dining room, spa, billiard room, TV room and four suites. The interiors, decorated by a London design house, mix vintage pieces and contemporary design with a Moroccan touch.

The suites

Each of the 11 suites has its own walled patio, outdoor shower and private terrace. Four suites are in the main house, along with a children's room with bunk beds, and the other seven are spread across the garden villas for more privacy. An annex double room completes the accommodation.

Amenities

• 18 m x 18 m heated pool with pool house, changing rooms, outdoor bar and kitchen with barbecue
• Clay tennis court with club house and shower
• 200 m² fitness centre with an 80 m² gym and yoga studio, relaxation patio and changing rooms
• Spa with traditional hammam, relaxation room and massage room for two
• Billiard room with a three-quarter size English table, TV room with satellite channels and an office
• Pétanque pitch, outdoor dining areas and a Berber tent with a traditional mechoui oven
• Fibre-optic internet and Wi-Fi throughout, Sonos sound system, air conditioning and central heating

Dining

The estate's cook prepares Moroccan and French-inspired cuisine with vegetables, fruit and olive oil from the estate, and bread is baked every day in the outdoor wood-fired oven. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements are catered for, and meals can be served in many corners of the gardens.

Location and nearby

• Tnine Ourika village (5 min)
• Setti Fatma and its waterfalls (40 min)
• Marrakech Medina and Jemaa el-Fna (55 min)
• Marrakech Menara Airport (55 min)
• Oukaïmeden ski station (1 hr 5 min)
• Imlil and Toubkal National Park (1 hr 5 min)
• Agafay Desert (1 hr 30 min)

Staff on site

• Estate manager speaking English, French and German
• Butler and cook
• Three chambermaids and daily housekeeping
• Head groundsman, gardeners and night watchmen
• 24/7 concierge support from The Marrakech Curator

Available on request

• Massages and hammam rituals with specialist therapists
• Yoga and tennis lessons
• Traditional mechoui, whole lamb slow-roasted in the earth oven and served under the Berber tent (to be arranged in advance)
• Picnics in the gardens and olive groves
• Airport transfers and private drivers
• Trekking and cycling guides in the Atlas, golf and event planning

Contact The Marrakech Curator for availability and a tailored proposal for your stay at Villa Hera.