Dar El Sadaka

Entire villa in Marrakesh, Morocco

16+ guests
10 bedrooms
14 beds
10 baths

Rated 4.33 out of 5 stars.3 reviews

Extraordinary homes, vetted for quality.

Hosted by Dar El Sadaka

7 years hosting

Listing highlights

Featured in

The New York Times International Edition, January 2020

Swim in the infinity pool

It's one of the many things that makes this home special.

Ride the exercise bike

Stay active at this home.

•• An award-winning exclusive property ••

Nestled in an 11-hectare private estate just outside Marrakech, designed by French visual artist Jean-François Fourtou, and three-time winner of the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, Dar El Sadaka is an exceptional and utterly unique property available all year round for stays of three nights or more and for exclusive use only.

The space
•• A space designed for families and private groups of up to 24 people ••

The Villa has 9 individually decorated en-suite rooms distributed around its mimosa-covered central courtyard accommodating up to 20 guests. The Riad, originally the private apartments of Jean-François Fourtou and located in an annex to the Villa, provides an additional family suite for up to 4 more guests.

BED CONFIGURATION - Sleep positions in bed : 24
• Riad Suite: 1 King (180cm) + 1 King (180cm) or Twins (2x90cm)
• Giraffes Suite: 1 King (180cm) or Twins (2x90cm)
• Dog Suite: 1 King (180cm) or Twins (2x90cm)
• Tortoises Suite: 1 King (180cm) or Twins (2x90cm)
• Donkey Suite: 1 King (180cm) or Twins (2x90cm)
• Geese Suite: 1 King (180cm)
• Camels Suite: 1 King (180cm) + 1 Single (90cm)
• Ant Suite: 1 Queen (160cm) + 1 Single (90cm)
• Bee Bedroom: 1 King (180cm)
• Snails Bedroom: 1 Double (140cm)

There are three cribs and three highchairs for groups travelling with babies. Babies can sleep with their parents in the Dog Suite, Donkey Suite, Geese Suite, Camels Suite and Ant Suite. Please note that for safety reasons, babies and young children cannot sleep in the Giraffes Suite (the only room on the second floor).

ESSENTIALS AND LITTLE ADDED LUXURIES IN EVERY ROOM
• Air conditioning
• Central heating
• High-speed Wi-Fi (fiber-optic internet)
• Fresh flower bouquets
• Welcome treats
• Bed-side mineral water
• Organic toiletries
• Hand-embroidered cotton bathroom towels
• Fluffy cotton bathrobes
• Hair dryer
• Pillows in natural down or filled with hypoallergenic microfiber
• Mattress toppers in natural plumets or filled with hypoallergenic microfiber
• High thread counts Egyptian cotton bed linens
• Turndown service
• Electronic safe box
• Minibar
• Telephone (in-house calls)
• Continental European sockets

•• Much more than a villa ••

Dar El Sadaka offers the warmth, intimacy and discretion of a private home, but with the elegant convenience, meticulous attention to details, personalised service, and exquisite dining experience of a luxury hotel.

Disturbingly realistic yet friendly animal sculptures, created on different scales, are dotted throughout Dar El Sadaka. Outside guests are welcomed by a giant sheep standing beside the swimming pool. Orang-utans are hanging from the living room chandeliers and a larger than life-size giraffe leans over the dining room table.

Each room is a creation that explores the theme of an animal sculpture, where earthen architecture, traditional materials, sleek furniture and local craftsmanship come together.

The bedrooms are cocoons of harmony in natural hues, individually designed and fragranced. At nightfall, lamps designed especially for the home, in copper and rattan embroidered with raffia, enliven the walls and ceilings with their magical glow.

Dar El Sadaka is nestled in an 11-hectare estate that is fully fenced and guarded at all times. It offers the ideal private setting to relax, unwind and bask in lush natural surroundings.

The interiors are fully air-conditioned and equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi internet access. There is a library with satellite TV for watching international channels and Netflix, a multifunctional room that can be set up as a cinema, meeting or party room, a traditional hammam, a spa treatment room, a fitness room and a very large heptagonal overflow pool heated to 28°C.

The 1.5 hectare private gardens feature a green pergola for al fresco dining, a spacious Caidal tent and squishy sofas under the olive trees. There is also a tennis court, a ping pong table, a pétanque court and a volleyball field.

During their stay, guests can wander beyond Dar El Sadaka’s gardens and discover the large organic vegetable and aromatic gardens, the olive hedge maze and the park of monumental artworks on the estate.

Dar El Sadaka provides exceptional hospitality and services. There is a full squad of staff and an exceptional house chef so guests don’t have to lift a finger during their stay.

Daily housekeeping and turndown service, laundry and ironing service, massages, body and beauty treatments, tennis, yoga and cooking classes, babysitting service, English-speaking private drivers and concierge service.

Dar El Sadaka Guest Experience Designer assists guests with pre-arrival requests, stay planning including transfers, meals and activities, arranging customised local excursions, but also throughout their stay which is personalised according to their needs.

Because each traveller is unique, Dar El Sadaka designs customised excursions according to guests’ preferences including guided cultural discoveries in the Ochre City, unusual outings in the Palmeraie on-board neo-retro sidecars or driving classic cars, scenic hot air balloon flights, authentic experiences in the Agafay rocky desert or even 4WD adventures in the fertile valleys of the Atlas Mountains.

•• Exquisite organic gastronomy and magical stagings for exceptional Signature dining experiences ••

Dar El Sadaka’s very talented House Chef offers a flavourful and creative cuisine with international influences. Moroccan classics are reinterpreted, lightened and delicately spiced. There are plenty of options available to ensure all tastes are catered for, whether guests want Moroccan classics, vegan, sugar-free or detox meals or everything in between.

Jams are home-made, honey is harvested on site and Dar El Sadaka produces its own extra virgin olive oil. Vegetables and aromatic herbs come from the estate’s organic gardens, small local producers and organic markets. Seafood is sourced from carefully selected fishermen on the coast at Oualidia and Dakhla. Meat and poultry are supplied by an independent butcher who rears his animals on a nearby farm.

Dar El Sadaka creates timelessly magical moments through a multitude of signature stagings for exceptional dining experiences. Imagine the sumptuous Moroccan atmosphere of feasting in the Caidal tent, the indescribable romanticism of dining under a tree adorned with a thousand candles, gathering around the Magical Garden table that floats in the middle of a futuristic constellation in motion, or even stargazing and indulging with gourmet cuisine on the astronomical terrace.

Guests can enliven their evenings with the charm of exotic dancers, the magic of fire jugglers, or even the poetry of an equestrian performing arts show, and exhilarate their senses with tailor-made cocktails created by a mixologist in a festive atmosphere with traditional music or a DJ.

Guests can have visitors and Dar El Sadaka arranges private receptions for up to around 30 people during their stay on request. However, larger events and bachelor(ette) parties are not possible.

_____

INTERIORS
• Air conditioning and central heating throughout
• High-speed Wi-Fi, also poolside
• Portable Bluetooth soundbar
• Living room and dining room with fireplaces
• Library with satellite TV + Netflix
• Home cinema, meeting or party room
• Traditional hammam, spa treatment room and fitness room
• Professional grade kitchen with BBQ (staff only access)
• Not adapted for people with disabilities

OUTDOOR FEATURES
• 1.5 ha private gardens
• Al fresco dining areas (green pergola, covered terrace, rooftop)
• Spacious Caïdal tent
• Squishy sofas under olive trees
• 170 sqm heptagonal overflow pool heated to 28°C
• Pool side lounge, sunbeds and umbrellas
• Outdoor shower
• Tennis court (hard surface)
• Ping-pong table
• Pétanque court (clay surface)
• Volleyball field
• Football goals

GROUNDS
• 11-hectare fully fenced private estate guarded 24/7
• Organic vegetable and aromatic gardens*
• Olive grove*
• Olive hedge maze*
• Park of monumental artworks*
• Jean-François Fourtou’s artist studio and private residence**
* Non-exclusive access.
** Access strictly forbidden.

HOUSE TEAM
• Creative Director and Supervisor
• Guest Experience Designer
• Chef Madame Hassna and kitchen staff
• Head Waitress and service staff
• Head Housekeeper and cleaning staff
• Bellhops and porters
• Head Technician and maintenance staff
• Gardeners
• Security guard 24/7

SERVICES INCLUDED
• A dedicated concierge to assist with pre-arrival requests, stay
planning including transfers, meals and activities, arranging
local excursions, and throughout the stay (Guest Experience Designer)
• Daily housekeeping and evening turn-down service
• Linen and towel change two days per week (Including arrival day. Complimentary extra linen and towel changes upon request.)
• Daily change of pool and gym towels
• Pool heating
• Daily full breakfasts
• All mineral water, traditional Moroccan mint tea and Louisa (verbena from our garden)

A guided tour of Jean-François Fourtou’s park of monumental artworks and complimentary dining for children aged up to three years old are also included in every stay.

SERVICES AT ADDITIONAL CHARGE
• Meals and drinks à la carte
• Exceptional Signature dining experiences
• Entertainments
• Small private events (up to around 30 people)
• Massages, body and beauty treatments
• Tennis and yoga classes
• Cooking class with Chef Madame Hassna
• Babysitting service
• Laundry and ironing of personal linen
• Private transportation with driver
• Customised local excursions

Other things to note
It is your responsibility to check that our lodging capacity is suitable for your party. The bed configuration at Dar El Sadaka is stated in section "The space" above.

HOUSE RULES

Check-in time is from 16h00 and check-out time is before 11h00. Arrival and departure times are flexible subject to availability. If special check-in and/or check-out times have not been agreed upon booking, they cannot be guaranteed.

Guests must present their passport and complete the information form required by the Moroccan authorities upon arrival.

Please note that we operate a strict no pet policy. Smoking indoors and fireworks are strictly forbidden.

The artwork decorating Dar El Sadaka interiors and exteriors, the animal sculptures in particular, cannot be covered, moved or removed.

Product or brand placement and commercial photography or filming in any areas of the estate is strictly forbidden.

Guests use the facilities at Dar El Sadaka entirely at their own risk. Rooftop terraces have low walls, some stairs are without rails or protection, and the swimming pool is not fenced. Guests must supervise children and all non-swimmers in their party at all times.

Dar El Sadaka is a fully serviced experience including dining à la carte. It is not possible for guests to self-cater or to hire their own chef. Daily full breakfasts are included. All mineral water (still and sparkling), traditional Moroccan mint tea and Louisa (verbena from our garden) are also included. All other meals, snacks and drinks are à la carte. We do not offer half-board or full-board packages.

Our very talented House Chef offers a flavourful and creative cuisine with international influences. Moroccan classics are reinterpreted, lightened and delicately spiced. Every day, Madame Hassna and her team compose exquisite meals made with fresh organic produce of the highest quality. There are plenty of options available to ensure all tastes are catered for, please ask our Guest Experience Designer for sample menus during the preparation of your stay.

In keeping with family tradition, for each meal we invite our guests to choose ahead a starter, a main course and a dessert for their entire party. Menus change every day and follow the seasons. They can be adapted to special diet requirements (vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, nut-free, gluten-free etc.) Children's menus are composed according to the instructions given by their parents. Please note that there is no in-room dining service and the kitchen is closed at night. Night snacks prepared in advance are available upon request.

Dar El Sadaka holds a liquor license. Alcoholic drinks are à la carte but guests can also bring their own alcohol for a corkage fee of MAD 90 per bottle of wine and MAD 165 per bottle of Champagne and spirits. In addition, wine, Champagne and spirits can be coordinated via special orders through local vendors arranged in advance by our Guest Experience Designer for an additional fee that depends on the specifics of the order.

During the holy month of Ramadan, we kindly ask our guests to adapt their dinner times and allow our teams around twenty minutes each day to eat at the time of the breaking of the fast when the sun sets. We continue to manage our stock and serve alcohol to our guests during this period.

Guests can have visitors and we arrange private receptions for up to around 30 people during their stay on request. However, larger events and bachelor(ette) parties are not possible.

Our Guest Experience Designer assists with pre-arrival requests, stay planning including transfers, meals and activities, arranging local excursions, and throughout your stay. We offer a wide range of activities, including exceptional Signature dining experiences to indulge or celebrate a special occasion, and each stay is personalised according to our guests’ preferences.

We may use the services of carefully selected third parties to provide certain on-site services but guests cannot provide access to the property to other service providers during their stay unless with the prior authorisation from our Guest Experience Designer.

All additional services must be paid prior to departure. On site we accept payments by credit card (VISA, Mastercard and AMEX) and cash. Some additional services provided by third parties such as equestrian performing arts shows, DJ performances and local excursions, may require a deposit payment upon booking. Any modification, cancellation or refunds are subject to the policies of the third party providing the service.

The property and all furniture, fixtures, and all other contents, are to be treated with care. Guests are solely responsible for all damages in connection with the use of Dar El Sadaka caused by themselves or their visitors. A security deposit of MAD 55,000 will be pre-approved on the credit card of the Reservation Holder upon arrival against any damages. Cheques are not accepted for security deposit and as a form of payment.

Our Head Housekeeper and maids carry out the most meticulous cleaning every day including evening turn-down service. The daily housekeeping schedule is adapted to our guests’ activities to ensure minimum disturbance during their stay.

The property is guarded 24/7 and at least one maid, one server and one maintenance operator sleep on-site during stays in a staff-dedicated outbuilding. Our Creative Director lives on the estate and supervises all on-site operations.

There is an electronic safe box in each bedroom and we invite our guests to keep their valuable items inside. We will not be responsible or liable to our guests for any damage or loss of their belongings left on the property at any time.

French visual artist Jean-François Fourtou is the owner of the estate to which Dar El Sadaka belongs. Guests have complimentary access to the artist’s park of monumental artworks during their stay but please note it is off guest-dedicated areas. Please also note that access to Jean-François Fourtou’s artist studio and private residence on the estate is strictly forbidden.

Although the World Health Organisation announced the end of the emergency phase of COVID-19 in May 2023, and the Moroccan authorities lifted all travel restrictions related to this disease, we recommend that you check the latest travel advice in your country of origin before travelling to Morocco.

PROHIBITED USES OF DAR EL SADAKA OR ITS SERVICES

Guests agree, for themselves and their visitors, not to use Dar El Sadaka or its services for any unlawful purpose or in breach of Moroccan law or any other law applicable to the use of Dar El Sadaka’s services. Examples of prohibited uses include but are not limited to:

• Commission of any criminal offence including the possession and use of controlled drugs;
• Entertaining of courtesans or those employed for sexual gratification on the premises;
• Any form of verbal or non-verbal conduct which could be regarded as discriminatory, violent, bullying or intimidatory behaviour towards another individual or individuals on the premises, including Dar El Sadaka’s house team;
• Holding oneself out as an employee, agent or other representative of Dar El Sadaka;
• Taking any step or committing any action which may damage the moral standing or reputation of Dar El Sadaka and/or bring its name into disrepute.

Any prohibited use of Dar El Sadaka or its services can result in immediate termination of your stay at our discretion.

If we reasonably consider that the behaviour of guests and/or their visitors at Dar El Sadaka is unlawful or has caused (or is likely to cause) loss, damage or harm Dar El Sadaka or its reputation or any part of it, we reserve the right to deny access to the property, ask guests and/or their visitors to leave the premises, and inform the local authorities.

If a stay is being terminated in these circumstances, Dar El Sadaka shall not refund any monies paid in respect of that stay and shall be under no obligation to pay any compensation or meet any costs or expenses guests may incur as a result of their stay being terminated. Further, the guests shall indemnify and hold harmless Dar El Sadaka (for itself and on behalf of officers, employees and agents) from and against any loss, damage or harm.