Dar Ayniwen Garden Hotel & Bird Zoo

I am a little reluctant to write this as I would love to keep this exquisite place to myself… But equally, Dar Ayniwen thoroughly deserves a glowing review. The property is located in the Palmeraie, a palm grove to the east of Marrakech, dotted with boutique hotels and gated private homes. Upon arrival, after a short drive from the airport, I was warmly welcomed by manager Aziz and, fresh mint tea in hand, I was taken on a tour of the hotel’s beautiful gardens. I say ‘hotel’ - in fact staying at Dar Ayniwen feels more like being an honoured guest in a private home (which it once was.) An upgrade to the beautiful Tiwaline 1 suite awaited me - and what a room! Adorned with antiques and featuring a separate living room, a domed marble bathroom with walk-in shower and a supremely comfortable bed, it was truly a home from home. On the ground floor, at the side of the main house, Tiwaline 1 opens to a shady riad style garden complete with tortoises and a very vocal Siamese cat! My 2 night stay was intended as a quiet period of relaxation prior to the arrival of a relative in Marrakech for some more energetic leisure pursuits. And it couldn’t have been more perfect. A comfortable sun lounger was placed in the spot of my choosing on the expansive lawn near the (heated but still refreshing) pool for an afternoon of much needed sun. (26 degrees was an absolute joy after cold, grey late January England!) When I brought a soft drink from the fridge in my room, a glass was delivered with a little table. This is just one example of how the (superb) staff strike just the right balance - attentive but unobtrusive. And as a solo traveller and first time visitor to Morocco, I felt thoroughly looked after. Meals are taken in a charming, cosy tent with an open fire. (There’s a terrace for balmier evenings). Breakfast is a tasty combination of fruit, pastries and Moroccan pancakes, brought to your table. Dinner - ordered in advance to ensure the freshest ingredients can be sourced on the day - was honestly the best food I have eaten in a hotel. The beef tagine was utterly sublime. On my first evening I was welcomed into the tent by owner Stéphane. Merci/shukran Stéphane for sharing your family home with your guests! For a treat I had booked a spa treatment, but Amina, the hotel’s beautician, was unwell on the day I had booked, so the hotel arranged a transfer for me to and from a local hammam and spa about 10 minutes away, which I found via google. (I hope Amina is much better now.) After two blissful nights cocooned in this peaceful paradise, I left Dar Ayniwen feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on whatever Marrakech had to offer! Thank you to Stéphane, Aziz, Ismael, Rashid and everyone who works so hard to make Dar Ayniwen such a welcoming place. They have truly nailed 5 star service in a boutique setting. I shall most certainly return!

I have been to many resorts and this definitely tops off all of them! I highly recommend this place to anyone looking to relax on vacation. The room was very clean, the staff is so nice and amazing at what they do. The chef is excellent, the food was on point every single time. The heated pool was nice and big. The resort itself is so beautiful, lots of pretty pathways amongst the nature and tall palm trees! Management is on top of everything, they truly try their best and pay attention to small details to make your time at Dar Ayniwen like no other. Everyone was so nice right from the beginning all the way to the very end. What an amazing experience this was, I wish we had stayed longer. We cannot wait to return to Marrakech!