Dar Zemora
Marrakech Palmeraie, Morocco
based on 7 nights inc. flights
per person for 5 nights, based on 2 people sharing a double room, on a B&B basis and private return airport transfers from Marrakech.
At a Glance
Dar Zemora could not be more peaceful and welcoming - the feel good factor of a stay here is overwhelming
Privately owned by an English couple, Dar Zemora is a real home from home
Enjoy a delicious array of contemporary and traditional Moroccan cuisine
The layout of Dar Zemora lends itself very well to a group stay as you can make the most of the charming Dome, Omar and Casablanca rooms
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Weather-wise, the best times to go are spring and autumn. Marrakech is very hot in the summer months of July and August, a dry but extremely relentless heat. By the end of October the evenings are cool, although the midday sun is still warm enough to bask in. The weather in winter, from November to March, ranges from cold and rainy to sunny days, warm enough to sit outside.
Insider's View
Call us on to start planning your holiday to Dar Zemora or take a look at our itineraries to Morocco
Description
Dar Zemora is a stunning boutique hotel situated in the heart of the Palmeraie just outside Marrakech. Featuring Moroccan decor with modern touches, spacious gardens and excellent service, this relaxing retreat a real gem.
Situated in the heart of Marrakech's lush Palmeraie, Dar Zemora is an opulent oasis of tranquillity, brilliantly located for easy access into the buzzing medina. Three acres of gardens bursting with roses, olive and fruit trees, bamboo, bougainvillea and palms are the stunning setting for this country house style hotel where there is also a croquet lawn, bird terrace and herb and vegetable garden.
This intimate six-bedroom hotel stylishly combines a traditional Moroccan and contemporary feel. There are three luxurious and spacious suites with four-poster beds and private terraces and three double or twin rooms. All of the rooms are individually designed with traditional Moroccan finishes but have contemporary comfort throughout.
What makes Dar Zemora special among other things are the many beautifully appointed reception rooms - there are two comfortable salons, a cosy library with leather armchairs perfect for relaxing with a great book and a glass of wine or cup of fresh mint tea, a dome room and an open fan room. It is always easy to find somewhere quiet and private to relax, have a drink or a bite to eat. The garden has abundant citrus and palm trees, roses, jasmine and a large free flowing swimming pool surrounded by teak loungers and parasols and pool house. The outdoor pool is not heated during the spring or summer months but is solar-heated during the colder months.
Dining from a delicious set menu comprises a delightful array of Moroccan and international cuisine from the superb resident chefs. Should you have any preferences or dietary requirements they will be delighted to cater for these as well.
The aim at Dar Zemora is to provide a tranquil retreat but should you wish to explore we can arrange a private guided tour of the medina. Other activities available include golf, tennis, horse riding and quad biking to name a few. Whatever you choose to do with your time, Dar Zemora feels like home at the end of the day; welcoming smiles, delicious food and utter tranquillity abound here.
Accommodation
All Dar Zemora rooms benefit from central heating during the winter months, personally controlled air conditioning during the summer months, bath robes, safe, and ipod speakers (iPods and portable DVD players are available on request). All Dar Zemora rooms have garden views and exhibit paintings by the well known Marrakchi artist My Youssef Elkahfai.
Mecila Double | Mecila features a very large entrance door with a normal size door inside it. The characterful room features Berber-style carved furniture and a Juliet balcony. The room can be set up either with a double or twin beds. The large bathroom has a marble tub with shower over and trough style marble wash hand basin and separate WC. |
Bebra Double/Twin with Balcony | A very individual room which can be either twin bedded or double bedded. Furniture is decorated in traditional Tatoui style using Oleander wood. This is the only standard room with a fireplace. The bathroom has marble tub with shower, traditional brass wash hand basin and beautiful hand-painted ceiling. WC is within the bathroom. There is also a balcony with views across the gardens and table and chairs. |
Safra Double with Balcony | A more contemporary room with a lighter colour scheme, double or twin beds with Zouak headboard and embroidered cushions. The bathroom has a marble tub, round marble wash hand basin and separate walk in shower. WC is within the bathroom. The room has a balcony with seating area, and views across the gardens. |
Pavilion Pool Suite | The pavilion pool suite comprises a house in the gardens, with a large sitting room with fireplace, two bedrooms, one with a queen-sized bed and a further bedroom which can be set up either as a twin or a double. There is an extensive garden, terrace and private swimming pool which is heated. A great option for families. The master bathroom has enamel bath and twin wash hand basins, walk in shower and WC. The second bathroom has enamel bath and twin wash hand basins, walk in shower and separate WC. |
Perla Suite | The only suite above the ground floor, located up private stairs and featuring an enormous private roof terrace with wicker furniture, separate pergola and views over the palm tops. This suite is very private and beautifully furnished with vibrant fabrics and pale walls giving it a light and airy feel. There is a draped four-poster king-sized bed, sitting area with fireplace and dressing room. Marble bath tub with shower over, WC and twin wash hand basins. |
Zahara Suite | Entered through its own hall on the ground floor, this dramatic chocolate coloured suite has draped four-poster king-sized bed and sitting area with fireplace. Large bathroom with vaulted ceiling and dressing area, walk in shower, separate WC, marble tub and twin wash hand basins. Private terrace and garden with day bed overlooking the swimming pool and rose gardens. |
Childcare
Children are very welcome at Dar Zemora where personal service is at its best. The Pavilion Pool Suite has two bedrooms and is ideal for families, especially as it is slightly separate from the main hotel and is set in its own garden with private swimming pool. The hotel can arrange special meals for children and babysitting is available on request.
Facilities
The deep red-walled dining room and its terrace overlooking the lily pond are the perfect spot for Dar Zemora's fine breakfasts with produce from the garden. A two course lunch is served daily. In the evening Dinner is served at 8.30pm. Jamila prepares a Moroccan Fine cuisine of three courses every evening except Sunday, when a more traditional Moroccan four-course dinner is served. Meals can be enjoyed in the dining room, in your suite or at any chosen spot around the hotel and its gardens. Dar Zemora's three sitting rooms are all distinct in character and provide cosy places to relax and enjoy a book or an after dinner drink. There is also a library with comfy leather armchairs and WiFi. The hotel's swimming pool is just lovely with comfortable cushioned teak loungers (complete with sun hats) looking out over perfumed gardens. The pool is heated during winter months. Dar Zemora also has a traditional Moroccan hammam and treatment rooms where massages and other therapies can be enjoyed.
Activities
If guests can tear themselves away from the peace and tranquillity of Dar Zemora, trips into Marrakech's medina, to the Atlas Mountains, hot air ballooning, quad bikes, horse or camel riding, tennis, golf or a guide for sightseeing can all be arranged. Fantastic cooking classes can also be arranged.
Reviews
Daniel Smith (Staff)
No matter how many new hotels open in Marrakech, I always compare it to the benchmark that is Dar Zemora. It is quite simply my favourite home in Marrakech, and still believe it is the very best place to stay in the city. The quiet and relaxing atmosphere is something that is hard to replicate - just sitting in the their fan room overlooking the lawn and pool with mint tea in hand. Your shoulders automatically drop when you enter Dar Zemora - the wonderful service just lets you enjoy every minute. The rooms are stylish, although if you are wanting all the bells and whistles then maybe it isn't the place for you. The food, either international tasting or Moroccan, is sublime. It is so easy to dip into the Medina when you want so it makes an ideal final stop if you have started in the Medina, visited the Atlas and then want somewhere to finish at the end. Even for 5 or 7 nights, you can quite easily enjoy the space you get at Dar Zemora (not many places have a large lawn). For families, the two bedroom Pavilion is ideal. My pick of the rooms is either Zahara which is a gorgeous suite, or Perla with its large terrace. In terms of value for money it is hard to beat (and remember we have seen and compared them all in Marrakech). If you are planning to take over a place for a special even then it is also ideal. I really do highly recommend a stay here - you won't be disappointed.
Kerry Willmer (Staff)
We have loved this property from the start and it has continued to be a popular one with Scott Dunn guests
It has a homely feel as it only has 5 rooms and the service is every thing you would expect and more
If you were travelling with a family we would recommend staying in the pavilion room as it has 2 bedrooms
Experiences
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A day in the life of Berbers
Get to know Morocco's unique Berber culture by spending time in one of the authentic Berber villages. You'll have the opportunity to explore the Moroccan countryside and understand this traditional way of life.
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A day trip to the Atlas Mountains
Visit Imlil, a small Berber village in the High Atlas Mountains and located at the base of the highest mountain in Northern Africa, Jebel Toubkal. Explore the local area on foot or by mule including other Berber villages and their working co-operatives.
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Atlas Mountain hike with picnic lunch
Set out on foot to explore the beautiful landscapes of the Atlas Mountains and the Toubkal National Park, passing by traditional Berber villages and olive groves.
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Camel trek in the Agafay desert
Enjoy a peaceful trek with the desert's most iconic animal. Arabian camels, known as dromedaries, differ to other species featuring a single hump rather than two. Your Berber guide will lead you away from the camp to enjoy breathtaking sunset views.
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Cooking lesson in Marrakech
La Maison Arabe has a well established restaurant that opened in 1940 and its experienced chefs host cooking workshops. Have a go at making your own lemon chicken tagine and learn about traditional cooking methods using authentic Moroccan spices.
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Day trip to Imlil - Jebal Toubkal
Visit Imlil, a small Berber village in the High Atlas Mountains and located at the base of the highest mountain in Northern Africa, Jebel Toubkal. Explore the local area on foot or by mule including other Berber villages and their working co-operatives.
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Dressage Experience at The Selman
Enjoy a private class on horseback with an expert equestrian artist.
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Equestrian breakfast at The Selman
A very special breakfast awaits at The Selman Hotel, with a memorable presentation of Arabian thoroughbreds. Whilst enjoying a delicious selection of food and the stunning views the hotel's majestic horses will showcase their elegance and skills.
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Hidden Marrakech by Side Car
What better way to explore the narrow, winding streets of Marrakech then with a thrilling side car experience? Along with a local guide you’ll be take off-the-beaten track to find some of the hidden treasures of Marrakech.
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Hiking in the Atlas mountains
The perfect way to explore the vast expanse of the Atlas mountains is on foot, and there are a number of different routes and options available, depending on your preferences and previous experience. Enjoy a short introductory walk or longer hike.
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Historical highlights of Marrakech
Discover the exotic city of Marrakech with a tour of the Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, El Bahia Palace and the famous Souks. This guided history tour is the perfect introduction to the city, its fascinating culture and wonderful architecture.
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Historical Tour of Marrakech
Spend the day exploring the winding streets and spice-scented souks of Marrakech with your expert private guide, uncovering beautiful palaces, ancient tombs and imposing minarets.
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Hot Air Balloon across Moroccan landscape
Drift gently over the landscapes surrounding Marrakech, appreciating the silence and views of Berber villages and snow-capped Atlas mountains in the distance on this trip of a lifetime.
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Private Berber cooking class
Your private cooking class takes place amongst hectares of olive groves and vegetable gardens in the Berber countryside in the verdant Amezmize Valley. Learn the techniques to make traditional Moroccan dishes as you prepare a delicious two-course meal.
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Souks and spices treasure hunt
Embark on a tour of Marrakech's winding maze of souks in search of the perfect spices and ingredients. A local expert will help you source the freshest spices in this aromatic treasure hunt, as well as teaching you about traditional cooking methods.
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Street food tasting tour (Marrakech)
Along with a local food expert, take a journey through the culinary delights of Morocco visiting shops and stalls, seeking out local produce, fragrant spices and unique local dishes. Enjoy tasters along the way followed by a delicious dinner.
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Street food tasting trail
Get to know Morocco's fascinating culture first-hand through its delicious street food! With local foodies as your guide, head off the beaten track to sample delicacies that most visitors don't get to try.
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Visit the Majorelle gardens
Take a leisurely stroll around the eccentric Jardin Majorelle. An oasis of calm in the midst of the chaotic city, the gardens house an impressive collection of Islamic art alongside beautiful plants, cacti and lily ponds.
Holiday Ideas
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Authentic Marrakech and Moorish Spain
Seville, Cordoba, Granada & Marrakech
from £4000 pp inc flights & transfers for 10 nights
- Step into a world of culture and colour with this captivating ten-night itinerary
- Discover the fascinating history of Andalucia in Seville, Cordoba and Granada
- Get lost wandering through the narrow streets of Marrakech's vibrant medina
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Morocco Honeymoon
Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains & Oualidia
from £2900 pp inc flights & transfers for 8 nights
- A perfect trip for honeymooners wanting something a little different
- Relax with a traditional hammam or a massage with potent local oils and scrubs
- Sample local seafood on the Moroccan coast and enjoy Atlantic views
Location & directions
Marrakech Palmeraie, Morocco
Dar Zemora lies in the Palmeraie (the palm groved outskirts of Marrakech), a short 15-minute taxi ride away from the Medina.
How to get there
3-hour 30-minute direct flight to Marrakech Menara Airport. Dar Zemora is a 20-minute transfer from the airport.
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