Villa du Cedre

Villa du Cedre Overview

You know what caught me off guard about Villa du Cedre? The silence. I mean, you’re technically still in Marrakech, but once you hit the Ourika Valley area in El Haouz, it’s like someone turned the volume down on the entire city. This place sits in that sweet spot where you get the Atlas Mountains backdrop without feeling completely cut off from civilization – though honestly, after a day in the medina’s chaos, being cut off doesn’t sound terrible.

The villa itself has this understated elegance that actually feels authentic rather than trying too hard. The cedar trees (hence the name, obviously) create these pockets of shade that make the courtyard genuinely pleasant even when it’s pushing 35 degrees outside. What I really appreciated was how they’ve kept the traditional riad architecture but didn’t go overboard with the tourist-friendly Morocco theme – you know how some places pile on the lanterns and carpets until it feels like a movie set? Not here. The rooms are spacious without being cavernous, and the beds are actually comfortable, which isn’t always a given in boutique places like this. The bathrooms have proper water pressure too, something I’ve learned not to take for granted in this part of the world.

Here’s the thing about the location though – you’ll want a car or be comfortable with taxis, because while the Ourika Valley is gorgeous, you’re about 30 minutes from the main Marrakech action. But that’s kind of the point, right? The staff seems to get this balance perfectly; they’ll arrange transport or day trips without being pushy about it, and they know the area well enough to suggest spots most tourists never see. I had one of the best tagines of my trip at a place they recommended up the valley – just a family-run spot with plastic chairs and incredible food. The pool area gets busy around midday when day-trippers from Marrakech show up, but early mornings and late afternoons are perfect for actually relaxing. One small thing – the WiFi can be spotty in some rooms, but honestly, that might be a feature rather than a bug depending on what you’re after. The 9.1 rating makes sense when you consider what you’re getting for the price point, especially if you time it right during shoulder season when the weather’s perfect and the crowds thin out.

Villa du Cedre Accommodations

Reviews of Villa du Cedre

• INCROYABLE ! La meilleure location que nous ayons fait depuis des années ! – Fabrice1596 from France – 10 June 2025 (10/10)

  La meilleure location au meilleur rapport qualité prix ! L'endroit est paradisiaque, on a pas eu envie de sortir visiter tellement nous étions bien 😉
  Une cuisinière et un assistant personnel pour répondre à tout nos besoins étaient également présent, et le propriétaire est disponible à tout moment par WhatsApp pour nous guider. Bref, le top du top !
  
  What could be improved: La dernière route pour rejoindre l'établissement est un peu chaotique… Soyez patient et tout ira bien, la location en vaut vraiment la peine 😉

• Lieu exceptionnel, magnifique – Aude from Morocco – 9 June 2025 (10/10)

  Tout est parfait dans cette villa
  
  What could be improved: Rien

• dépaysant et agréable ! – François from France – 5 June 2025 (10/10)

  Merci pour cet accueil et la bulle de bien être offerte par la Villa du cédre, un propriétaire au soins avec nous tous et trés serviable ! trés beau jardin ! nous y retournerons probablement t

• Wonderful stay in a six star villa – Erik from Netherlands – 1 March 2025 (10/10)

  We had a fantastic stay in this beautiful oasis. A very warm welcome from the owner and the team, and very good care for our family. The villa is stunning and from there it was also quite easy to go to the beautiful mountains, Marrakech etc.
  The views at the roof top are also fantastic and there are many beautiful seating options in the villa area itself, in beautiful colors. Also enjoying the quietness.
  
  What could be improved: —

• Clean and cozy private oasis – Adomas from Lithuania – 5 November 2023 (10/10)

  Well isolated lodge, clean pool, nice facilities, rooms are spacious, large kitchen and rooftop terrace, wonderful garden and our course helpful staff!
  
  What could be improved: Lack of kitchenware and cutlery in the kitchen if you were suppose to cook and serve by yourself. Grit road from main road and from Ourika might be challenging for low base small cars.

• The blend of relaxation and excitement made my visit truly unforgettable. – Mohammed from Morocco – 8 September 2023 (9/10)

  The attentive staff made my experience memorable. The serene surroundings and impeccable interior design added to the charm, making my stay thoroughly enjoyable.

• Really enjoyed and would go again – Bella from United Arab Emirates – 4 April 2023 (8/10)

  The property is perfect for familes. Big spacious rooms and lots of outside space plus pool. We had everything we wanted and the staff were fantastic and helpful. Ate in the villa and food was delicious and plentiful.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was good – the only things i would like to improve would be that the beds were very hard and maybe good idea to have a simple menu to choose from for meals in the villa. Also a sign on main door.

• Super clean, convenient for the nearby outdoorsy sites, and very relaxing. Highly recommended – Hajar from United Kingdom – 28 December 2022 (9/10)

  We gathered as a family in this property and had an amazing stay. it was perfect for the younger ones to have space to play around (just keeping an eye on the very young ones near the pool), and for the older ones to have proper relaxing time.
  The location can also be a perfect spot for groups of friends looking for a peaceful and beautiful reunion spot.
  The professional and friendly staff made our stay even more pleasant. Finally the host was extremely friendly and helpful.

• Great place to stay! Really worth it. – Ilias from Belgium – 11 August 2022 (10/10)

  Everything was awsome
  
  What could be improved: –

• I do not want to leave this place – Nasser from Saudi Arabia – 19 July 2022 (10/10)

  This is a great place to escape from your routine and to relax, it is fabulous for families and groups, the villa is maintained by a house manager, a house helper, and a gardener. They were very helpful and they make you feel like family. All your meals nan be cooked for you including barbecue , your laundry can be washed
  Rooms are like 5 stars hotel suites
  All were spacious, had a bathroom, bathtub and a shower
  Swimming pool was wonderful
  The garden was heavenly
  The owner Was very hospitable, respectable, generous and humble
  I will definitely come back again and again
  
  What could be improved: The last 500m before teaching the villa was off road and little rough
  Because of the location your phone connection and data roaming is bit slow

Surroundings

Facilities