Villa Jardins d'Isa

We wouldn’t usually go to Marrakech in July and the temperature was 38-42 Celsius! However the bedroom air con and availability of parasols by the pool made it enjoyable to relax. The staff were exceptionally polite and attentive. English is a third language but mixed with our schoolbook French we managed just fine. The facilities were spacious and very clean. The food was very good quality and beautifully presented. There’s a small spa room for a hot hammam (thorough body wash, scrub, cleanse) which was very good value) £20). One of our group has a nut & sesame allergy. While staff did listen it took several attempts to convey the seriousness after they brought out sesame covered bread a day or two into our stay. That said we had no issues/ reactions with any dishes provided. The ingredients are fresh and occasionally some choices unavailable. The billing was confusing; menu prices are in Dirham, the bill is in Euro and two rooms billed separately with some items grouped together (rather than a daily tally) made it difficult to follow- especially with no printed copies to review- just email. It’s a small technically but I think it strained otherwise excellent relationships with a member of staff who’d been very friendly. It’s about 25/30 minutes taxi into the Medina which was fine for one evening visit as we’ve already been a member of times but there’s a daily free shuttle which would probably have made use of at a cooler time of year.

If English is your first and only language you will definitely struggle to communicate with all staff on site. Although all staff serving food and looking after the hotel were great their main receptionist was kind of rude spoke hardly any English and didn’t appreciate the tip we left. Not even a thanks. He also didn’t make an effort to communicate with my girlfriend and would reply to me when we would both ask questions. The hotel is very much in the middle of nowhere so taxis are essential. The shuttle service is a taxi. That leaves at 10 and picks you up at 5 they will be pretty persistent on taking you elsewhere for an extra cost. Any deviations with times or locations you’re looking at a bunch of random charges that you’ll have to pay. Half of which will be made up on the spot. It was €30 to be picked up and taken to the airport. Which is not a bad price but it was advertised that airport transfers were included. The hotel brochure is way over priced and you’ll find activities are more than half the price online. There was a dog on site that barked in the middle of the night which wasn’t ideal. Also the breakfast is nice definitely high standard but not a buffet it’s just an assortment of a few different bread based items and some fruit with drinks. Overall the hotel was great a very cute cat there too and very comfortable beds with a nice overall vibe.

Would not stay again

Our stay at Villa Jardins d’Isa was fabulous, the best place we stayed during our time in Morocco! The rooms and bright, clean and comfortable and the food it fantastic. Anna was very friendly and speaks perfect English. The patio area has a lovely pool and badminton and ping pong facilities. The villas are located quite far away from the Médina which was what we wanted and was meant we heard no noise from the main square. Would 100% recommend.

Beautiful villa with a gorgeous pool and well-tended grounds. An easy 20 minutes drive from the Medina. Our host Anna was gracious and helpful.