Inside Out - Riad & Villas Fawakay - Marrakech - Simon Hawkesley. Date of travel: Jun 2009
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Francis and Dawn Boys-Stones waved goodbye to the leafy suburbs of Wandsworth in 2005 to embark upon a magical Marrakech adventure. Four years later they are still in Marrakech accompanied by their four children, two peacocks, two goats and a donkey called Doris.
Uniquely Riad Fawakay does not suffer the sterile “Ali Barber makeover” suffered by many ancient Riads, wholly to attract paying guests with preconceptions that they want the Disney version of Riad occupation. It was until very recently the family home, and designed accordingly. It is child friendly, has excellent communal space, English TV, books, videos and a plethora of subtleties that make the difference between enjoying a “home from home” rather than yet another “holiday home”.
Become “Lord of the Manor” for a week ,or just a few days, with your own staff, excellent cook and trusted guide. Booked for predominantly exclusive use from £200/night for the entire Riad which, for a family of four or six, offers great value. An alternative, which we highly recommend, is a two-centre holiday over the course of a week in Marrakech. NOTE: Read the 2006-2009 Visitor Book. It's priceless, you'll see what I mean!
Riad Fawakay is situated in the Medina close to the famous Ben Youssef Madrasa giving excellent access to the souks and the D’Jemaa el Fna. “Souk bashing” is a mesmerizing experience on first and second encounters, equally for Xmas shopping etc. It is also, especially with a young family, tiring which can easily lead to tiresome...
Enter Villas Fawakay... with three individually designed Villas to choose from, privacy is almost guaranteed. A large poolside open-air bar area allows the evening to continue long into early hours if one requires and also offers shady space to tuck into a trashy novel. The immediate vicinity is a photographer’s paradise. For families, groups and wedding parties, Villas Fawakay is a serious contender. A short drive into Marrakech gives you the best of both worlds. An abundance of doorstep luxury, golf courses...
Villas Fawakay continued..... - Simon Hawkesley. Date of travel: Jun 2009
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Villas Fawakay's large poolside open-air bar area allows the evening to continue long into early hours if one requires and also offers shady space to tuck into a trashy novel. The immediate vicinity is a photographer’s paradise and Dawn's own work is of publishing quality. For families, groups and wedding parties, Villas Fawakay is a serious contender. A short drive into Marrakech gives you the best of both worlds. An abundance of luxury golf courses, Villas Fawakay’s own "on site" clay tennis court, table tennis and boule caters for the energetic. Cultural trips and cookery courses can all be arranged.
Accommodation has been designed by Dawn, “Contemporary Arabic” with no expense spared. Luxury bathrooms, quiet hideaways, wi-fi, quality art and so on.
High end "Dubai meets Provence" without the price-tag.
From £300 per/night for the whole Villa (up to 6 guests), this truly represents exceptional value for money. With the potential to accommodate 20 people Villas Fawakay would make an ideal alternative for wedding planners.
