Villa Dar Zed is an extremely refined and beautifully furnished Moorish and Romanesque mansion (12 000sf) set in over five acres of lush walled gardens in one of the most prestigious quarters of the Palmeraie Targa palm plantation a few minutes outside old walled city of Marrakech: romantic views of the Atlas mountains in the distance.

The villa can be taken as a whole or, at most times, individual bedrooms or suites can be taken.

The estate is located on a quiet unpaved road in part of the Palmeraie not far from the city centre -- in fact, somewhat less "remote" than most villas in this vast plantation: enormous studded wooden gates open onto the long driveway bordered by vegetation and elegant footlights.

The driveway starts at the gateman's station, passes discreet parking for about ten cars, and leads up to a splendid natural courtyard; a pathway from the courtyard leads to the front door of the main villa.

The villa living area is centred on an opulent triple Moroccan salon (1500SF) with several French windows opening onto a long covered terrace which overlooks the swimming pool area of the garden.

The elegant suites and bedrooms are arranged on the ground and first floors: each bedroom is en-suite individually-designed, air-conditioned, and equipped with a CD player so guests can create their own personal atmosphere.

The Imperial Suite Bahia is in pure Andalusian tradition and comprises: a bedroom with four-poster; sitting room; dressing room; bathroom with a big tadelakt tub, a massage room with shower, and a big private terrace.

The Royal Suite Zahra is on the swimming pool side: double bedroom with central cupola; sitting room; bathroom with a tub; large private terrace overlooking the swimming pool.

The Royal Suite Kenza is in pure Berber style and comprises: double bedroom; archway to a sitting room; bathroom with tadelakt tub.

The Royal Suite Marjana comprises: double bedroom with domed ceiling; sitting room; bathroom with tadelakt tub; access to a private patio planted with trees and blessed with the faint gurgling sound of a fountain.

The four bedrooms are as follows: Saadia with panoramic view of the Atlas; Ghalia on the ground floor near the pol; Yasmina on the ground floor with possibility of linking to the Kenza suite; Chama on the ground floor with sitting room, a private terrace, a private garden accessed from the main garden.

All the bedrooms are around 250-400SF: each one has a unique décor as well as an extraordinarily beautiful bathroom with white, retro-style porcelain or beaten brass vanities, towel heaters, fine Moroccan zellig tile work, lovely dark red, blue, and brown marble floor tiles; all en-suite sitting room has a lovely Moroccan fireplace.

The décor is the epitome of classic Mauresque and Romanesque good taste with tadelakt and marble floors, tadelakt and hand stuccoed walls in white and cream, carved and decorated ceilings, sculpted doors, and stained glass windows.

The furnishings are a tasteful blend of the finest quality modern pieces and original antique pieces: richly sombre tazenaght carpets, fine kilims and carpets, beautiful brocade curtains, gilded mirrors, and wall lights, giant vases, sculptures, and Moroccan chandeliers.

Elegant lamps, old Moroccan masters, antique etchings, old botanical prints and posters, sepia and black-and-white photographs, and objets d'art as well as fine collectables all combining to create an absolutely wonderful atmosphere with light, colour and beauty everywhere.

The villa is superbly equipped with unique high quality dinnerware, silver cutlery, and crystal glasses as well as fine household linen and bathrobes; air-conditioning throughout and, for winter, moucharabieh wooden lattice-covered radiators, satellite TV, CD player, stereo system, WIFI, central music, and interphone are among the refinements of this elegant and historic home.

The manicured grounds embrace: lawns, flower beds, bougainvillea, jasmine, citrus, orange and fig trees, giant palm trees, and ancient olive trees as well as a host of North African indigenous plants.

The magnificent, 50-ft long swimming pool is flanked by lawns and sunbathing areas; superb furnished pool house area for romantic al fresco dining around the illuminated pool; lovely adjoining side garden - central seating area - bordered by semi-private covered terraces.

As night falls, the gardener sets out ancient lanterns lit with candles all around the villa: the magical atmosphere allows guest to take moonlight walks and strolls in the grounds while the scent of jasmine and bougainvillea enchant the senses.

Finally, there is a Berber caidal tent for al fresco dining among the palms and olive trees;

The villa has, for many years, been owned by a leading international CEO and aesthete, and it is fully staffed by 20: manager; accomplished chef creating Moroccan and fusion cuisine; butler; several housemaids; masseuse; two drivers and air-conditioned vehicles available.

Every day, the butler will discuss the menus with guests: lunches and dinners can be served in the gardens, around the pool, in the caidal tent, or simply in one's room.

Whilst there are perhaps more "luxurious" new villas in the Palmeraie, this villa is one of the three most authentic with a patina that only time can give.

It subtly evokes what is now a bygone age--never to be seen again--and it's almost as if one expects Hercule Poirot or Humpfrey Bogart to appear in the salon.

The Villa Dar Zed has hosted famous film stars and other luminaries: ideal for a large family or a corporate group seeking total peace and absolute privacy in supremely elegant, exotic, and comfortable surroundings within easy reach of the excitement of Marrakech and all the golf courses.