Loved the Dar Cherif, the service was superb and tailored to our requirements (fussy 13 year old boys), the suites immaculate and very tasteful, the pool a dream.
We had a look at the tent - don't hestitate book it! Large, spacious, light and luxurious - and private.
5 stars - many thanks for starting our holiday so well.

The previous review sums up our experience perfectly but I wanted to add another positive rating as we can't believe how lucky we have been and how we have really landed on our feet here.

The aim of our trip was to escape the hectic pace in London, take in some sun and a little culture. Within the first day we were so relaxed and well looked after that we could have gone home content. Maria is a delightful host and nothing is too much bother for her or her three charming staff. Traditional teas, coffee and water are brought to you on demand, there is fresh fruit in your room everyday and the fragrant roses by your bed are picked from the garden right outside your room. The food is delightful and we can eat where we chose. The Moroccan wine was delicious and when we couldn't finish our bottle the first night, Maria popped a cork in it and served it up the next night for us.

With only 6 rooms this residence has the feel of exclusivity and utter privacy without paying the handsome price tag. We have seen the other guests briefly but the pool, the hammam, the sitting room or the sun terrace have been essentially ours alone when we used them - and you certainly don't get that at one of the 5-star hotels in the city!

Although quite a distance from the city itself (and therefore not suitable to those wanting to revel in the constant bustle and noise), access is very simple - Maria will arrange a car to suit you and you tell the driver what time you would collected, avoiding the hassle of petit taxis around Djeema el Fna. Perhaps more expensive than using public transport, the chosen taxi firm is clean, prompt and friendly and as the fare is added to your room bill, the hassle of negotiating a price is removed from the equation. Our driver was very knowledgeable and he offered his telephone number should we wish to change our time of collection which took a weight off our minds that we had to be done by a certain time (we did more shopping in the souks than planned!) A range of excursions are available on request (e.g. Atlas mountains 1-hours drive / Essouria 1-day) or a car and guide can be arranged for your disposal, and you do not need to book days in advance, rather decide over dinner when Maria pops by to see how you are getting on.

Having travelled extensively over the last 10 years I have to admit although perhaps a little sceptical when we first drove through Marrakech and down a short bumpy track to get to Dar Cherif, I was certainly not let down - this is a beautiful serene residence for anyone wanting to escape a busy life and I would recommend it at the drop of a hat!

Dar Cherif is a relatively new Riad run by a wonderful lady called Maria, ably helped by Driss, Fatima and her other excellent staff. The Riad is about 10km out of Marrakesh and may not be ideal for a short break for first timers to Marrakesh. However we had been before and wanted to spend time playing some golf and driving into the Atlas mountains.

Each room has been individually designed and all of them are very spacious. They all have their own private terraces looking out on the gardens, with the snow capped Atlas mountains in the background.

The gardens are spacious and there is a lovely pool for use when the weather is warmer.

Maria's chef will prepare anything for breakfast that clients want, so at various times we had croissants, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit and wonderful little Morrocan pancakes soaked in honey. Breakfast is totally flexible and you can have it in your room or on the terrace at any time.

Whilst we did go into Marrakesh to eat at one of the best restaurants there, it was nowhere nearly as good as that produced by Maria's chef. As a result we ate almost every evening at the Riad, enjoying a wide variety of Tagines, couscous and other Moroccan specialities.

Maria is extremely well travelled and speaks English fluently, as one might expect from someone who worked at the British Embassy for a number of years. One of the delights of the holiday was enjoying a pre dinner aperitif with Maria and chatting about a wide variety of different topics, as well as finding out more about the "real" Morocco.

This year I understand Maria is getting a Minibus to take guests into Marrakesh, but if people are keen to spend most of their time amongst the hurly-burly of Marrakesh, this is not the place to come. However if you want to enjoy a peaceful holiday close to Marrakesh, play some golf, drive into the mountains etc, then Dar Cherif makes an ideal base.