Casa Gyla

Casa Gyla, a place like no other!!!

Everything about Casa Gyla sets it apart from all the newer, modern / traditional guest houses that abound in Marrakesh.
Starting from it' s history to it' s architecture, it' s location to it' s gardens, it' s bird life and it' s soul.

Built in the 1960 s by acclaimed french interior designer Jacqueline Foissac and her just as acclaimed Spanish painter lover Alejandro Reino as their hippie era love nest, it was one of the first dozen houses in the then vastly deserted palm grove where the electrical power grid had not yet been introduced.

The villa was thoroughly refurbished in the early 1990 s by the famous socialite American architect Bill Wyllis also responsible for the Yves Saint Laurent house and the Hotel Tichka.

Today, as all older, charming property, it undergoes constant work and upgrades to keep it the comfort standards.

The property was the home to many international jet setters, aristocrats, royal family members and socialites from the Old continent, appeared on several design and architectural magazines as well as film set for several movies.

THE ARCHITECTURE

The architecture is what gives Casa Gyla it's very unique feel. A charm difficult to find in any of the newer, ultra luxurious villas, most of which try for a mixture of Moroccan and modern architecture, very grandiose and impressive. Here, the architecture is strictly old Moroccan type, simple and sober, where each archway, each element radiates it' s own simple flawless beauty.

Carved doors dating back to the 17 th century lead out to the swimming pool terrace. Carved wooden ceilings many hundreds of years old brought in from a crumbling palace and painstakingly assembled piece by piece as many of the elements making up Casa Gyla.

The 5 lower floor rooms are all built around the glass dome covered patio with it' s white marble fountain. From your rooms you' ll hear the water lapping, the birds drinking at the fountain singing, you' ll smell the delicious Jasmine flowers and you’ll enjoy a great view to the densely planted patio.

The 2 upper floors are shared between our Lovers' Suite and the large terraces with stunning views to the palm grove and the Atlas mountain range.

THE GARDEN

The villa sits on a several centuries old 5 + acres garden literally covered with humongous olive trees, 12 units palm tree clumps reaching 150 + ft in the air, over 80 fruit trees of 12 different species, dozens of majestic atlas cypress trees. Trees old, healthy and big enough for us to hang relaxing hammocks to where you can enjoy an afternoon rocking away in their shade, enjoying the bird life they sustain.

Being ourselves big gardening fans we've put great emphasis on making our garden a feast to the senses respecting the local flora. The grounds are extensively planted with a large variety of roses, lavender, jasmine, rosemary, bougainvillea, lilies. Where ever you may be enjoying the sun your sure to be met by a delightful sight and smells.

Throughout the grounds our guests have cozy intimate places to retire to. We ve created little sitting and sun bathing areas here and there tucked away behind some tree so that all our guests have enough privacy!

THE ROOMS

Our rooms all have en suite bathrooms with bathtub and shower, crafted out of very intricate Moroccan zelije, assembled one by one to make out some wonderful patterns.

All rooms are large enough for a pleasant sitting area.

Some have a private terrace and independent access, some have a pool view and all have both a garden and patio view.

Suites des Amoureux, The Lovers' Suite:

Located on the first floor of the house, this is the largest and most beautiful room of all. About 800 sq ft inner space, it has two sitting areas with a delightful fire place, a large double bathroom straight out of The Arabian Nights, an extensive terrace with sitting area and breathtaking views of the snow covered Atlas mountain peaks and the entire palm grove. There is a dining area on the terrace. It's a uniquely romantic room, hence it' s name!

Junior Suite El Mehdi:

This is the second largest suite of the villa measuring some 500sq ft. It's located right at it' s entrance on the main floor. Tiled and decorated with deep warm colors, the suite is set out length wise with a living area and a large sleeping area. It has a beautiful private terrace looking onto the huge palm tree clumps with an independent entrance to the room. The room has wonderful views to the garden and the patio. It's a perfect room for those in want of privacy and Independence. It's large enough to comfortably fit in 2 extra beds to accommodate families.

Jamsin junior Suite:

This is the suite that is closest to the pool which enjoys very nice views to it, to the garden and to the patio. It measures about 400 sq ft, has a nice sitting area with coffee machine, and a large space than can either be used as a desk area, a dressing area or for an additional bed The bathroom is large, has both shower and tub fully tiled in hand cut and laid out Moroccan zelije which gives it a very princely oriental touch. It's named the Jasmine because of the jasmine smell that reaches it from the patio!

Shehrazade & Douniazade rooms:

These are twin rooms that share and communicate through a large and very beautiful bathroom entirely tiles with intricate and elaborate Moroccan zellije. They are ideal for friends and families wishing to stay together. One of them has a large terrace with private entrance. They measure about 300 sq ft each and both have a sitting area and a dressing area. The sitting area can easily be moved to accommodate an extra single bed. They open directly onto the patio and enjoy very nice garden views and great bird singing coming from the fountain. They can be rented out together or separately as the Douniazade room with private terrace and independent entrance also has a private bathroom.
.

Sghira room:

This is the coziest of our rooms. it' s warm and has a great feel in part due to it' s very high ceilings. As all other rooms it has a nice zelije tiled bathroom with tub and shower. Though smaller, Sghira has all the comfort one might need as well as a cozy sitting space with nice garden views. It's a room that' s quite often visited by birds coming in through the bathroom window opening onto the patio!

The Pavilion:

The pavilion is ideal for families or groups of friends who wish to be independent.Set at the far right of the main house with a 15 000 + sq ft of semi private garden. It' s about 900 sq ft and has 2 rooms with en-suite bathroom, a large living room with a very nice fireplace, and a large terrace directly onto the garden.


THE LOCATION

The Palm grove is a protected national park 2 Miles from Marrakesh downtown. It's by far the best place to enjoy Marrakech' s charms without any of its hassles common to all growing and touristy cities: noise, pollution, traffic jams, petty crime.

Some 8 centuries old, the palm grove is stunning, covered with huge palm tree clumps reaching surprising heights. The area is continuously replanted with younger trees and cared for by the national institute for forest protection.

It's at the foot of the Atlas mountain range which adds to its beauty and offers some very dramatic views: pink, orange fiery skies, snow covered mountain peaks and swinging palm trees!!!

You'll find many hiking trails around the park for those who like exploring on foot. There are many biking trails too.

You can also explore the area on horseback or camel back, best done in the late afternoon to enjoying the memorable sunsets the area is well known for.

It's the perfect area for more extreme activities like ATVs and Buggies, which you ll find plenty of available for hire with a guide.

Casa Gyla is located at the heart of the protected palm grove, in what is today known as "The Golden Triangle" amongst many royal residences, presidential homes and international socialites’ holiday homes. Security is at it's highest here!!!