Inside Out - Riad & Villas Fawakay - Marrakech
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 accompained by their four children, two Peacocks, two Goats and a Donkey called Doris.
It is easy to judge others…… no really.. it is!
For when it comes to passion, commitment, determination and a steely resolve to see a dream manifest into a reality then Francis and Dawn are surely a worthy challenger for any award.
Uniquely Riad Fawakay does not suffer the sterile "Ali Barber makeover" suffered by many ancient Riads, wholly to attract paying guests with, assumed, 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.
NOTE: Read the 2006-2009 Visitor Book. It's priceless, you'll see what I mean!
An alternative, which we highly recommend, is a two-centre holiday over the course of a week in Marrakech.
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, without doubt, equally for Xmas shopping etc. it can be an unrivalled experience. It is also, especially with a young family, tiring which can easily lead to tiresome…..
Enter Villas Fawakay... within a short drive from the hub-bub of Medina life you are transported to a world of poolside hedonism. With just three individually designed Villas to choose from privacy is almost guaranteed. Almost being the operative word….. Doris lives here. A beautiful "free to roam" donkey. Francis described, of his ambitious landscaping plans coming to fruition following the first planting season. "When spring arrived I was delighted to witness the fruits of my labour when the area, surrounding the far Villa, had overnight transformed into a lush meadow of Yellow flowers. By the time the children had returned from school, Doris had devoured the lot…… in one sitting ! " Fortunately the balance between nature and Doris's menu choices do have a harmony. Doris not only adds fantastic value to the enjoyment of those who stay but she also enriches the soil that allows the grounds to flourish into resplendent colour. Frank and Stein, the magnificent resident Peacock and Peahen also "till the land" and fertilise accordingly. Ken and Deirdre, two goats, keep the lawn down freeing Francis, Dawn and the staff to bow-to-the-whim of their clients needs.
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 and Dawns 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 doorstep 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 on.
High end "Dubai meets Provence", as standard, without the price-tag.
From 300 per/night for the whole Villa (up to 6 guests - do the maths?) do not assume the quality of the property must reflect the price. This truly represents exceptional value for money. With the potential to accommodate 20 people Villas Fawakay would make an ideal alternative for wedding planners.
Last year a friend of mine took his new bride and respective families to Marrakech to create their own private marriage blessing. The brides father was "elected" to conduct the service and the intimacy of the experience held a special gravitas due to the brides fathers long suffering campaign to fight cancer. He lost the battle but won that day.
Villas Fawakay was not an available destination at that time. Had it been so….. I would have fought to champion Francis and Dawn's facility for venue. As much for their unique personalities, care and attention, as I would for their very special venue, in meeting expectation and budget.
Photos to accompany this article can be found at:
http://www.marrakech.uk.com/#/fawakay/4534023248
It is easy to judge others…… no really.. it is!
For when it comes to passion, commitment, determination and a steely resolve to see a dream manifest into a reality then Francis and Dawn are surely a worthy challenger for any award.
Uniquely Riad Fawakay does not suffer the sterile "Ali Barber makeover" suffered by many ancient Riads, wholly to attract paying guests with, assumed, 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.
NOTE: Read the 2006-2009 Visitor Book. It's priceless, you'll see what I mean!
An alternative, which we highly recommend, is a two-centre holiday over the course of a week in Marrakech.
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, without doubt, equally for Xmas shopping etc. it can be an unrivalled experience. It is also, especially with a young family, tiring which can easily lead to tiresome…..
Enter Villas Fawakay... within a short drive from the hub-bub of Medina life you are transported to a world of poolside hedonism. With just three individually designed Villas to choose from privacy is almost guaranteed. Almost being the operative word….. Doris lives here. A beautiful "free to roam" donkey. Francis described, of his ambitious landscaping plans coming to fruition following the first planting season. "When spring arrived I was delighted to witness the fruits of my labour when the area, surrounding the far Villa, had overnight transformed into a lush meadow of Yellow flowers. By the time the children had returned from school, Doris had devoured the lot…… in one sitting ! " Fortunately the balance between nature and Doris's menu choices do have a harmony. Doris not only adds fantastic value to the enjoyment of those who stay but she also enriches the soil that allows the grounds to flourish into resplendent colour. Frank and Stein, the magnificent resident Peacock and Peahen also "till the land" and fertilise accordingly. Ken and Deirdre, two goats, keep the lawn down freeing Francis, Dawn and the staff to bow-to-the-whim of their clients needs.
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 and Dawns 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 doorstep 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 on.
High end "Dubai meets Provence", as standard, without the price-tag.
From 300 per/night for the whole Villa (up to 6 guests - do the maths?) do not assume the quality of the property must reflect the price. This truly represents exceptional value for money. With the potential to accommodate 20 people Villas Fawakay would make an ideal alternative for wedding planners.
Last year a friend of mine took his new bride and respective families to Marrakech to create their own private marriage blessing. The brides father was "elected" to conduct the service and the intimacy of the experience held a special gravitas due to the brides fathers long suffering campaign to fight cancer. He lost the battle but won that day.
Villas Fawakay was not an available destination at that time. Had it been so….. I would have fought to champion Francis and Dawn's facility for venue. As much for their unique personalities, care and attention, as I would for their very special venue, in meeting expectation and budget.
Photos to accompany this article can be found at:
http://www.marrakech.uk.com/#/fawakay/4534023248
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