A villa might be the smartest way to do Morocco with a crowd. Hotels in Marrakech fill up fast and the medina's energy doesn't exactly switch off at night — a private rental gives you the best of both: dip into the souks, then retreat to a quiet base with a pool, gardens and staff on hand. Condé Nast Traveller UK has rounded up ten of the strongest villa rentals for 2026, and the shortlist tells you where to aim.
The picks lean on two hubs. Around Marrakech, villas pair medina access with long views towards the Atlas Mountains — ideal if your group is mixing city days with a hiking trip. Many properties come with in-house chefs, housekeepers and even security staff, so the experience lands closer to a five-star hotel than a self-catering let. Standouts here include a fabulous riad with a garden, picked as the best option for big groups.
The second cluster is on the coast at Essaouira, the breezy Atlantic port town about three hours west of Marrakech. Two listings made the cut there: a rustic farmhouse with sea views for those prioritising the outlook, and a breezy, minimalist villa flagged as the most affordable pick of the round-up. Essaouira suits travellers who'd rather have waves and seafood grills than hammam queues — and it's noticeably cooler than inland cities in summer.
The vetting matters as much as the list. The editors filtered listings on Superhost status, guest ratings, reviews, amenities, location and decor, so these aren't just pretty photos — the service track record is behind them. Note that the selections are independent but the site may earn an affiliate commission if you book through its links.
Who's this for? Families and groups of friends, mostly. Villa rentals in Morocco shine when you're splitting costs between six or more people: you get hotel-grade service, a private pool and space to spread out, often for less per head than booking multiple hotel rooms. It's also a workaround for anyone tired of crowded riads in peak season. If a group trip to Morocco is on your 2026 calendar, the Marrakech-plus-Atlas and Essaouira coast routes are the two templates worth copying.