The Canary Islands are an archipelago of seven main islands and six smaller islands in the eastern central Atlantic approximate 100km to 500km western of Morocco. They form one of the 17 self-governing communities of Spain. All islands are of volcanic origin where approximately only 5% of the “Canary Mountains” tower out of the water. One of the main islands is Lanzarote, the most north-eastern of the main islands. The island became a biosphere reserve in 1993 by the UNESCO and measures 58 km from the north (Punta Fariones) to the south (Punta Pechiguera) and 34km in its biggest east-west dimension. Lanzarote’s biggest city is Arrecife with its international airport which connects to the European mainland and some big cities.

The island is dominated by two major mountain ranges. Southward of the Famarra-Massif extends the sand dessert El Jable which divide the Famara–Massif from the Timanfaya National Park. Just bordering with the reserve and in an absolute stunning and one-of-its-kind location you will find a rare Mediterranean/Moroccan influenced property in a commanding position with great views on its surroundings and the ocean. The approximately 450sq.m or 4’800sq.ft villa is located in a tranquil location with an unobstructed view and absolutely privacy. The owner, a Swiss, built the house with care to finishing’s and designed it in a Canary typically charm. He imported many of the features like windows from Switzerland to accomplish his own demand on quality and usability. The rural location and its complete privacy make this villa a great getaway to relax and to find oneself.

Posted By: Peter Rabitz

Marrakech is still a destination of interest and with the sale of Yves Saint Laurent former house in Tangier, the country is once again the focus point of many of the city slickers from around the globe. The country features a variety of country sides and fairytale like city living what makes it one of the most sought after it-destinations on the African continent. Besides Marrakech, the red city with its oriental style souks and colourful life throughout the whole city, with its medina and beautiful riads is only one attraction to many of us, but there is much more to explore and one of Morocco’s latest destinations is upcountry, in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. This part of Morocco is quite different to the bustling life of Marrakech’s ancient city, but still attracts foreigners who are fascinated by valleys, which are not dissimilar to rural Mallorca or Andalusia and which are only an hour’s drive out of the city. But, despite the increasing interest in locations outside Marrakech’s such as Ouirgane, Marrakech itself still leads the pole position for people demanding living like in the Thousand and One Nights. Although the proliferation of riads may be abating, but the city is still top of the wish list of many individuals such as iconic celebrities as well as many luxury hotel groups like Roco Forte, Gordon Campell Gray, Four Seasons, Banyan Tree and Park Hyatt who all have designs on the city.

I define two major areas within Marrakech where people looking for their dream oriental style hideaway. The Palmeraie, a 10-minute jaunt northeast from the city by air-conditioned 4WD, has been Marrakesh’s most salubrious and expensive area, with beautiful and huge sized villas. A bit more sought-after, but very rare to find are beautiful renovated riads within the Medina of Marrakech. The supply of top-end luxury riads within the Medina and right next to Marrakech’s famous souks and the Djemaa el Fna, the so called “meeting point of Africa”, is rather limited and mostly quiet marketed. Please click here to see two outstanding examples of fabulous Moroccan riads.

Posted By: Peter Rabitz