Swiss Elegance Meets Moroccan Charm: interview with Villa Maroc managing director

 The owner, Mounia Ezzaher, looks after the two sister properties, Villa Maroc and Les Jardins de Villa Maroc. These properties reflect cross-cultural design, with influences from her Swiss mother and her Moroccan father.

At Villa Maroc, Mounia and her parents have created an atmosphere that merges the clean lines and timeless elements of Swiss design with the vibrant, artisanal spirit of Morocco. The hotel is a true reflection of the artistry of both countries, featuring intricate mosaics, warm textiles, and bold colours. Over the years, they have thoughtfully curated the space by sourcing artwork and furniture from local artisans in Morocco, ensuring that each piece tells a story, adding an authentic touch of craftsmanship and local heritage to the property. 


Les Jardins de Villa Maroc features eleven ecodomes inspired by traditional Moroccan architecture. Constructed using local materials such as sand, clay, and limestone, these dome-shaped suites are naturally regulating through seasons and climates. Designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, the property emphasises sustainability and luxury, promoting biodiversity through its lush gardens filled with native olive groves, argan, and thuya trees.

These properties are not only visually stunning but also rich in history, culture, and thoughtful design. The blending of two distinct cultures is showcased through design elements as well as beautiful artwork dotted around each property. 

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Overseeing two sister properties, Villa Maroc and Les Jardins de Villa Maroc, what is the idea behind their design and offer?
 
Villa Maroc’s philosophy has always been to offer guests an authentic Moroccan experience — one that respects tradition while embracing comfort. Set within four 18th-century riads in the heart of the Essaouira medina, the property blends original architectural details with subtle modern touches. From the design of each room to the menus in our restaurant and the curated wine selection, every element is a reflection of Moroccan heritage.
Les Jardins de Villa Maroc was born from a different vision. Architecturally, it is unlike anything else. Inspired by southern Morocco’s nualas — rounded, earthen dwellings — our domes reinterpret ancestral forms with a contemporary sensibility. They feel at once futuristic and deeply rooted in the landscape. The aim was to offer a more modern perspective on Moroccan hospitality, seamlessly integrated into nature.
 
What makes the combination of Swiss design and Moroccan artisanal spirit successful, and what type of research did you conduct to achieve this blend?
 
While there isn’t a literal Swiss design influence in our architecture, the blending of Swiss and Moroccan sensibilities happens more subtly, in our approach to hospitality. I would describe our management philosophy as Swiss in its precision and discipline, and Moroccan in its warmth and spontaneity. That combination is what makes our guest experience so special.
The development of this balance wasn’t born from academic research but rather years of hands-on learning, working closely with both cultures, and refining our approach over time.
 
How do the properties support and reflect Moroccan artisanship and cultural heritage?
 
We’ve spent the past 30 years building relationships with local artisans, many of whom have been working with us since the very beginning. Whether it’s the handcrafted tableware from Safi or zellige tiles fired in the traditional ovens of Fes, Moroccan craftsmanship is present in every corner of Villa Maroc.
At Les Jardins de Villa Maroc, the domes themselves are a celebration of ancestral techniques. Built entirely by hand using local earth and the expertise of maalems (master builders), they are a testament to what can be achieved when heritage meets innovation.
 
What are the benefits of using local materials and artisanal know-how?
 
Beyond showcasing the extraordinary beauty of Moroccan craftsmanship, working with local materials and artisans preserves knowledge that has been passed down through generations. Take tadelakt, for example — a traditional plastering technique that creates a smooth, water-resistant finish. Its production and application require such specialised skill that it’s nearly impossible to replicate outside Morocco without years of experience.
Using these methods not only ensures authenticity and quality but also sustains the communities that have kept these traditions alive.
 
How are the properties promoting biodiversity and social sustainability?
 
Our sustainability philosophy has always been simple and grounded:

• We buy local.
• We cook to order to avoid food waste.
• We employ locally and train on-site.
• We prioritise renewable energy.
• We conserve water, for example, by offering showers rather than bathtubs.

 
These values have guided us for over three decades. More recently, we’ve taken even more tangible steps:

At Les Jardins de Villa Maroc, 70% of our energy is solar-powered. Our swimming pool is heated using grignons d’olive— the repurposed waste from our own olive oil production. These choices are driven by a desire to lead by example, showing that sustainable luxury is not only possible but necessary.
We make small, mindful decisions every day — and we believe they add up to something meaningful.
 
What aspects of Morocco’s rich history and culture do your properties reflect, and how are they relevant to today’s travellers and the local community?
 
Both properties reflect different facets of Moroccan identity. At Villa Maroc, the setting and atmosphere transport guests into the heart of Essaouira’s medina life, surrounded by traditional architecture, layered textures, and age-old rituals of Moroccan hospitality.
Les Jardins, on the other hand, speaks to Morocco’s evolving narrative. It embraces the spirit of innovation while respecting tradition, creating something fresh yet deeply local.
For today’s travellers — especially those seeking deeper, more meaningful experiences — this balance between heritage and relevance is essential. And for the local community, it’s a way of seeing their own culture celebrated and sustained in a respectful, forward-thinking way.

Les Jardins property, above and below.