Aux 3 Portes

What stayed with me most was how personal the whole experience felt. I was unusually moved by it, perhaps because of other things going on in my life. It felt like being invited into someone’s world, built over time with love and passion, both deeply intimate and open to the public. That balance between sharing it and keeping it personal is a difficult one. Even the relentless rain in January and February, which kept me indoors, was hardly something to complain about. Aux 3 Portes stars. Aux 3 Portes sits high on the ridge of the old city, beside the ancient fortifying wall of the Kasbah. The busy Medina is only a short walk away. From the house you can look across the Strait of Gibraltar toward Spain and part of the fishing port. Below, the beautiful, dense garden runs down the hillside to an organically curved pool set in a clever mirrored space. There are romantic little corners with tables and chairs throughout, part of the restaurant, which is also open to the wider public. The house itself is exceptional, full of stories, and the smallest gestures matter. My room won me over as soon as I stepped in. It was generous in size, with three windows looking out to the ocean through lush garden greenery. A large marble-lined bath, carefully chosen furniture, art, and textiles all felt special and rare. The themed guest rooms, dining room, large sitting room, private nooks, and plant-filled terrace continue the same atmosphere. The museum-like interiors hold a remarkable collection of French - Moroccan objects, without hiding the house’s colonial past. Carefully arranged scenes within scenes offer spots for quiet, sun, privacy, or conversation, both in the house and garden. The staff were friendly, helpful, and attentive, with a level of care that matched the MAISON itself. My stay was a far cry from anything standardized or replaceable.