Neighbourhoods of Marrakech

Noria, Argan & Samanah

6 min read

Noria, Argan and Samanah comprise several golf estates in the south-west of Marrakech, along the roads to Tahanaout and Amizmiz. Each estate has its own access points, service charges and level of landscaping maturity.

Article summary Go directly to the different sections 14 sections

Do not group three different estates together

Noria, Argan and Samanah are situated in the wider south-western area of Marrakech, around the Tahanaout and Amizmiz roads. Noria Golf is located on the Tahanaout road, whilst Samanah extends across a vast estate further to the south-west. Argan refers to a distinct set of developments and a separate golfing environment. They both face the Atlas Mountains, but their access points and layout are different.

Villas, flats and golf course views

The portfolio comprises villas, apartments within residential complexes, and, in certain cases, plots of land or development projects. A golf course view should be evaluated according to orientation, distance from the fairways, the passage of golf buggies and the potential for overlooking neighbouring properties. The gardens and landscaping vary in maturity across different phases.

Accessibility and amenities

These developments are designed for car use. It is essential to test journeys to the airport, the town centre, schools and shops at actual times of day. The presence of a clubhouse or hotel does not replace the everyday amenities required for a main residence.

Points to check

  • Estate, phase and exact entrance.
  • Service charges, security and condition of communal areas.
  • Orientation and future views.
  • Quality of construction and technical facilities.
  • Commuting time and reliance on a car.

These areas are suitable for buyers seeking golf, space and views. However, comparisons must be made on a development-by-development basis: a villa in Noria is not the direct equivalent of a villa in Samanah.

Do not confuse a golf estate with a residential neighbourhood

Noria and Samanah are associated with golf courses and organised programmes, whilst Argan encompasses a wider variety of residential developments. Consequently, the levels of service, security, service charges and distance to the city centre are not directly comparable. Before making any selection, clarify whether you are seeking a villa with a golf-course view, a family home, a practical flat or a large second home.

Travel times to the airport, Guéliz, schools and shops should be checked. A pleasant weekend retreat may feel isolated for day-to-day living if travel times have been underestimated.

Compare properties within the same development

The position on the course, orientation, distance to the clubhouse, density of development, neighbouring properties and stage of construction can all make a significant difference. Enquire about service charges, the rules and regulations, future works and the scope for alterations. For a villa, also check the swimming pool, irrigation system, air conditioning and waterproofing; for a flat, prioritise parking, a lift, natural light and the management of the owners’ association.

Explore other areas in south-west Marrakech and the properties available among our villas and flats.

Completed phases and future surroundings

In developments carried out in phases, check what has actually been completed, what is still planned and any construction work that may still take place. The proximity of a phase under construction may affect peace and quiet for several months. Conversely, the gradual completion of facilities can enhance the property’s usability. It is important to distinguish between contractually agreed facilities and mere commercial projections.

Three distinct areas that should not be lumped together in a single comparison

Noria, Argan and Samanah are located in the far south-west of Marrakech, but they do not form a single neighbourhood. Noria is organised around its golf course and landscapes blending olive groves, lavender and desert-like areas. Samanah is a championship golf estate developed on the road to Amizmiz. Argan comprises several residential developments and urban extensions closer to the city. Access, amenities and property types are therefore very different.

Any listing should therefore clearly state the estate, the residential complex, the kilometre marker, the road used and the type of property. Comparing a flat in Argan with a villa on the golf course in Samanah is therefore meaningless.

Golf estates and everyday living

While the scenic setting and views of the Atlas Mountains are undoubted assets, everyday life depends on amenities, service charges and transport links. Check access to the club, security, the upkeep of communal areas, the frequency of any shuttle services and the distance to local shops. Ownership of a property within a development does not automatically entitle you to unlimited access to the golf course.

For a family, check the school routes. For a second home, look into maintenance whilst the owner is away and key management.

Villas, flats and plots

Golf villas should be assessed in terms of their orientation, front-row position, privacy and architectural regulations. Flats or houses in residential complexes depend more on the property manager and the quality of the communal facilities. For a plot of land or a development project, check the construction timelines, building regulations and utility connections.

In all cases, identify any phases that are still unfinished and any potential works required around the property.

Checklist specific to estates in the south-west

  • Exact name of the estate, the residential complex and the development phase.
  • Access route and travel time to town, airport and schools.
  • Service charges, usage fees and services included.
  • Orientation, golf course view, neighbours and future building projects.
  • Property maintenance during periods of absence.

Never purchase a property without first inspecting the physical asset.

Names such as Noria, Argan or Samanah may be used to enhance the appeal of a property listing within a broad area. Confirm that the property is actually part of the development, the distance to the golf course and the services available. For a villa, ask for the site plan and its position within the development phase. For a flat, check that the building, car park and swimming pool are actually attached to the plot.

The prestige of the golf course does not negate service charges, journey times or the quality of construction.

Three geographical names not to be confused

Noria, Argan and Samanah are all situated in the far south-west of Marrakech, but correspond to different developments and property types. The official website of Argan Golf Resort describes a 220-hectare development comprising villas, flats, plots and a 27-hole golf course. Noria and Samanah have their own access points, phases and residential concepts. An advert must specify the exact estate, the residential complex, the phase and the GPS coordinates.

Golf or Atlas views, security and landscaped grounds are undoubted assets, yet daily living depends on service charges, the commute to schools and shops, and maintenance when the owner is absent. Access to the golf course or the club should never be assumed.

Compare genuinely comparable properties

A front-row villa, a flat with a communal swimming pool and a building plot do not belong to the same market. For a villa, consider the aspect, privacy, architectural regulations and maintenance. For a flat, analyse the property management company, parking and facilities. For a plot of land, check timeframes, utility connections and planning requirements. Always ask what construction work remains to be carried out in the vicinity of the property.

Your project in Marrakech

Moving from information to decision-making

Get in touch with Cameron to buy, sell, let or get a valuation for a property in Marrakech.

Speak to an adviser

Explore Cameron

Marrakech, our area of expertise

01 Buy in Marrakech Villas, apartments, riads and land 02 FAQ on property in Morocco VNA, Melkia, land title, notary, town planning and Moroccan property terminology. 03 Entrust your property Valuation, sales strategy and support