In search of sunshine

Arabella Youens explores what you can buy (and how far your budget will go) in short- and long-haul destinations

- Arabella Youens

Morocco, €2.8 million (£2.4 million) 

Villa Elysa stands near the Palmeraie in Marrakech—known as the ‘Ochre City’ —in gardens of just under three acres. Built-in a contemporary Moroccan style, the design of the main house is based on large, open-plan rooms with high ceilings and vast windows looking out over the garden. It’s ideal for hosting house parties: there are three bedrooms, including a master suite in the principal house, and further accommodation is provided in the pavilion, a two-bedroom guest house that comes with its own pool, as well as a one-bedroom cottage. The city’s medina, with its warren of streets and buzzing central market, is only 5½ miles from Villa Elysa. Kensington Luxury Properties/Christie’s International Real Estate (00 212 52 442 2229 www.kensingtonmorocco.com)

Portugal, €575,000 (£500,850)