Terres M'Barka

The ancient village of Tamesloht lies about 25 kms southwest of Marrakech and could not be more of a contrast. Quiet, dreaming of a distant past, its rose-pink adobe walls, pitted by time, are testimony to an almost vanished way of life. Almost – but not quite, for a sympathetic and dedicated programme of revitalization has brought life back to the village, has re-established its ancient crafts of pottery-making and weaving, and revived its agricultural heritage.

A vital component in this revival has been the opening of ‘Les Terres M’Barka’, a unique boutique hotel occupying the site of a former farm. A virtual village of small, separate buildings housing the bedroom suites opens off a winding alley. A central courtyard gives access to shared spaces such as the restaurant and its dining terrace, bar and library, the local organic produce shop and hammam, while a beautiful swimming pool in the shape of  a khetara, or ancient irrigation basin,  looks on to a dramatic view of the magnificent Atlas Mountains.

The creator, owner and manager of this unusual hotel, Jerome de Brouwer, is no stranger to the hospitality business – he is the owner of the famous Brussels bistro ‘Le Perroquet’. His passion and love for Morocco has led him to become a resident and here at Tamesloht he has realized his dream. On the fifteen-hectare estate, guests are surrounded by olive and fruit trees, with the scent of the ubiquitous roses everywhere. This is a working farm with traditional livestock and its organic produce supplies the ingredients for the simple but delicious country dishes and regional food that is the hotel’s speciality.

The accommodation combines rural simplicity with subtle luxury - beds are extra wide, extra long, and have memory-foam mattresses and the finest linens. Fireplaces add an extra appeal to interiors that feature local fabrics and stylish furniture.

Les Terres M’Barka is a place to relax and wind down, to potter about the farm, be self-indulgent and immerse oneself in an atmosphere entirely different from that of the usual holiday circuit. When the urge for a diversion kicks in, the hotel will arrange for riding trips, visits to local artisans’ workshops, a performance of gwana music or, further afield, a desert or mountain bivouac, or a foray to the souks and excitements of Marrakech itself. There could even be an opportunity to experiment with those locally-grown ingredients on a cooking course at the hotel.

Highly recommended for honeymoons or romantic breaks at any time.

Room Description

All junior suites have bath or shower, twin or king size beds, fireplaces and terraces. Some junior suites can interconnect, and there is one family suites with two seperate rooms.

Room facilities: Air-conditioning • Heating • En suite bath/shower room • Satellite TV Safe • Hairdryer.

Restaurants & Bars

The hotel serves delicious traditional Moroccan and International cuisine using mainly ingredients from the farm and kitchen garden.

Facilities

Restaurant • Bar • Library • Swimming pool • Spa • Jacuzzi • Fitness room • Horse-riding • Mountain bikes • WiFi internet in the public areas.

Spa & Wellness

The spa has an extensive range of beauty treatments including manicures, pedicures, and hair-dressing.

There are also 3 massage booths and various massages on offer, two Turksih bats, a jacuzzi and a private relaxing garden.

Activities

Horses or ponies can be hired at the hotel, to explore the locality, donkey excursions can also be arranged with a picnic, as can mountain bike hire for those who prefer to have more control over their mounts.

Cooking classes are posible, please ask for details, and in the season guests can join in the olive harvesting.

Yoga instruction can be arranged with 24 hours notice.