A rural paradise nestled amidst the ancient olive trees
ROOMS: 12 | SERVICE: EXCELLENT | LOCATION: 30 MIN OUTSIDE MARRAKECH | AMENITIES: LONG POOL, MAJESTIC GARDEN, IN-HOUSE BAR
On a 30min drive and a little time offroad from the bustling city of Marrakech, you'll find several rural Berber villages. Among one of them is Oumnass, where you can find our favourite weekend escape: Berberlodge. A rural paradise nestled amidst the ancient olive trees, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of the local Berber culture, embracing their customs, skilled craftsmanship, and unique architectural styles.
THE STORY
Berberlodge is established out of the love owner & interior designer Romain Michel-Ménière shared with the village of Oumnass and its inhabitants. Together with his friends of architectural Studio KO and landscape designer Arnaud Casaus he created a traditional - modern retreat to share this love of the local Berber culture with guests coming over from all around the globe.
Romains unconditionally love for the local Berber culture is what we also wholeheartedly felt from the minute we arrived. Entering these blushy clay walls that are made from the gardens earth and Eucalyptus wooden ceilings from the old Olive trees, immediately brings you a sense of curiosity.
Besides getting impressed by the endless use of natural materials and creative, spacious layout of the building, your eyes get distracted by the formidable amount of details. The communal spaces are filled with local, handmade rattan furniture, desert green pottery and an alluring curation of vintage designer pieces. After soaking up our first impressions, its time to enjoying our homemade lemon-rosemary welcoming lemonade in the garden and check into our own charming abode.
CHECK-IN
We have checked in to our favourite room, the Tafoukt lodge. Offering breathtaking views of the Atlas mountains, this lodge is designed to cater to every comfort and luxury essential for a Barefoot Traveler. The room features a lavish rain shower within the bathtub, a luxuriously cozy bed, a private terrace with a snug built-in sofa, and all the essential amenities including locally-sourced woollen shower towels, soft bathrobes, and premium-quality soaps.
Every lodge features a unique layout and design, offering a cozy indoor sitting area complete with a welcoming fireplace for those chilly winter evenings. Step outside onto the terrace, ideal for enjoying a good book throughout the pleasant seasons of fall, spring, and summer. Tonight, we eagerly anticipate beginning our evening by the fireside. However, before we do so, let's first take the opportunity to unwind in the garden beside the pool, nestled under the shade of the serene olive trees.
BERBER CUISINE
After enjoying a serene time by the pool, we meander over to our lunch destination, strolling through the enchanting garden. Scattered throughout the vast garden are numerous charming corners where one can unwind and fully appreciate the beauty of the surroundings.
Berberlodge's meticulously planned garden boasts a diverse array of flora, including orange trees, palms, cacti, agaves, and rosemary bushes. Moreover, they maintain their own on-site organic herb and vegetable garden, with many of these freshly harvested ingredients incorporated into their delectable meals.
The kitchen is a mix of traditional Berber & modern cuisine with a French touch. Their traditional bread is baked by Berberlodge's Berber woman using a century old technique in a clay oven. Our lunch exist a fresh herb salad, marinated vegetables and grilled cumin lamb skewers followed by a homemade lemon tart.
A WALK THROUGH TIME
We have freshened up and prepared ourselves for our latest activities of the day: catching the enchanting sunset and enjoying a delightful dinner. Before the sun dips below the horizon, we highly suggest a leisurely stroll outside the lodge to immerse ourselves in the captivating desert landscape. A brief ten-minute walk will lead us to a centuries-old kasbah, a popular filming location for various movies. Along the way, we may encounter friendly locals going about their day, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the local shepherd tending to his flock of sheep.
SUNSET
Right back on time for sunset, we settled ourselves in the garden, eager to witness the magical Moroccan evening unfold before our eyes. As the glowing sun dipped towards the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the traditional orange-toned walls of Berberlodge, we marveled at how the colors shifted from vibrant pink to a deep, almost malevolent purple in the sky above us. The beauty of nature's artistry never failed to captivate us, especially in this enchanting setting.
A FINAL NOTE
Dinner time! Every evening, as we step into the inviting restaurant, we are consistently mesmerized by the exquisite table arrangements that grace the space. The charming tablecloth, the rustic green pottery, and the flickering candles create an idyllic setting to conclude the day. Amidst the indulgence of the 3-course meal, engaging conversations with the owner, Romain, flourish. His dedicated presence during this hour reflects his commitment to ensuring guests feel at home. Throughout the years, the bond with the Berberlodge family, particularly with Romain, has blossomed into a cherished friendship, marked by their unfailingly warm hospitality towards their valued guests.
