Berber Lodge

To begin with, we would say Berber Lodge is all about stylish simplicity. It is the brainchild of Romain Michel-Ménière, a Swiss architect who has lovingly crafted this nine-bedroom bolthole. Each room is housed in its own low-rise building, set within the gardens. These contain 100-year old olive trees and wild cacti. The buildings have all been designed using traditional Berber materials. These include earth bricks, palm-tree beams and tadelakt plaster.

The rooms are both simple yet especially stylish. Barren tadelakt plaster merges beautifully with tiled floors. Little objects of African art complete the feel, alongside mid-century French furniture hand-knotted vintage rugs. Each room also has its own fireplace for colder evenings. Bathrooms feature a bathtub with an overhead shower and a marble font sink. Furthermore, all rooms have a shady private terrace or garden to spend a few hours reading or just listening to the birdsong emanating from the Olive trees.

All meals are usually served outside in the garden, and in the evening, this is made even more special by candlelight. They use the freshest produce and also produce daily set menus. For example, we love the Ottolenghi-style salads for lunch.

Berber Lodge is an excellent base from which to explore the villages of the High Atlas Mountains. It is also a superb place to relax after a long tour of Morocco.

At Berber Lodge, you won’t find TVs, a spa or a bunch of facilities. It’s all about relaxing in the gardens and getting away from the frenetic world of technology. WiFi is only available in reception, which is actually a plus point for many guests