The Capaldi

Set in a rural village about an hour from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, The Capaldi is one of those places that you’d probably drive straight past by mistake. Approached by an unassuming little side road, once inside the grounds you enter the main building via an amazing huge carved wood door and into a lovely reception area adorned with stylish furnishings and objets that must have been sourced from many happy trips to the souks, which in turn leads out to the gardens and main pool. The atmosphere as soon as you walk in is one of peace and serenity (it helps that there are no children allowed under 12) in a laid-back, low-key way. There are a range of rooms and suites (the best suites come with pools), plus a couple of villas both with a pool too. All are done in a similar boho chic style with traditional pieces sitting comfortably alongside modern works of art and dramatic lantern style light fittings. Luxury touches include super comfy beds and soft-as-silk Egyptian cotton bed linens, deep soaking baths and complimentary toiletries; some rooms feature cosy open fireplaces for a touch of romance and the best offer stunning Atlas Mountain views. The communal areas are no less attractive and the library and various sitting rooms are adorned with deep sofas and endless novels or meatier tomes to choose from, plus a good range of board games etc…they’ve thought of everything here! And those who might despair when they realise that there’s no TV in their bedroom — don’t! There’s a fabulous little private cinema on site (which can easily sit up to 24 in more deep sofas) and a range of both up-to-the-minute and classic movies to choose from. For those who insist on bodily pampering there’s a spa with traditional marble hammam and relaxation rooms with wonderful mountain views. But the icing on the cake has to be the restaurant. It can be quite a feat to find really good food in Morocco, but at The Capaldi you will not be disappointed — indeed many travel at least an hour simply to sample one of the legendary Sunday lunches — it is fantastic. A really good fusion of the best of Moroccan and European cuisines and the best bit…it is really good value! The gardens are filled with olive trees and other exotic species, and dotted with more secluded seats for two if you don’t want to be poolside, and the buildings are covered in beautiful bougainvillea and jasmine to soften their sharp angular appearance. Owned and run by a friendly English couple for the last 15 or so years, they have managed to transform what was once a little auberge into a gorgeous rural retreat, where nothing is too much trouble for the staff and you can really relax. A hidden gem that delivers on so many levels!

 

Written by Sarah Empson

• Spa
• With traditional marble hammam, three treatment rooms and relaxation area with Atlas Mountain views
• Restaurant
• Excellent restaurant serving dishes with both Moroccan and Mediterranean influences
• Views
• Some of the bedrooms have incredible views of the Atlas Mountains
• Swimming Pool
• There are two outdoor pools, one heated one not!
• Suites
• The best suites come with private pool
• Restrictions on children
• Over 12 years of age
• Pet friendly
• By prior arrangment
• Airport transfer
• Bicycles available
• Outdoor dining
• Cinema
• Meeting Room
• Wedding license
• Massage

• Library
• Sit-out Terrace
• Room service
• Garden
• Gym
• Sitting Room
• Roof terrace
• Concierge
• Wifi
• Conference facilities
• Air conditioning
• Parking
• Bar

• Great walks
• The hotel will arrange a private guide to take you hiking off-the-beaten-track in the Atlas Mountains
• Ballooning
• See the Atlas Mountains from the air - hot air balloon trips arranged through hotel
• Other Activities
• Camel ride, quad bike or take a dune buggy through the Agafay Desert
• Local markets
• Try your haggling skills at the Marrakech medina

• Kayaking
• On the Lake Lalla Takerkoust
• Riding
• Cycling
• Birdwatching