“A rustic country lodge with 9 rooms just outside Marrakech in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Inspired by a Berber village the interiors are natural and earthy. Earth/mud bricks sit against exposed beams, the palate is natural and the fabrics traditional. ”

Hotel review

Creative souls and urban nomads congregate here for pared down elegance in a very remote setting. The approach to the retreat is along a track carved into the hillside to a picturesque Berber village huddled against a backdrop of the Atlas Mountains - just 40 minutes from Marrakech. Low pisé adobe buildings comprising 9 individual ‘lodges’ are each spacious with fireplace, generous bathroom and private patio garden. Decorated in natural earthy tones with beamed palm and eucalyptus ceilings, terracotta brick floors softened with sisal matting or vintage Berber rugs and very simple wicker or rattan furniture, the style is rustic chic. Designed by Romain, the charmingly droll French-Swiss owner and staff are employed from the local village. Absolute peace prevails and guests can unwind in the salon, bar or by the unheated pool among ancient olive trees. Set menus with vegetables from the organic garden are served in the dining room which opens onto an outdoor terrace. It’s the kind of informal, unpretentious set-up that invites connecting with fellow like-minded guests. Difficult to find so make sure that if you're coming from another hotel that they ring ahead for directions. Don't get your hopes up if you want to stay online, the WiFi is limited and doesn't extend to the rooms. Not for those who are easily bored or single travellers. Two nights is more than enough.

Laura Campbell
Laura Campbell Review published: 20/09/2024

Recommended for

  • Hideaway

    • An earthy, unpretentious place, affording guests an old-fashioned style rural retreat.
  • Sights nearby

    • Marrakech and all it has to offer is a mere 12 miles away, and there is a good choice of pretty wildlife sights to visit nearby
  • Eco

    • Traditional materials, sisal matting, palm tree beams and grass shades are paired with African artefacts and retro fixtures
  • Great walks

    • There are some beautiful trails in the area for guests to take in the stunning surroundings of the Atlas foothills
  • Restaurant

    • The menu is fixed. Drinks are on the pricey side and you have to tell them if you want lunch at breakfast.
  • Local markets

    • Situated just outside the village of Oumnass, which has little markets to explore on certain days
  • Riding

    • Horse trekking in the surrounding countryside can be arranged for guests
  • Remote

    • Very remote about 40 minutes from Marrakech.
  • In/by the desert

    • At the foot of the Atlas Mountains.
  • Country Escape

  • Family Suites

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Romantic

  • Organic food

  • Romantic Break

  • Wildlife Area

  • Hills & mountains

  • Cycling

  • Foodies

  • Pet friendly

  • Child friendly

  • Disabled access

  • Owner managed

  • Traditional

  • Birdwatching

  • Views

  • Secluded setting

Facilities

  • Rooms

    9 rooms in this hotel
  • Restaurant

    The menu is fixed. Drinks are on the pricey side and you have to tell them if you want lunch at breakfast.
  • Sitting Room

    WiFi does not reach here and there are very few really comfortable chairs.
  • Massage

    In room massage available at EUR 60 per hour.
  • Outdoor dining

    Set menus for lunch and dinner.
  • Swimming Pool

    Not heated.
  • Views

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Cots available

  • Airport transfer

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Fireplace

  • Bar

  • Family Suites

  • Parking

  • Garden

  • Pet friendly

  • Child friendly

  • Disabled access

  • Private villas

  • Concierge

  • Air conditioning

  • Safe

Activities

  • Sights nearby

    • Marrakech and all it has to offer is a mere 12 miles away, and there is a good choice of pretty wildlife sights to visit nearby
  • Great walks

    • There are some beautiful trails in the area for guests to take in the stunning surroundings of the Atlas foothills
  • Local markets

    • Situated just outside the village of Oumnass, which has little markets to explore on certain days
  • Riding

    • Horse trekking in the surrounding countryside can be arranged for guests
  • Wildlife Area

  • Cycling

  • Birdwatching

Map & Location

Other reviews

Berber Lodge, Oumnass

Step into this countryside lodge with its charming jigsaw of pink pisé structures set amid an ancient olive grove and your stresses instantly evaporate. It's hard to put your finger on the magic of this unpretentious place, but magical it is, affording guests an old-fashioned feeling of rural retreat.

Originally published by The Telegraph

Berber Lodge

This rustic but elegant retreat about half an hour outside of Marrakech in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains is exactly the Morocco you were hoping still existed.

Originally published by CNTraveler

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