Berber Lodge

Rooms

Designed to feel like a traditional Berber village, the 9 individual lodges are set around a central house, surrounded by courtyards and pretty, semi-arid gardens. The style throughout is effortlessly chic. Earthy tones from the natural materials - rattan rocking chairs, reed matting, grass lampshades - are tastefully combined with hand-knotted vintage rugs, mid-century French furniture and African objets d'art. Simple yet sophisticated, it's authentic Morocco seen through a contemporary European eye.

Each adobe lodge is exceptionally spacious with a generous living area with a fireplace (lit on chilly evenings), a beautifully designed bathroom (most have a bath with overhead shower and a striking marble font sink) and a shady private terrace or garden. Deluxe Lodges have an additional single bed, and there's a 2-bedroom Family Lodge, sleeping up to 4 guests. For the best mountain views book Superior Lodge III.

In the main house, the softly lit lounge features cosy nooks for reading and a roaring fire for chilly evenings. There's a library, dining area and a little bar, and out by the pool, sun loungers, hammocks and large kilim cushions are scattered beneath the trees.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Central heating
• Fan
• Fireplace
• Hairdryer
• Safe box
• Toiletries
• WiFi

Eating

The home-cooked cuisine is some of the best you'll find on your holiday, with ingredients from the organic garden or sourced locally from Marrakech. There's a cosy dining room, but for much of the year, meals are served outside in the garden: shaded by olive trees and surrounded by candles at night. It's a wonderfully romantic setting.

Breakfast is a simple affair of fresh fruit and yoghurt, coffee and orange juice, Moroccan pancakes or omelettes, with jam, honey and French butter.

In their restaurant, you'll feast on incredibly fresh, seasonal dishes, served by local staff from the village. There are set menus for lunch and dinner, so let the team know in advance of any dietary restrictions. We loved the lunches of Middle Eastern-inspired salads served on rustic green crockery from the Saharan village of Tamegroute. Dinners are more traditionally Moroccan with aromatic spices and intriguing flavours - perhaps chicken tagine with quince and peaches or a spicy fish tagine with Berber couscous. You'll also have a starter - maybe pea or artichoke soup - and a dessert such as a berry pavlova. To wash it all down, there's a very decent wine list with a mix of local and European options. We highly recommend the local Gris for a refreshing and floral tipple on a balmy evening.

Drinks can be requested any time, but there's also a small, fully-stocked bar where the friendly staff whip up delicious cocktails. On chillier evenings, you can enjoy your tipple over a board game in the bar or by a crackling fire in the lounge. Or, on a balmy evening, take refuge in the shade by the pool with an icy tonic.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Dinner by arrangement
• Lunch by arrangement
• Room service

Activities

• Laze by the jade-coloured pool in the shade of olive trees, surrounded by beautiful gardens
  
• Walk through the vegetable gardens and say hello to the resident horse and donkey
  
• Scope out the magnificent views of the mountains from viewpoint behind the pool
  
• Wander into the village of Oumnas with its lovely donkey sanctuary and stunning old kasbah - knock on the door and the caretaker will show you around and tell you about the films made there
  
• Check out the nearby Argan farms and shops for some natural souvenirs
  
• Spend a morning at Lake Takerkoust (17km); hire a pedalo or kayak, enjoy a walk along the many trails, or take an exhilarating quad-bike tour
  
• Step into their private Hammam for an invigorating scrub. You can even add a massage if you're looking for a truly rejuvenating experience (book in advance)
  
• Explore Marrakech with its fascinating medina, busy souks and Djemaa el Fna square; visit one of the gardens and palaces, and check out the Musée Yves Saint Laurent - a source of architectural inspiration for Romain
  
• There are several picturesque golf courses within 20km of the lodge
  
• Walk up to one of the nearby viewpoints at sunset for awe-inspiring views - the staff can point you in the right direction
  
• Relax in the lounge by a crackling fire with a cocktail from the bar
  
• Head to Toubkal National Park (78km/2 hours) for craggy mountains and wild scenery; Jebel Toubkal is Morocco's highest mountain and the surrounding foothills offer fine walks

  Activities on site or nearby include:

  • Golf
  • Hiking
  • Historical sites
  • Kayaking
  • Museums / galleries
  • Private guided tours
  • Quad biking
  • Shopping / markets
  • Swimming
  • Traditional cultures
  • Trekking
  • Well being

Kids

Berber Lodge welcomes children aged 5 and older. The property is family-friendly and staff go out of their way to make kids feel welcome. There aren't any children's meals, but if you've got fussy eaters, just have a chat with the kitchen. Younger kids will love the garden and pool, exploring the nearby kasbah and visiting the local donkey sanctuary. Older kids might enjoy horse riding or quad biking, arranged by the lodge.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

The Family Lodge is ideal with a canopy bed in the main space and an additional bedroom with 2 single beds; just be aware that the bathroom is shower only. If a bath is important and you don't mind sleeping in the same room, opt for one of the three Deluxe Lodges which have a kingsize and a single bed. All are exceptionally spacious with private terraces and garden access.

Distances:

• Airport: 30 mins' drive (Marrakech)
• Shop: 20 mins' drive
• Hospital: 30 mins' drive (Marrakech)

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Berber Lodge is in the small village of Oumnas, in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. It's a half-hour drive south of Marrakech.

By Air:
Fly to Marrakech Menara airport (25km). From here, we recommend organising a private transfer, as the lodge is a tucked away up a rough track and taxis may struggle to find it. The lodge can also arrange taxis for day trips so you don't need your own car.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.