Jnane Tamsna

Rooms

Decor aficionados, indulge yourselves! The lush grounds hold 5 houses, each of which has its own pool and various luxurious bedrooms categorised according to size and amenities. Many have been designed by Meryanne Loum-Martin, internationally renowned for her sober, chic and eclectic mix of styles with an African twist. You’ll find colourful woven Moroccan and Senegalese fabrics and rugs, canopies from Uzbekistan, handpicked antique objets d’art, plump tassels, Syrian chests and tables with mother-of-pearl inlays, ancient carved wooden doors, and Meryanne’s own creations - contemporary wrought-iron lamps, daybeds and low chairs.

The bathrooms are decked out in earthtone tadelakt with shiny copper sinks, and stocked with sweet-smelling herbal bath products. Some rooms boast fireplaces, canopy beds and private terraces, and there’s also a comfy rooftop terrace for lounging, with superb views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and the neighbouring palm grove.

The Jnane Main House follows the traditional Medina style, with bedrooms arranged around two central courtyards. With glass doors leading to terraces on the outside of the house, they feel lighter and airier than usual. The ground-floor rooms have kingsize beds and spacious (though shared) verandas; the remaining rooms are located upstairs with access to the roof terrace.

You’ll find the four other houses in Jnane Tamsna's garden. Dar Moussafir ('House of the Traveller') is beautifully styled by Meryanne to represent the craftsmanship of Islamic style from North India to West Africa. Jnane Villa has its own dining and breakfast rooms, plus a living area with a library, fireplace and veranda. Dar Ylane is Meryanne and Gary's house, but it also has rooms for guests. Finally, the Pavillion, perhaps the most exclusive option, has just two suites (each with fireplace, sitting room and outdoor dining area), and its pool is delightfully placed among lavender and olive trees.

All rooms have air-conditioning and central heating, and some have walk-in wardrobes.

Please note that Jnane Tasmna cannot guarantee a particular room or villa, only a room category.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Central heating
• Cots available
• Fan
• Fireplace
• WiFi

Eating

Most meals are served outside on one of the colourful patios, in the fragrant garden, or in an inner alcove that has its own little Zen garden of olive trees. There's also a monochrome African-themed indoor dining room if it's cooler.

The immense organic garden, a labour of love mostly created by Gary Martin, yields countless varieties of herbs, vegetables and fruit that make their way into the meals. Some of the flour is home-grown and -ground. The result is a delicious fusion cuisine inspired by the owners' tastes and backgrounds, taking in Senegalese, Indian and "modernised" Moroccan recipes with classic fresh Mediterranean fare.

Sample lunch and dinner dishes might be a silky courgette soup, lamb tagine with tomatoes and caramelised spring onions, or a roasted pepper, cucumber and tomato salad. These are followed by the likes of spiced pears with oranges and caramel sauce, or fresh strawberries with pistachio ice cream. The menus are set and they change daily - aiming to recreate the ambiance of dining at a close friend's home. We recommend you let them know if you're planning to have dinner, as the ingredients are fresh and bought in daily.

Breakfast is no less delicious. A big spread awaits of juices, cheeses, Moroccan and French breads, amlu (a local speciality with Argan oil), eggs cooked to order, fruit salads, muesli and jams (both homemade). All of this is washed down with freshly made Moroccan mint tea, known for its excellent digestive benefits.

Features include:

• Kids' meals
• Organic produce
• Restaurant
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Explore Marrakech: Morocco's most exciting city. It's a 15-minute drive to the Medina, the old walled city dating back to the 12th Century, with its labyrinth passageways, spices stalls and crafts from Nomadic tribes. Meryanne and Gary organise excellent cultural and ecological trips through a local company
  
• Shop 'till you drop in the souks - hand-woven rugs and berber jewellery are some of the best buys. You may want a guide to show you around initially
  
• Golf. Nearby is Morocco's finest golf course, the 18-hole Palmeraie Golf Club designed by Robert Trent Jones. Two other fine courses are within a 15-minute drive
  
• There are horse riding stables within 15 minutes drive of Jnane Tamsna. Biking can also be arranged
  
• Take a trip to the Atlas Mountains (1 hour's drive); go hiking, visit Berber villages and meet the locals
  
• Go to the Atlantic coast - Essaouira is one of Morocco's most relaxed towns (2 hours' drive)
  
• For longer excursions, check out the Southern deserts where you can go camel trekking (the hotel can assist)
  
• Enjoy a hot air balloon ride
  
• Back at Jnane Tamsna, sign up for a Moroccan cooking class with the hotel's chef, select your own ingredients from the garden and find out how to use all those exquisite herbs and spices
  
• Lie or read in an oasis of peace by one of the swimming pools, the library or somewhere more secluded in the enchanting garden

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cooking classes
• Cycling
• Golf
• Hiking
• Horse riding
• Plantlife / flora
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Table tennis
• Tennis
• Traditional cultures
• Trekking
• Well being
• Yoga

Kids

Jnane Tamsna is heaven for families, and particularly suitable for older children who don't need too much supervision. There is plenty to enjoy, from the pools and tennis court to the sprawling gardens (perfect for hide and seek), and it's popular in the school holidays. A host of activities can be booked, including preparing magic shows for their parents, learning calligraphy, camel rides, and trips around the Medina or to the Atlas. It is also very accommodating for parents with younger babies, and babysitting arrangements can easily be made.

Best for:

All ages

Family friendly accommodation:

Large Rooms, Garden Rooms and Pavillion Suites have enough space for a couple of extra beds or a cot; if your children are bigger or you need more space, book a Large Room for yourselves and a Standard Room for them. All except the Small Room have bathtubs.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

Distances:

• Airport: 25 minutes
• Hospital: 25 minutes
• Shops: 20 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Jnane Tamsna lies in the Palmeraie: the palm groved outskirts of Marrakech, Morocco.

By Air:
Fly into Marrakech Menara (10km).

By train / bus:
Marrakech has good rail and bus connections to the rest of Morocco, including Casablanca and Agadir.

From the airport:
Jnane Tamsna is about 30 minutes' drive from the airport, but however you arrive, ask the hotel to meet you - it is impossible to find otherwise!

By Car:
If you do want to hire a car (for your travels outside Marrakech) see our car rental recommendations.