L'Amandier Hotel — Hotel in caïdat de Ouirgane

We stayed at the L’Amandier for 3 nights at the end of November. I cannot think of a more ideal place for those seeking an intimate and adventurous setting. It’s is a great place for couples or better yet, groups of couples / friends who will feel like the place is their own. ||First, the location. With stunning views of the High Atlas Mountains, you cannot get tired of staring from your window, the dining room or from the pool / deck area - it’s a postcard perspective and then some. ||Only 90 minutes - maybe less - from Marrakech airport, it’s an easy trip, aside from a couple of the obligatory mountain roads which aren’t bad as mtn roads go. While secluded in nature, L’Amandier has several things within close proximity: Domaine La Roseraie hamman / spa (a must visit), some cool villages that wind around the property so you see kids going and coming from school, local restaurants and most importantly — plenty of incredible hiking that you can do by foot from the very confines of the property. Once there, you do not need your own car - especially if nature is your thing. ||The service. The General Manager Aidan was highly responsive and helpful from the get go. We were lucky to be at L’Amandier during a quiet period in late November. Even so, Aidan and his team didn’t miss a beat. The staff are more than happy to make very good drinks, play the drums with you or just have a nice and easy conversation. They even have very good first aid chops. We left with them feeling like friends. ||The staff did have competition in one area - the food. Absolutely first rate: fresh (vegetables picked daily from their own garden), innovative and healthy. We had eaten all over Morocco and their menu was second to none. And it came at a reasonable price. Sitting by the fireplace eating breakfast and dinner each day / night was a total delight. We also met and chatted quite a bit with the owner Anwar who is a fascinating guy and makes you feel right at home. Right off the bat, he recommended the same hike that he had done the day we arrived. That too did not disappoint. ||Each of the rooms (7 or so in all) are comfortably sized and overlook the Atlas mountains. They are simple in decor yet well appointed and frankly just what you would want in the middle of nature. The bed was very comfortable and the fire place is another first rate touch - the staff sets it up for you each night so you can watch the fire right from your bed - bingo. The shower is technically in the room itself which could be a bit awkward if you’re not staying with a “close” one - it didn’t bother us a bit and of course is quite common in certain properties. ||The dining area / living room is wide open, very stylish in an authentic Moroccan way and it also offers the view that just doesn’t get old. The pool area is spectacular and quite big - ideal for laps or just soaking up the sun (there are umbrelllas if you just want the panoramas but not the rays). ||If you stay at L’Amandier, it’s essential to hike the area. There are “trails” everywhere - best shown by a local guide which you can hire, or the hotel can do it directly for you at an additional cost. We had great guides and mild weather. ||In summary, L’Amandier is highly recommended for any trip to Morocco - especially if you’re tired of urban chaos and want a break from it all. Or you just want to be looked after for a few days in a picturesque and...

I have visited the Atlas mountains on numerous occasions as I am always blown away by the stunning scenery and virtually unspoilt landscape - it's a must visit place for me every few years. This time I was recommended a new hotel/villa complex (sorry if complex sounds a bit naff, it's more like a haven! :-) ) ||||In brief: The location was stunning, the gardens are incredible and the people cannot do enough for you. There is plenty of space to roam around and lose yourself or sip cocktails by the infinity pool with the most amazing views. You could simply spend the time relaxing or explore any of the great walks in the region, or a bit of both. The manager and staff will help you out and sort lifts, transfers etc - everything you need to make the most of the Atlas mountains. ||||My only slight criticism is that they need to get wifi and Internet sorted, particularly as my mobile operator charged extra in Morocco for downloading and using Google maps. I was told it was due very soon, so worth checking that it has arrived. Other than that, I will be back again in 2 years to...

Incredible scenery, wonderful hosts, amazing architecture. My wife and I spent a long weekend in Lamandier at the foot of the Atlas mountains in May. Took some serious down time together and relaxed, meditated / yoge and hiked around the stunning local area. The villa we rented was sublime. Beautiful attention to detial, with use of local materials presented in a contemporary way. Love the lemon trees planted in the private interior garden.

The botanical gardens of rosemary, lavendar and flowers are a joy to walk through on the way to the tennis court.

The hotel pool faces the foot hills of the Atlas, light values and sunsets are simply staggering. We had the option of using our own private pool at the villa or joining other guests at the main hotel pool. Other guests were very interesting folk and great conversations were had over dinner. The food was delicious.

Only 1 hr from Marrakech is easliy accessible and the drive through local villages is enchanting.

Going again soon. Thanks Hein, Anwar and...