Jnane Tamsna — Hotel in Marrakesh Prefecture

My partner and I recently spent 5 nights at Jnane Tamsna and, overall, we found it to be a beautiful oasis. The hotel itself and its grounds are beautiful - extremely tranquil, being about a 25 minute drive from the Medina. This won’t suit all guests, given the lack of proximity to other amenities, but if you are looking for rest, peace and quiet (which we were), then this is the hotel for you.

Other positives to mention are the food and the staff. We are vegetarian and we loved that there was a different 3-course set menu available every day for lunch and dinner. Every meal we had was delicious and it was especially satisfying to know that the vegetables had been grown in the hotel’s organic gardens. Again, this won’t suit everyone (for example if you prefer lots of choice) but for us this worked much better than having a menu with 1 or 2 veggie options that we had to eat on repeat (as is the case in many other hotels).

The staff are all so friendly, as are the owners Meryanne and Gary (and their beautiful dog, Smokey). We used one of the pools during our stay which was heated (much welcome in March, when the weather was warm but not super hot).

While we were visiting, the creative-in-residence did a reading of one of their short stories in the bar, which was very interesting and poignant.

A few points of constructive criticism which I hope the hotel will take onboard in the spirit of self-improvement:

Our check-in was a little chaotic. There is no reception / front desk and so we stood around for a while, to then be told by a member of staff that our room wasn’t ready yet, and invited to have lunch in the garden. Whilst we were hungry and therefore happy to do so, we weren’t given any information about the set menu structure of meals, eg the timing or the price. We also were not offered a tour of the grounds, so again we did not receive information about the pool / bar etc. Later during our stay, we saw other guests being given tours so it may be that the staff were just too busy when we arrived.

The locks to the bedroom doors are padlocks, which means they cannot be properly locked from the inside. One evening when we were in bed, a guest who was attending a private party came into the ante-chamber of our bedroom thinking it was the bathroom. I understand the old-style aesthetic, but if the doors had normal locks on them this would not have happened.

There is no filtered water freely available at the hotel - all water has to be purchased in bottles via the concierge. It is not cheap, and it means you have to wait for one of the concierge to see your WhatsApp, respond, and bring the water to your room (which can be time-consuming). This would be less problematic if there was a shop nearby but given the rural location of the hotel, we were dependent on obtaining water from it. The bottled water available is only in 70cl bottles - I imagine it would be more eco-friendly to have lots of water filters dotted around the grounds, for guests to fill up their own bottles / glasses.

We booked a private yoga lesson with the yoga teacher who works with the hotel. It was too cold to do yoga outside because it was a morning lesson (in March), and when the yoga teacher arrived she said we had to do it in the bar because she had been told that the usual room that she uses for yoga classes was occupied by guests. The bar was not a good environment for a yoga class - especially as there had been an event there the night before and it had not been cleaned, so there were lots of empty drinks and shot glasses sitting around the bar. If we had known the lesson was going to take place in the bar, we would have rescheduled to a time when we could have it in a more suitable environment. I should say the yoga teacher herself was very good - no criticism of her, but the location of the class (which was outside of her control).

Other than those small issues, we really enjoyed our stay, would recommend the hotel to others, and would consider coming back again...

I came to Jnane Tamsna for the wedding of a good friend. During the wedding, I stayed in a riad in the Medina but I realized the moment I stepped onto Jnane Tamsna’s grounds for the first time that I absolutely had to spend a few nights at this magical hotel. My suspicion was confirmed over the course of the 3 days of the wedding, which was completely magical. From the delicious opening night meal to the massive, gorgeous wedding table to the Dakka musicians who danced us to our tables to the fire dancers and the all night dance party, all the way to the Sunday pool party that capped off the event, everything was spectacular. Now, onto my time staying at Jnane Tamsna after the wedding. What’s so uniquely incredible about Jnane Tamsna, I think, is the freedom. The staff and the entire atmosphere of the hotel feels more like home than anywhere I have ever stayed. In the mornings I would wander the gorgeous, luscious gardens. In the afternoons I would swim in whichever of the 4 pools took my fancy. At nights I would sit by the fireplace, reading, writing and sipping on one of the incredible infused cocktails that they create on prem (I highly recommend the saffron whiskey sour - or the lavender infused gin cocktail for hot days and non whiskey drinkers). I discovered during my stay that there was a writer’s workshop run by the wonderful Silk Road Slippers with the Booker award-winning Shehan Karunatilaka as a special guest the following week. The opportunity seemed too serendipitous to pass up so, although I had planned to travel around Morocco, I wound up visiting only Essaouira and a friend in Marseille before returning for the workshop at Jnane Tamsna. It was an incredible event during which I learned so much and met so many wonderful writers and I will be forever grateful that they allowed me to join at such short notice. I had the great fortune of meeting the owner, Meryanne, and her daughter Thaïs at the wedding - but I realized during my stay that I would have met them at the hotel anyhow, at lunch or by the pool or on the tennis court. It was clear to me, when I met Meryanne and Thaïs, that the essence of Jnane Tamsna springs forth from them - from their warmth, their intelleigence, their wisdom, taste and dependability. I should also mention Gary, the sweet and brilliant husband of Meryanne and father of Thaïs. It is in his garden that the vegetables in the meals at Jnane Tamsna are grown - it quite literally does not get any more fresh, or farm to table, than that. The hotel is located in the Palmeraie, about 20 minutes from the Medina. Having stayed both in the Medina and in the Palmeraie, I can say forsure that all you want to experience in the old town and in central Marrakech can be experienced by day and eve - you’re better off spending your nights in a relaxing, open environment. And the staff at Jnane Tamsna are happy to arrange taxis whenever you need them. I couldn’t recommend a hotel more highly and absolutely than I do this...

Nestled amidst the verdant expanse of Marrakech's Palmeraie, Jnane Tamsna stands as an enchanting sanctuary, a haven of refined luxury and captivating charm. Over the years, this exquisite boutique hotel has captivated my heart, drawing me back like a moth to a flame. Its allure lies not only in its breathtaking beauty but also in its ability to weave a tapestry of unforgettable experiences. Stepping into Jnane Tamsna is akin to stepping into a realm of pure artistry. The hotel's design, a harmonious blend of traditional Moroccan elements and contemporary elegance, exudes an air of sophistication and warmth. Every detail, from the intricately carved woodwork to the hand-painted tiles, whispers tales of Moroccan heritage and craftsmanship. The hotel's ambiance is as enchanting as its décor. The lush gardens, a symphony of emerald green and vibrant blooms, provide a tranquil haven, while the meticulously maintained pools beckon with their promise of refreshing respite. The open-air terrace, adorned with blooming bougainvillea and offering panoramic vistas of the Palmeraie, is the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the serenity of the Moroccan countryside. But Jnane Tamsna's allure extends beyond its physical beauty. The hotel's staff, each a gem in the crown of Moroccan hospitality, embodies warmth, attentiveness, and genuine kindness. They are the heart and soul of Jnane Tamsna, ensuring that every guest feels pampered and appreciated. The culinary delights at Jnane Tamsna are another testament to the hotel's commitment to excellence. The restaurant, abuzz with the lively energy of Moroccan cuisine, tantalizes taste buds with its authentic flavors and exquisite presentations. From the fiery tagines to the delicate pastillas, each dish is a culinary masterpiece, a symphony of flavors and textures that perfectly captures the essence of Moroccan gastronomy. As a recurring visitor to Jnane Tamsna, I've had the privilege of meeting a diverse and fascinating array of guests. From artists and writers seeking inspiration to couples seeking a romantic escape, Jnane Tamsna draws a crowd of like-minded individuals who share a passion for beauty, adventure, and genuine human connection. These encounters have enriched my travel experiences, adding layers of warmth and camaraderie to my Moroccan adventures. Jnane Tamsna is not merely a hotel; it's an experience, an immersive journey into the heart of Moroccan culture and hospitality. It's a place where elegance meets laid-back charm, where luxury blends seamlessly with authenticity, and where every moment is infused with a touch of magic. If you're seeking a retreat that will captivate your senses, awaken your soul, and leave an indelible mark on your Moroccan exploration, then Jnane Tamsna is the answer. Embark on your journey of enchantment and discover the true essence of Moroccan hospitality at this extraordinary oasis of...