Boasting an intimate ‘house party’ ambience, Jane Tamsna offers space and tranquillity in abundance without compromising on character, as Laura Henderson discovers
Situated in a 15-acre adobe-walled estate in Marrakech’s Palm Grove, Jane Tamsna (“Big Garden”) is a luxurious country villa with 24 guestrooms, spread over 5 houses that can be booked individually or exclusively. Big by any measure - scale, style, ambition, heart, range of activities, arches, five swimming pools - yet informal and relaxed, the property reflects the huge knowledge and warm presence of the owners. Charismatic Meryanne Loum-Martin, a French-Senegalese lawyer-turned-designer (and pioneer of understated Moroccan style), aims to offer a personalised stay with an unusual cultural slant.
The beautifully designed hotel has the atmosphere of a Moorish hacienda and is a secluded oasis, away from the hustle and bustle of central Marrakech. The style is chic and simple, with a blend of Arabic, Indian and African influences. Chiselled good looks in cream stucco and dark wood provide glamour without the gilt. Repurposed antiques and fair-trade, artisan-made furnishings set the standard for sustainable African chic. Two courtyards form the focal points of the property, with archways and shaded arcades leading off them to the gardens, full of bougainvillea, olive and lemon.
The 24 en-suite rooms are each individually designed and furnished, and open on to spacious terraces and verandas. Light and airy rather than cavernous, with African textiles spread across generous beds and cushioned reading nooks. Main house bedrooms offer comparable casual elegance to villa suites, which feature bigger bathrooms and more privacy.
Many of the ingredients for the delicious organic cuisine come from the surrounding vegetable gardens and orchards. There are five swimming pools, a clay tennis court, as well as beauty treatments and massages available on request. Private, guided excursions to the medina or the countryside are also offered.
Beyond lazing by the pool, playing tennis or being soothed by aromatic massages, guests may take advantage of the outdoor pools beckon, but guests are often otherwise occupied with cooking classes, literary events, cycling, massages, tennis, yoga, and browsing the onsite gallery. Outside the gates, the Palmeraie is perfect for a morning jog or cycle ride. A short drive takes you to riding stables and a choice of three golf courses.
With acres of gardens to explore older kids will be gone from dawn till dusk while younger ones will enjoy the many organised activities on offer, including magic shows, cooking lessons, gardening and camel rides. The garden and pool layout is such that parents do not need to worry about children disturbing other guests - the holy grail of any family holiday.
The lovely shady carob and fig trees provide Jnane Tamsna’s organic version of a yoga studio, with private and group sessions on offer. The hotel also offers nutritionist led retreats, in keeping with their emphasis on a holistic approach to well-being.
The hotel serves a lovely table d’hôte restaurant, with a relaxing dinner party ambiance, and delicious set menus for lunch and dinner. The emphasis is on fresh, local produce, including fruits and vegetables harvested daily from the organic garden.
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