- Interior
Just half an hour's drive from Marrakech, in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, lies a rustic yet elegant retreat that embodies the Morocco of your dreams. Worn, weathered and beautiful, Berber Lodge offers understated luxury away from the busy city streets. The relaxed atmosphere of the lodge blends together perfectly, with a deep sense of trust and respect among guests.
Inspired by traditional Berber architecture, the lodge showcases beautiful zellige tiles, ornate carvings and vibrant textiles, which seem to transport us to another time. The attention to detail is evident everywhere, from the tastefully decorated common areas to the meticulously decorated rooms. Owner Romain Michel-Ménière, a French-Swiss interior designer who has lived in Morocco since 2002, has seamlessly integrated the rough and smooth. The open layout of the rooms suggests an ethos of ‘openness’ that permeates the whole place. It is a place to relax, recharge and disconnect - buzzwords that take on real meaning here. 
The 10 rooms, better described as cottages, are scattered around the hotel's central area, creating a series of private quarters. Room six is closest to the central area, while Ourika, the family room, offers the most space, sleeping three people across two bedrooms. The walls are smoothed, mosquito nets hang like cobwebs around the bed frames and wooden shelves subtly hide modern conveniences. Small windows at eye level are covered with carved wooden shutters, complete with star-shaped metal handles. Woven bed frames feature organic cotton bedding, best enjoyed while lulled to sleep by the crackling sound of the olive wood fire, set up by the staff during dinner.
The warmth of the welcome that makes the Berber Lodge a home away from home
The bathrooms are kept simple, with a compact marble sink, a towel rack made of carved wood and a generous bathtub. A very cheerful checked tablecloth greets you as you enter the breakfast room. There is no menu, so morning choices are limited to coffee or tea. Starters include fruit, yoghurt, bread and freshly squeezed orange juice, followed by crepes with various jams. The predetermined menu changes daily and offers regional dishes. On any given night, you might get a pea soup, followed by a light chicken tajine and, for dessert, a lemon cake, served on moss-green crockery and eaten with vintage cutlery. Occasionally, dinner is served in the lounge, adding to the intimate and homely atmosphere of the lodge.
In short, Berber Lodge is a fusion of love and local heritage, designed by Romain Michel Meniere and his Studio KO architect partners. Embracing traditional Berber architecture and culture, this retreat features structures built from the earth of olive groves, decorated with locally sourced materials and a mix of vintage and artisan furniture. Inspired to see more? You can find a full feature in our coffee table book 'PURE Hotels’.
Images courtesy of Berber Lodge
Photography by Leonie Zaytoune and Sophia van den Hoek