Moroccan oasis
The Janan Tmasna is set behind old adobe walls in an area known as the Palmeraie. It is set amidst the sandy desert tracks about 15 minutes drive (8km) from the Marrakech medina. This luxury boutique hotel is set in a 15 acre garden compound amidst beautiful gardens with a backdrop of the High Atlas Mountains. A shuttle service runs guests to and from the centre of Marrakech in high season. Guests can enjoy the old medina, the Koutoubia Mosque and the large central square full of local performers, vendors and snake charmers, called the Jemaa el Fna. The bustling souk and hidden riads capture the essence of this exotic city. The Marrakech airport is about 12km away.
Jnane Tamsna which means ‘Big Garden’ is the Moroccan version of a country house turned boutique hotel. This traditional Moroccan home has been sympathetically converted into 10 luxurious guestrooms. Owner/manager Meryanne Loum-Martin, a former lawyer, and her American botanist husband, Gary Martin, offer a unique cultural experience with all the necessary comforts of a top luxury hotel in Marrakech’s Palmeraie.
The guestrooms of this riad style hotel have high ceilings and traditional furnishings which are typical of a Moroccan home. Low tables and day beds, wall hangings and cool tile floors offer comfortable accommodation which is adored by the celebrity guests who flock here. One of the big draws to this boutique hotel is the wonderful cuisine which is served here. Moroccan inspired Mediterranean dishes use local organic ingredients and spices from the souk to prepare superbly tasty cuisine which is guaranteed to delight all the senses. The chef, Bahija, also offers cooking lessons for those who want to take a little taste of Morocco home with them.
Laze by the pool, enjoy the expert services of a local masseuse, or take a tour off-the-beaten track with local university-educated guides, the choice is yours. Meryanne is able to combine local contacts and experience to make this a wonderful opportunity to see the real Marrakech, enhanced by her local knowledge. Visit the herb shops and the local gardens or go behind the closed doors in the medina for an unforgettable experience.
The heated pool is surrounded by a wonderful flower-filled garden. Everyone gets impeccable service and families are welcome in this relaxed family home cum boutique hotel in Marrakech. However this retreat may not suit those who cannot live without a TV, minibar and 24-hour room service.
