Hotel Capaldi

Hotel Capaldi is just 35 minutes from Marrakech but feels a million miles away, with its peaceful atmosphere and fragrant gardens full of ancient, gnarled olive trees. Views of the Atlas Mountains dominate the skyline, with many of the rooms offering stunning views from their own terraces or balconies.

Hotel Capaldi’s rooms are tastefully luxurious without being extravagant. Split between the renovated old farmhouse and the main hotel, they feature beautiful dark wood panelling, adobe walls and patterned Moroccan rugs; they are lit by wrought-iron lamps, and, in the winter, by their open fireplaces. Many of the rooms have private terraces, with the Atlas Rooms offering panoramic views of the mountains from their Juliet balconies.

The hotel’s chefs have trained under Michelin star-winners across the world, and it shows in the refined European cuisine on offer at the restaurant. The food is heavily French-influenced, and examples of dishes include cream of cauliflower soup with caviar toast, duck breast with red fruit jus, and sea bass with spinach. Menus change constantly according to the availability of fresh, seasonal ingredients, many of which come from the hotel’s own herb and vegetable gardens.

The hotel boasts two swimming pools and a traditional Moroccan spa, where you can indulge in a range of wellness treatments. While there are no TVs in the rooms, in keeping with their traditional feel, the hotel has a private cinema, which seats up to 24 on plush cushions, where you can enjoy a range of classic and modern films.

Hotel Capaldi is a great choice whether you’re looking for adventure or would rather do as little as possible. The two pools, peaceful grounds and private cinema offer myriad opportunities for relaxation; the foothills of the Atlas Mountains lie waiting to be explored. Guided tours are available, or you can even be provided with a pre-programmed mobile phone if you would rather explore on your own. Nearby Lake Lalla Takerkaust is a 40-minute hike away, and makes for a beautiful setting for a picnic lunch.