For those who shared our love for the old-school elegance and fine cuisine of La Maison Arabe in Marrakech's Bab Doukkala district, you'll be delighted to know that, having sold that institution just before the pandemic struck, Prince Fabrizio Ruspoli di Poggio Suasa has now created his masterpiece in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains.
Formerly an olive farm, Olinto Atlas Mountain Retreat opened in late 2022. With just nine beautiful pavilions set in their own private gardens, enclosed by traditional Berber earthen walls, this is a haven for those seeking tranquillity. Each Pavilion has a rooftop terrace with exquisite views of the gardens and the Atlas Mountains beyond, including Mount Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak.
Prince Ruspoli has applied his unique blend of hospitality to every aspect of Olinto, bringing with him his extensive collection of fine art, antiques and antiquities. Each Pavilion is different and reflects Prince Ruspoli's collector's eye. All offer king bedrooms and every modern ameity. Three have heated infinity pools.
Traditional Moroccan artisanal crafts combine with eclectic design, using wrought iron, ceramic tiles, tadelakt walls, leather and polished wood. The overall effect is authentically beautiful, with a timeless sense of place.
Peace, privacy and tranquillity
You will come here if you yearn for tranquility and privacy. It is an adults-only retreat and the pavilions, set in their own private gardens, mean you don't have to see anyone if you don't want to. Order room service on WhatsApp and courteous waiters will arrive with silver service in next to no time.
If you are looking for exercise then this is the place for a hike in the mountains, either with the help of a mule or on foot. All levels of fitness are catered for.
Farm-to-table cuisine
La Maison Arabe was noted for upping the tempo of restaurant quality in Marrakech and the same is true here. Food is a passion, from breakfast under the pergola, to lunch in the dappled shade of wisteria, to a gourmet dinner under the stars, or in the vaulted dining room. All settings are drop-dead gorgeous. Ingredients are of the highest quality with many sourced from Olinto's organic kitchen garden and the menu features a blend of Moroccan and Mediterranean styles, with local wines and a good choice of French vintages to accompany the farm-to-table dining experience.
We will be writing a fuller review soon, but in the meantime contact us to be one of the first to stay at this idyllic retreat in the Atlas Mountains.