Atlas Widan provides an opulent and fashionable twist on what it describes because the "Moroccan artwork of residing"
Highlights
- Stunning structure and decor
- Heat, pleasant workers
- Swimming pool and scorching tub space
- Regionally sourced, seasonal menu
- Gorgeous location beneath the Atlas Mountains
Atlas Widan Assessment
Morocco is quick turning into a must-visit short-haul vacation spot for UK prospects, with an estimated 50 flights boasting round 9,000 seats per week from main airways together with easyJet, Ryanair and British Airways.
In the summertime, temperatures attain a scorching common excessive of 37C, nevertheless it additionally makes for a improbable winter solar getaway, with common highs in December reaching 20C. To prime it off, the common flight time from London to Marrakech is simply three hours and half-hour.
Atlas Widan takes these parts and provides an opulent and fashionable twist on what it describes because the "Moroccan artwork of residing". Anticipate delicate class with a splash of color, mosaic tiles and delightful Berber rugs.
The lodge did not have the simplest begin to life, with its grand opening in February 2020 shortly overshadowed by the looming presence of the pandemic.
Regardless of this, lodge proprietor and Common Secretary of the Regional Council of Tourism in Marrakech, Mustapha Amalik safely welcomed company the place attainable all through and Atlas Widan's reputation has solely been rising since.
From weddings to bat mitzvahs, couples' holidays to household gatherings, the lodge caters to a far-reaching number of visitor wants, all set to the tranquil backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. And whether or not you are in search of peace and quiet or a jam-packed journey, the lodge is a improbable base - with the colorful souks and thriving Médina only a 20-minute drive away.
The Rooms
Score: 4/5
Housed inside the principle Riad are eight suites, cut up between the bottom and higher ground. The roomy Junior Suites, the place we spent a keep, are good for solo travellers or couples. Tadelakt, a conventional Moroccan plaster created from limestone, creates the sleek curves of the room which run seamlessly from the Moorish arch surrounding the mattress by to the lavatory sink and gorgeous teal bathtub.
Although the room stays true to Moroccan heritage, fashionable comforts are offered, together with a luxurious bathrobe and slippers, pure toiletries, a hair dryer, free WiFi and satellite tv for pc tv.
By day, the room is vibrant and ethereal, with golden daylight flooding by the huge home windows, and as soon as the curtains are drawn it turns into an undisturbed haven for a restful evening.
By day, the room is vibrant and ethereal, with golden daylight flooding by the huge home windows, and as soon as the curtains are drawn it turns into an undisturbed haven for a restful evening
The Premium Suites, positioned on the higher ground, include two double beds good for households or teams. Visitors can throw open the double doorways every morning and step onto the terrace, the place they are going to be greeted by views of the majestic snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
In addition to the principle Riad, Atlas Widan additionally gives personal properties for company searching for just a little extra space. Positioned within the gardens are the Douirias: 'little homes' that are separate areas inside a conventional Riad. Every small residence spans an space of 36m2, and affords a big double mattress, a rest room with bathe, a lounge space and a terrace with a non-public backyard.
On a grander scale are the villas, luxurious two- and four-bedroom houses away from residence, however with the round the clock service one would count on of a high-end lodge. Heat tones and gorgeous Moroccan design options run all through, with the intense and spacious front room main out to a non-public swimming pool and panoramic terrace space.
The Spa
How does Atlas Widan evaluate to different luxurious inns?
Score: 4/5
There's additionally a heavy deal with rest right here, and on days if you need to skip the sensory explosion of Marrakech, the spa is readily available to supply time-honoured cultural therapies.
Positioned within the basement of the lodge, the spa is a darkish and sensual house, bathed in twinkling candlelight. The spa values Moroccan custom and should really feel extra easy than these present in different luxurious or chain inns.
However simplicity doesn't imply an absence of high quality. There's a modest checklist of therapies obtainable, with the hammam serving as one of many spa's primary specialities, utilizing a mixture of black salt and steam to melt and nourish the pores and skin.
On prime of advantages for the pores and skin, the therapy relaxes the thoughts and physique, together with boosting the immune system by rising circulation and opening pores to launch toxins.
Visitors may bask in a manicure and pedicure, earlier than taking a dip within the effervescent scorching tub.
Eating and Consuming
Score: 4/5
Eating at Atlas Widan is a comfy affair, with lounges related to the principle inside courtyard, in addition to house to take pleasure in dinner with a view on the higher terrace.
The kitchen is open from breakfast till dinner, with a menu of freshly made dishes utilizing totally regionally sourced substances.
Consequently, the menu adjustments seasonally, shining a lightweight on the distinctive flavours of Moroccan gastronomy present in dishes resembling Harira soup, pumpkin tajine or honey-glazed poached pears.
Over breakfast, you'll want to strive a number of the mild, fluffy Moroccan pancakes together with a cup of freshly brewed espresso. The chef additionally works with native producers, incorporating regionally-mad olive oil, honey and jams.
Although dishes are pre-determined primarily based on the season and produce obtainable, the chef is ready to make tweaks to accommodate for dietary necessities, together with vegetarian and vegan diners.
Nevertheless, the seasonal dishes do imply there is not the identical various choice on provide that you simply may discover at a bigger lodge.
The lodge doesn't function a devoted bar space, although there are many non-alcoholic drinks obtainable to order from wherever within the lodge, in addition to a small number of alcoholic drinks.
Facilities
- Restaurant
- Lounge space
- Spa
- Swimming pool
- Bookable transfers
- Golf packages
- Household-friendly
Location
Score: 3.5/5
Atlas Widan is located exterior of the principle hub of Marrakech, which implies there is not quite a bit to do within the close by neighborhood until you might have transport.
Fortunately, venturing past the complicated is simple sufficient, with reception workers readily available to assist e book and organize automotive transfers to and from the town, in addition to different native vacationer sights.
Only a 23-minute automotive trip away is Jardin Majorelle, the one-hectare botanical backyard created by French Orientalist artist Jacques Majorelle over the course of 40 years, beginning in 1923.
The backyard was later bought by clothier Yves Saint-Laurent and his associate Pierre Bergé, and is conveniently positioned subsequent door to the Yves Saint-Laurent museum. An explosion of color and floral scents, the Jardin Majorelle gives a tranquil place to walk beneath the sun-soaked leaves and inhale a second of calm away from the busy metropolis.
And any journey to Morocco shouldn't be full with out a journey to the buzzing souks. Wealthy in rainbow hues and stuffed to the brim with trinkets and treasures, the souks had been historically an open-air market which has now grown to function a wealth of products from native artisans and craftspeople. The Médina and Souks are only a 26-minute drive away.
Alternatively, in case you're in search of a peaceable vacation to lounge round and absorb the sunshine poolside, then the quiet environment are superb.
Worth For Cash
Score: 5/5
Charges fluctuate relying on dates and demand, however on common, Junior Suites begin from €180 (roughly £156) per evening, Premium Suites begin from €240 (£209) per evening and Villas begin from €600 (£523) per evening. All room charges embrace breakfast.
Discover rooms and e book direct on the . Or, evaluate offers and costs for a keep at Atlas Widan with or .
Closing Verdict
Phone: +212 80 852 6925
Web site:
Bathed in color and dappled in daylight, the gorgeous yellow Riad is surrounded by 4 hectares of lush gardens and greenery, offering a secluded haven.
The principle courtyard centres round a trickling fountain, whereas a swimming pool nestled behind the Riad welcomes company to chill off on sweltering summer time days.
Although our December go to was just a little chilly to courageous a dip, Mustapha says he has hopes to warmth the pool in future to permit for year-round swimming.
The curved pool loungers are an elegant spot to soak in some vitamin D, and an adjoining pergola is an ideal spot for a shady lunch.
The lodge additionally affords a number of genuine experiences, together with a cooking class and a conventional Moroccan mint tea ceremony, all making use of the vegetation grown within the Atlas Widan gardens.
For company trying to bask in Marrakech's conventional Riad expertise, whereas benefitting from the tranquil environment solely the countryside can provide, Atlas Widan is completely positioned.
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