From a bucolic spot in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, this rustic-chic boutique hotel, set within a large estate, delivers laid-back luxury with its elegant bedrooms, two pools, spa, cinema and a French-inspired restaurant.
The Capaldi’s 15-acre estate is 35 minutes south-west of Marrakech. While it’s a bit of a trek into town, it’s a beautiful location within five minutes of the Lalla Takerkoust lake at the edge of the Agafay Desert, and 15 minutes from the town of Amizmiz (the departure point for treks up Mount Toubkal). For the best experience combine a couple of days here with a stay at the sister hotel, Riad Capaldi, in Marrakech. Airport transfers start from around €45 (£41).
This beautifully planted, 23-room country resort brings a touch of glamour to the Moroccan countryside. Draped in jasmine, the two-storey main house opens out onto smartly landscaped gardens set around a long mirror-like pool. Peeking through the bougainvillea and palms is a jigsaw of cubist cottages, housing rooms and suites to suit all budgets and preferences.
Drawing you out of the main villa, snaking paths lead down to cinema and a large separate structure where you’ll find a great restaurant with a spacious bar and lounge (fire-lit at night) and an outdoor terrace for summer dining. Here, you’ll find a second heated pool and a smart summer house furnished with cushions for evening parties. It’s very well designed, smart yet casual, and a great deal of fun.
The owners, Ed and Tara Lyle, are convivial hosts and dispense the sort of heart-warming hospitality that only resident owners can. Aside from the two pools (one of which is heated), hammam, spa, library and home cinema, you have the whole Moroccan countryside to explore, including trekking in the foothills of the Atlas, paragliding and waterskiing on the nearby Lalla Takerkoust lake. For the full experience, pair your sojourn here with a couple of days at the Lyle’s second property, Riad Capaldi in Marrakech.
With eight different categories of room, The Capaldi offers a great range of spacious accommodation at strikingly good value. Choose from large double rooms with a view in the main villa, to secluded garden suites (some with their own pools), and even one or two extravagant villas. All come with king-size beds, fireplaces and separate dressing areas. Move up the scale and you’ll also have a Juliet balcony or secluded patio, while the two Deluxe Pool Suites each have their own pool and a loggia covered terrace.
Design-wise the property is styled with a minimalist Moroccan vibe. Warm colour washes in sand, taupe, charcoal and beige create a warm backdrop for interesting objet d’art, twinkling brass lanterns, carved furniture and richly coloured throws and cushions.
Breakfast on the terrace here is hard to beat in summer, while in winter guests hunker down around the stunning central fireplace. Menus are pared down, but to great effect, proving the point that less is often more. For breakfast, homemade breads and jams appear along with steaming hot coffee and tea, while à la carte options include subtle herb omelettes, and scrambled eggs and salmon.
A tapas style menu is available at lunch featuring all the usual suspects (club sandwiches, burgers) alongside some delightful subtle plates of fish, and salads composed of leaves and herbs from the garden.
But it’s in the evening that Chef Hassni really puts on a show. With a background in Michelin-starred restaurants, he turns out contemporary plates with a sophisticated French flavour. Expect artichoke carpaccio with passion fruit vinaigrette or locally sourced duck in a red jus with caramelised apple. There’s a well-curated wine list of French and Moroccan wines to match.
Yes, there is one ground floor Prestige Room in the main building, which is suitable (although not specially adapted). It is close to reception and meals can be served in the Library.
The Capaldi is largely an adult playground and there are no twin rooms. Children over 12 are accepted and will enjoy the range of outdoor activities on offer. Extra beds are charged at €50 (£45).
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