Part Berber farm and family getaway, part cultural complex and part spa resort, the Fellah Hotel, with its peaceful out-of-town setting in the shadow of the Atlas mountains defies easy definitions.
Located 17km southeast of the old city on the road to the Ourika Valley, the Fellah occupies a delightful spot with great front-row views of the Atlas mountains. It’s a 15-minute drive to the airport and a 30-minute drive to the Djemaa el-Fna. Booking taxis into town can get expensive (£25 round trip).
Situated in 21 acres of desert garden, resplendent with sculptural cacti, the Fellah offers camera-baiting vistas at every turn. Dark chocolate-coloured, cubist dars (villas) sit framed against snowy Atlas peaks, desert-driftwood does duty as sculpture, and tongue-in-cheek Moroccan pop art adds an appropriately playful tone to this creative, unconventional hotel. At the heart of the Fellah is the poolside lounge and restaurant where musicians strum on sitars and design fetishists pose on loungers.
Facilities at The Fellah abound from the full-length pool, hammam and Wat Po massage centre, to a sunken gym with a boxing ring. Then there’s the well-stocked library, which hosts resident artists, a cool souvenir shop and a specialist spice and coffee shop. Despite, or perhaps because of, the plethora of experiences it offers, service at the Fellah is chaotic at times. While always ready with a smile staff speak little English and lack the necessary experience to support the standards of a boutique resort. The lack of a shuttle to get guests in and out of town is also a major fail. On the up side, the Fellah supports the local community through activities at the Dar al Ma’mûm Foundation.
Divided among 10 villas (which can be booked exclusively) is a mix of rooms that vary wildly in size and style. The best are the Junior Suites and Suites, which are located on the first floor and come with vast bathrooms, funky, contemporary décor and mountain-view terraces. Sparse mid-century contemporary furnishings, quirky artworks and bold colour schemes keep the feel contemporary and low-key. Some villas have secluded pools.
Dining is poolside in the subtle, airy lounge-bar-restaurant which is furnished with a pool table and grand piano. The food is Moroccan fusion, and is made with many ingredients from the Fellah’s own garden. Lunch features tapas plates of chicken kebabs, pasta and salads, while dinner focuses on flavoursome tagines, steak or stewed lamb shank. On Sundays there’s an great brunch prepared by local cooks from the neighbouring village.
Yes.
The Fellah has a kids club, 21 acres of garden, a treehouse and a petting zoo. A special kids menu in also available and all the kit (cots, high chairs, toys) is provided. Extra beds cost £20.
Trusted Tourism Brand
Leave a review