Berber Lodge by Romain Michel Meniere
A scenic drive from Marrakech, along untouched Moroccan countryside and local villages, gravel filled paths lead you to Berber Lodge; a newly opened hotel nestled at the foothills of the Atlas Mountain. Traditional Berber building techniques; earth bricks and palm tree ceilings combined with beldi, sophisticated chic interiors.
About Berber Lodge
A Berber Oasis: Melding Tradition and Luxury
Sprawling over two acres, Berber Village style embraces an ancient olive grove and exquisite gardens. Romain Michel Meniere, a Swiss designer and architect, spearheaded this ten-lodge hotel. He collaborated with Karl Fournier and Oliver Marty of Studio KO, and Paris-based landscape maestro, Arnaud Casaus. After a decade designing Marrakech’s hotspots, Meniere unveiled his magnum opus: a hotel blending Moroccan architectural charm, chic interiors, and contemporary culinary arts.
Legacy of Visionaries
What connects the “Grand Café de la Poste”, “Yves Saint Laurent Museum”, “Blue Hour Relais & Chateaux”, and “Balmain Boutique”? Studio KO’s Karl and Olivier masterminded these architectural wonders. Their collaboration with Meniere resulted in “Berberlodge”. The trio has gifted Marrakech gems like “Bab Ourika”, “Riad Tarabel”, and “Café Nomad”. “Berberlodge” captures the essence of cozy ancestral homes, with feather beds and rustic fireside meals. Over a decade, Meniere curated artifacts from Morocco. Pieces like Achille Castiglioni’s resin lamps and 50s armchairs now grace the lodge’s spaces, harmonizing with Berber heritage near an ancient Kasbah.
Craftsmanship Meets Architecture
The uneven terrain of Oumnas, roughly 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) south of Marrakech, enchanted Romain and his team. This two-hectare (4.9 acres) plot, adorned with old olive trees and historic gardens, gazes towards the Atlas Mountains. Local artisans employed age-old Berber techniques in “Berberlodge”, using materials like mud bricks, reed ceilings, and eucalyptus wood. Unique finishes and details set it apart. Handcrafted bedheads, soft wool blankets, and sensual terracotta tiles fuse tradition with modern sophistication.
The Enigmatic Berberlodge Location
Imagine a stony desert, a winding road, and an earthen Kasbah. Beyond lies a hidden Berber village and “Berberlodge”, an oasis shrouded in mystery. Sharing its secrets feels like a privilege. Unlike ostentatious resorts, “Berberlodge” champions refined taste, harmony, and artisanal prowess. Arriving here guarantees an unparalleled retreat, a timelessness that only a few places offer.
Photography by Sophia van den Hoek
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- by Matt Watts
