L’Amandier - A labour of love in the Atlas Mountains
There, in the scenic Ouirgane Valley, they discovered a land of such staggering beauty that they vowed to bring it to the world. Almost immediately an offer was made, accepted, and the dream of L’Amandier was born.
We were some of the first travel professionals to be invited to this amazing Boutique Hotel, high in the hills.
Anwar Harland Khan admitted that, at the time the land was purchased, he didn’t even know if it had a water supply, and the building process has been so meticulous – so focused on perfection – that the swimming pool has been rebuilt three times. But now, this outstanding luxury boutique resort is on the verge of officially opening. Nestled amidst fragrant herb gardens and citrus orchards, overlooking the snow-capped peaks, prairie-like pastures and a striking aquamarine lake, this terracotta resort is a haven of tranquility – an oasis of peace in a spectacular setting.
Set 1,000 meters above sea-level, L’Amandier is a compact, low-rise complex comprising a six-room hotel and 13 stunning pool villas. In its development, no corner has been cut; no comfort compromised. The villas, which are already open for reservations, have been created in a classical Moroccan style with two or three bedrooms set around a central courtyard. The spacious living areas open out seamlessly onto terraces with private plunge pools and al fresco dining areas, before descending down into landscaped gardens. Rooftop areas with cabanas take full, panoramic advantage of the spectacular mountain vistas. All villas are adorned with hand-selected furnishings and fittings that reflect the timeless chic of Moroccan and Mediterranean design.
The hotel’s six rooms, which are due to open in May, are similarly styled with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a verdant valley and the snow-tipped peaks beyond.
But according to Anwar, “food is the apex”, and L’Amandier will aim to showcase the very best of Moroccan cuisine, going – as he puts it – “beyond the tagine”. The resort will produce many of its ingredients onsite in its herb and vegetable gardens, citrus and olive orchards. L’Amandier also features traditional clay ovens which are used to slow-cook meats until they are sublimely succulent and tender.
For the best possible start to the day, guests can have their breakfast prepared by the hotel’s chefs in their villa. Daytimes can be spent hiking through the incredible mountain scenery, cooling off in resort’s pool, enjoying a few sets on the tennis court, or simply relaxing in the luxury of the hotel, breathing the fresh mountain air and enjoying the blissful peace and quiet. A spa is also being developed, which will add another tranquil dimension to this already serene resort - I could just see myself sitting and reading in one of the many nooks.
As it prepares to welcome its first guests this summer, its feels as if L’Amandier is not embarking on the start of a journey, but arriving at its end. Having created such an exquisite, exceptional hotel, the Harland Khan brothers are now able to fulfill their dream and showcase the breathtaking Ouirgane Valley to the world.