It took a whole day before our daughters discovered the third swimming pool. That’s not as strange as it sounds because Tigmiza Suites & Pavillons is located in the middle of a palm oasis stretching over no less than 6 acres. Just 20 minutes from the chaos of Marrakesh, this is a place of retreat and relaxation. Built in the traditional Kabash style, the complex is pretty as a picture. Although it seems as if the sand-coloured buildings have been here for ages, the luxury boutique hotel was built only 10 years ago. This doesn’t mean the hotel has no soul. On the contrary. At the end of our first day, we can say – while we are enjoying our delicious Mojitos and special kid-friendly cocktails – that it feels like staying with relatives. Well-to-do relatives, that is, as the level of comfort is extremely high.
A drink with view at the first pool
We are staying in one of the 14 luxurious villas. A ground floor with beautifully designed furniture, art on the wall and a fireplace for the nights which can be quite chilly, especially outside the summer season, because of the proximity of the Atlas Mountains as well as – neatly hidden in an alcove – a large bed for the children with their own bathroom. Grand glass doors open out to a spacious terrace and, much to the children’s delight, our own swimming pool.
The first floor is decorated in a similar style: colourful rugs, cushions and blankets, a huge master bathroom and another spacious terrace. Everything exudes a very personal atmosphere; luxurious, yet cosy. That’s not surprising as the hotel is a true family business. Once established by father, one of his sons is now the general manager and female family members are responsible for the major part of the hotel’s design and art. Their personal touch and love of interior design is evident.
Whereas the villas are suitable for families, the 3 so-called pavillons are slightly smaller than the villas but also have a splendid private, equally beautifully styled, terrace. For couples, there are 10 spacious suites each decorated in a different country theme based on a round-the-world trip.
Elsa & Anna from Frozen are here too :-) On the terrace of our suite
The expansive hotel grounds as well as the relatively small number of guests make us feel we are in a haven of peace and quiet. We had the swimming pool all to ourselves for the entire day, although more than half of the hotel was occupied. If you’re in for a lazy holiday, the various swimming pools are all you need. Right behind the main building where the above-mentioned suites are situated, you find the heated swimming pool with right behind it the main pool that is surrounded by very relaxing lounge chairs, fluffy bath towels and a pool bar where you can get drinks and light meals all hours of the day. The third swimming pool is concealed behind the so-called Colisée, a futuristic, beautifully designed building that is used for weddings and other events. It can accommodate up to 2,000 guests. In the middle of a magnificent rockery, a 25-metre slowly sloping pool that is ideal for children who can also dip in a shallow fenced kiddy pool.
Pool 3: Yes, they managed to throw dad in!
After a day of hanging out in the various swimming pools or having made an exciting trip to Marrakesh, it is good to relax on the roof terrace with a breathtaking view of the Palmeraie. Or, if the weather lets you down a bit, in the English Gentleman’s bar and in the Colonial Safari-styled Masaï night bar later in the evening. The children are bound to make other plans once they have discovered the hotel’s hidden attraction, the in-house cinema. Guests can pick from 200 films and sit in the largest and most comfortable chairs we have ever seen. Our daughters are absolutely stunned when their selected movie is shown in their own language on a metres high screen and it turns out they are the only guests in the theatre. When, on top of it all, the girls are served popcorn, they are over the moon with joy.
In-house cinema Hotel Tigmiza
While the kids are enjoying themselves, worn-out parents can either unwind in the nearby Spa of the hotel or sweat it out in the Gym. The hotel’s 18-hole golf course is just as spectacular – then again, what isn’t.
Impressed by it all, we prepare for dinner. After sunset, the hotel grounds are lit by a myriad lights and the homelike and service-oriented, personal attention continues in the restaurant. As there is no special kids’ menu, the chef is ever so willing to prepare something suitable for our daughters. If you wish to have dinner in the relaxing surroundings of your villa, the meal is as easily served on your own terrace.
WOW
# this is a small-scale (although the grounds are enormously large) five-star family hotel. The hotel has a very high level of quality in all respects, yet with a personal touch and genuine attention to the guests.
# where can you watch your movie of choice in a private cinema? The facilities are the perfect mix to entertain children of different ages and adults alike for days on end.
# for some hotels in Morocco, the sky is the limit when it comes to creating an ‘authentic’ interior. Here, the design of the rooms, lobby, restaurants and bars is exquisitely and subtly done. With an eye and respect for the local culture without going over the top. Splendid!
