An exceptional ecolodge in a lush palm grove © Bab El Oued
Nestled in an oasis in the Draa Valley, in the south of Morocco, this palm grove with exuberant vegetation houses a unique ecolodge, committed to the preservation of the environment, but also of local culture and know-how. An authentic estate, a perfect alliance between tradition and modernity.
With its lush vegetation, where all kinds of fragrances of fruits and flowers float, this palm grove offers a exceptional setting at the Bab El Oued ecolodge. A veritable Garden of Eden nestled in the heart of the oasis of Tamnougalt, in the south of Morocco, which has relied from its creation on a sustainable and eco-responsible tourism, to help people discover this unique environment while preserving it. And the bet was daring: the land, fallow, was originally planted with only a few palm trees. Its owners have therefore transformed the place with priority, showcase local culture and know-how. Mathilde Richard Aït-El Caïd, and her husband Zine, thus spent three years at plant hundreds of plants to recreate a real palm grove. This garden, as astonishing as it is exuberant, is now home to more than 250 species. Seven lodges, inspired by nomadic Berber habitats and kasbahs, were then built in the purest tradition with the help of local artisans. “An architect planned all our desires, but we called on artisans of the region, specialized in the art of adobe. The houses were made with mud bricks made on site, and recycled wood that we collected in the surrounding villages “ Mathilde explains to us. Perfect alliance between tradition and modernity, the lodges have also been designed with a ecological, and were equipped from the outset with innovative technologies intended to preserve natural resources. Inside, it is also a real invitation to travel, a profusion of colors with a decoration halfway between Africa and the Orient which, again, puts the spotlight on Moroccan craftsmanship. The ecolodge is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Immersion in images in this generous and exotic oasis.
