Set on a hill amongst an oasis with views across the Moroccan wilderness, 30km from Marrakech
ABOUT: Located on an oasis amid the reddish Agafay Desert, La Pause was born when eccentric French fortysomething Frédéric Alaime came horse-riding by over a decade ago. Alaime liked the spot so much that he immediately leased it from the resident Berber farmer; the modern-day result is a rustic eco-resort with activities aplenty and a pool, but no electricity and scarcely any mobile reception. Instead, snoozing, stargazing and staring into space are the order of the day. Marrakech is just 20 miles away, but you’ll never believe it...
ROOMS: Built using beautiful thick pisé (traditional mud-and-straw), La Pause’s stark, stylish lodges are atmospherically illuminated by candles and oil lamps. Each has a huge bed, a strong shower, low sofas, rugs and cushions, plus fireplaces and a patio sun-lounger for morning mint teas. Alternatively, ‘glamp’ in a spacious Bedouin tent with foam mattresses and open-air showers.
FACILITIES: Framed by olive trees and colourful hammocks, the filtered pool borders an organic garden which contributes rocket, alfalfa, grapes and olive oil to the resort’s delicious Berber cuisine. Meals can be taken al fresco on terraces, or cross-legged on cushions inside tents where Gnaoua musicians play. A small massage-offering hammam and quirky boutique provide additional distraction.
EXTRA INFO: The list of available activities includes quad-bike rides, horse treks, mountain-biking, guided camel rides, cooking classes and calligraphy lessons. There’s also a short‘cross-country’ golf course, designed into the desert and more akin to crazy golf.
The Lawrence of Morocco map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
Dear Max
I am not on Facebook so I will try and give you my comments by e-mail.
I was very pleased with Denise and your other staff members, with the attention we received before we commenced on our holidays.
Even the canceling of the Royal Air Maroc Airline flight at the end, and our request to cancel one of our days in Marroco was dealt with, with such efficiency.
1. Bab Ourika - Ourika Valley was perfect. The accommodation was first class and the food was to die for.
We enjoyed the Berber lunch and, walking to the village nearly killed us but we enjoyed every minute it.
2. Our second stop to Rock Camp - Agafay was a little disappointing. The camel ride was good, and the service was good. However we were the only ones in camp that night and that we did not expect. The “camp” environment was totally lost because if this. Eating under the stars did not happen. A suggestion that they do not book just one person, , it defeats the idea of camping.
3. Our last stop to Villa des Orangers - Marrakech was all that it promised and more. The Riad was out of this world, the service was second to none and we could not ask for anything more. The fact that
Royal Air Maroc cancelled our last day was a bit disappointing. However your people arranged for the cancellation of the booking, and we will get a refund is good in our books.
We will definitely use your service again and will spread the word in our part of the world.
I will write under separate cover how to refund our account.
Once again thank you very much for one of our best holidays we have had to date.
Marcia & Lem.
Marcia Hurlston who stayed here in November 2015.
Thank you, yes, a really excellent holiday – superbly choreographed by Denise.
EasyJet was a new experience for me (as Denise knows). I did not have very high hopes, which was the right approach since the flights were delayed out and inbound.
We did not particularly take to our cynical and plump little guide to Historical Marrakesh – clearly in cahoots with the Soukees, he would sit in the background while a rather obvious attempt to fleece us was made; tiresome and not especially educational.
As for the hotels Denise chose (Deux Tours, La Pause, Kasbah Bab Ourikah), they were exceptional and a wonderful combo. You should know that the current manager of Bab Ourikah (one Damien) is a superstar who made a huge, and unwarranted, effort to make sure we enjoyed ourselves (we did).
I am very glad we organized our holiday through you – thank you.
Best,
David Hansell
David Hansell who stayed here in October 2015.
Our trip was rounded off with a night's stay at La Pause and we can honestly say it was one of the best holidays we've ever had. We'll definitely be going back to Morocco!
Andrea Hawkins who stayed here in April 2014.
This was a little lacking I'm afraid and we missed staying in the tents. The setting was beautiful although because it's an oasis it doesn't feel so much like being in the desert. There wasn't much of an atmosphere. In fact at times it was hard to find anyone - whilst it's nice to have seclusion - it was a little strange that no staff seemed to be there at times. The staff were the least friendly here. Perhaps they weren't keen on kids? The houses were beautiful but so so dark and almost gloomy... hence missing the lightness of the tents. At night with candles and the fires they were wonderful but again we felt shut in instead of out in the open under the sky.
Kate Berger who stayed here in March 2014.
La Pause, Marrakech has been rated 4 times, with an overall rating of 4.50 out of 5.
We really know Morocco and have had the pleasure of making many people's dream trips become reality over the years. It has been our privilege to be asked to manage holidays, weddings and productions for so many fantastic and discerning clients. We remain small and dedicated to providing excellent honest advice to enable you to sit back, relax and enjoy the fun bits without having to manage the unpredictability of this fascinating country.
If you want it done right, look no further!
