by Domaine de la Roseraie is a gorgeous spa and yoga retreat, about an hour from Marrakech. It makes a perfect mindful escape from the overwhelming city streets. If you want a romantic escape or a weekend spa break near Marrakech, this resort in the spectacular Ouirgane Valley is ideal.
When we arrived at Domaine de la Roseraie, after a full day of cycling with Maroc Nature, we had no idea what to expect. Imagine our surprise when we found ourselves welcomed into a tranquil retreat nestled in the heart of Morocco’s Ouirgane Valley.
With a stunning spa, terrific food, and a gorgeous central pool, Domaine de la Roseraie makes a great place to kick back and spend a weekend or more on a Morocco retreat.
For active visitors, there is a yoga space, horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking available right from your villa, too.
What We Loved at this Morocco Retreat
Spectacular location
Tucked away in the Ouirgane Valley, Domaine de la Roseraie couldn’t be in a more spectacular setting. The extensive grounds spread out under rolling foothills with the High Atlas Mountains towering above. It’s a beautiful location for a Morocco retreat — and it’s only an hour from Marrakech.
Privacy and seclusion
Domaine de la Roseraie has been designed with privacy in mind. Rooms and villas are scattered around the property, housed in small low buildings.
Most rooms have secluded outdoor seating surrounded by trees and foliage to ensure privacy. It’s easy to imagine you’re kicking back on your own private Moroccan estate.
Fantastic pool area
The central swimming pool is so inviting that even though it was almost freezing when we visited, we couldn’t resist lounging poolside in the bright sunshine. In spring and summer, when things heat up, it’s the perfect spot to laze away an afternoon. If you don’t like the main pool, there are several others on the property from which to choose.
Large, comfortable rooms
Our suite featured a large living area and a big, bright bedroom. Everything was, of course, spotlessly clean and comfortable. We appreciated the emphasis on local design, from the punched tin light fixtures to the locally made argan oil toiletries.
If you go in winter, they provide plenty of heaters to keep you warm, too (a rare luxury in Moroccan wintertime).
Unusual Extras at Domaine de la Roseraie
Outstanding Moroccan hammam and spa
You’ll probably visit a few Moroccan hammams while you’re in the country — but it’s unlikely that you’ll experience a better spa than la Roseraie. The luxury spa features a multi-room hammam, where you can have a private or couples’ hammam treatment.
(Don’t miss: Our first-timer’s guide to a Moroccan hammam) →
There is also a spa which offers a well-rounded selection of massages and other treatments, making this an ideal place for a Morocco retreat.
Cycling, hiking, and horseback riding
If you get sick of lying by the pool and lounging in the spa, there are plenty of active ways to spend your day.
The reatreat offers a wide selection of bikes — including road bikes and mountain bikes — and you can cycle right from the grounds up into the mountains. Go horseback riding into the hills on the Domaine’s horses, or just take a good old-fashioned hike. We wish we’d had more time to explore!
Brand new yoga space
The new indoor yoga space features spectacular views out over the mountains. As soon as we saw it, we started planning Stephen’s next yoga retreat. The room can also be used for dances or other functions making the Domaine a perfect place for your wedding or a really great party!
Environmental and Social Initiatives at Domaine de la Roseraie
This Ouirgane eco lodge has a 50-year history of focussing on eco-friendly activities and green tourism. The organic garden and orchard lead into the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, where you can walk, mountain bike, or horseback ride.
In the nearby Ouirgane Village, they have refurbished the primary school and have opened a preschool and kindergarten for the village kids. They also work with the local women, helping them earn a living from making and selling rugs made from recycled clothes.
If you stay at Domaine de la Roseraie, you can donate to these projects and visit them in the village.
What We Didn’t Love at Domaine de la Roseraie
As digital nomads, we rely on good WiFi service to keep our business running, even when we’re relaxing at a spectacular resort. Though Domaine de la Roseraie does have WiFi, it was certainly not fast or reliable enough to do any work. The remote location meant our 3G was a bit useless too.
If you want to get away from it all, lack of WiFi is a great thing! But don’t come here expecting to get any work done online.
Where to Eat Near Domaine de la Roseraie
With nothing much in the vicinity, you’ll eat most of your meals in the dining room at Domaine de la Roseraie. The food (we ate breakfast and dinner there) was nothing short of excellent — and the portions were huge!
They have lots of experience feeding vegetarians and vegans like us, but it’s best to let them know about you dietary needs ahead of time so they can prepare.
Adventurous souls might be able to find something to eat in the nearby Ouirgane Village — but we didn’t have a chance to explore this option.
Book Your Stay at this Fabulous Morocco Retreat
To negotiate the best deal, contact the property directly.
See more pictures and check reviews on Booking.com.
Tours in & Around Marrakesh
Fly in a hot-air balloon
Soar high above the plains outside of Marrakech as the sun rises over the Atlas Mountains! We did this tour with Marrakech by Air and had a fabulous time. The balloon ride is followed by a big Berber breakfast and a camel ride (which we skipped along with our animal-loving tour companions).
Full-day tour from Marrakech
Spend a full day touring the Ouzoud Waterfalls outside of Marrakech and visit Berber villages. You might even get to see wild monkeys!
Day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech
The seaside town of Essaouira is a great place to go for a taste of medieval Morocco. You’ll get to visit the fishing port, the city walls, and the expansive Moulay El Hassan square on this tour. You can also pick up souvenirs in the souk, which is a little less overwhelming than the Marrakech medina.
Cycling tours of the High Atlas Mountains
The best way to explore the High Atlas Mountains and valleys near Marrakech is to get out on a bicycle. We joined Maroc Nature for a 2-day cycling tour of the Ouirigane Valley and loved it! They have options for every level of cyclist and you can customize your tour to your desires.
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Ourika Valley day tour
For a taste of the Atlas Mountains without all the cycling, try an Ourika Valley Day Tour. You’ll get to see dramatic scenery, experience charming Berber villages, and cool off at the Setti Fatma waterfalls.
3-day desert safari
Though we aren’t huge fans of camel rides (or any animal rides), the Merzouga desert safari is almost a rite of passage when you visit Morocco. Though riding a camel is mostly boring and very uncomfortable, spending the night in a Bedouin desert camp and playing on the Merzouga sand dunes was a highlight of our 2006 trip to Morocco.
♥ Happy mindful adventures, Stephen & Jane
We were guests at Domaine de la Roseraie but as always, we only stay in and recommend accommodation that we think you’ll truly enjoy! Some of the links in this post are our personal affiliate links, which means, if you use them to book something we get a small fee. It helps keep this blog afloat, so thanks in advance!
