[trip style = luxury + sun]
Editor's Note: This is the fourth post in a multipart series on Morocco. For a look back, seeSavoring the Sahara,CasablancaandDar al Hossounhotel, also in Taroudant.
What Drooling over the photos of La Gazelle d'Or prior to my December, 2013 trip to Morocco, I had fairy tale expectations. When I spotted a white Arabian horse grazing in the palm tree-lined field outside my bungalow one morning, my fairy tale swiftly took shape.
Part hotel, part orchard, part farm, all Garden of Eden, La Gazelle d’Or dazzled my senses the second my vehicle entered through the bamboo canopy entrance. It was 9pm when I checked in, and the front desk informed me they had been waiting for my arrival. The fairy tale continues: A seat was waiting for me at dinner {in front of a crackling fire}.
Firmly planted as one of Morocco's leading hotels, this sanctuary of calm is draped in North African decadence, Arab cues, Art Deco, and vases of fresh roses cut from the sprawling estate. Strolling between the dining room, the pool and my clay-built abode, I could hardly believe the scale of the 250-acre property without walking to every corner. Though occasionally, the far reaches of the relaxing resort would come to me: the bowl of just-picked oranges sitting in my suite's living room, the farm eggs served on my patio at breakfast or the poinsettia tree meeting me on my way to the spa.
While the scale and stature of the property have a treasure map quality, it's the timeless touches that made it difficult to leave. I miss the army of attentive and earnest staff---many of whom have been there 30 years under the property's uncompromising owner---and the meticulous upkeep and manicuring throughout the estate's 30 private bungalows.
If you're longing for a fairy tale trip, consider taking your magic carpet here. Trip Styler approved.
Where Located just outside of Taroudant's fortified walls, La Gazelle d'Or is one hour from the Agadir Airport, or a 3.5-hour drive from Marrakech.
When Winter is for palm-shaded picnics, summer is for frequent dips in the Olympic-sized pool.
Who/Why Your travel dreams are birthed on the glossy pages of Conde Nast Traveler, and your jetset pals include former French first families or US business tycoons.
Cost Rates start at $800/night {taxes in} and include breakfast, dinner and WiFi.
Photos The bamboo entrance
Bowl of fresh-picked oranges plucked from La Gazelle's grove
Sitting area
Olympic-sized pool
I came across a worker bringing in a bunch of roses from the garden, and he gave me a single stem---I wasn't kidding about the fairy tale...
My bungalow
Embroidery details on the towels
Bungalow's soaking tub
Breakfast from La Gazelle's 100% organic farm on my patio
White Arabian horse roaming in front of my private breakfast perch
Sitting room
Decor details
Outdoor seating
Spa
Dusk
More Roam+Board
Mandarin Oriental – Las VegasHotel
Lone – Croatia
Templar Hotel – Toronto
Encuentro Guadalupe – Mexico
The Ampersand Hotel – London
The Wickaninnish Inn – Tofino
Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay – Lanai
[photos by @tripstyler taken as a guest of Tourism Morocco]