I was browsing through recent reviews in preparation for another trip to this little oasis of heaven, and thought I'd pop in a review even though the last time we stayed was a while back in March 07. We truly had a relaxing time even with a 15 mth old in tow. I agree with those who said this was a home from home. For those looking for a tv and telephone and other such worldly appliances in your room, this is not the resort for you. The whole point of this resort is to get away from it all and enjoy the surroundings. The staff were a joy - so friendly and warm and they took turns babysitting/entertaining our little girl when we had our al fresco lunch! We were there for 5 days and didn't leave the hotel until day 4! We thought that our little one would go stir crazy without her dvd's and toys but the swimming pool, tennis courts and exploring the grounds was enough entertainment for her. Food was also very good - we didn't have a bad meal the whole time and we ate breakfast, lunch and dinner there everyday for 4.5 days! (We ate out at lunch the one time we reluctantly forced ourselves out to the medina). The only thing I change is for them to heat all the pools, not just the one, as the pools are all beautiful but really could only use the heated one in March.

My family stayed at the Jnane Tamsna in April last year and I have to say that it was beautiful. Set quite some way outside Marrakesh within an enormous walled and guarded area of lush organic gardens, this place is in many ways its own island of paradise. Do not expect extensive lawns - this is only a stone's throw from the Sarah desert; however, every form of flowering plant, tree and vegetable suited to hotter climes seems to flourish in the intensely well-tended organic gardens within which the hotel is set. The main building is a low-lying, elegant and tranquil affair and eating is al-fresco. The villas are set quite far apart from each other, with good privacy, at some distance from the main reception building. Each has a separate pool shared with no more than two other sets of guests. The villas are very elegantly decorated in individual styles with considerable taste. The whole place has an air of unhurried tranquil beauty which is in complete contrast with the dust and bustle of the nearby city. Unfortunately, there are a number of drawbacks. Because of the very spread-out nature of the hotel and the laid-back attitude, service is VERY slow. The rooms open directly into the gardens and have no real seals around the doors, so local wildlife can wander in (the family who had the cockroach problems were our neighbours and I can sympathise). The extreme eco-friendly/organic ideals of the owners seriously hamper their ability to keep the rooms up to the hygene/bug-free standards one expects of a top-flight hotel (it might be an idea to sneak some Raid into your room and zap the window frames, doorframes and drains on the quiet). The shower room/toilet was woefully inadquate and truly primitive. Indeed, it feels a bit like five star camping. However, if you accept this and accept the fact that you are in a very hot country, you will love this place (that said, its probably not the best for really tiny children). Next: the pools. Our pool was the only one in the whole compound which was heated - and you do need them to be heated, as the night is often very cold. Also, the pool is OK in size for one family, but rapidly becomes crowded when others arrive. Dinner is poor value by the standards of the nearby city and is great if you're on a diet, but I was left starving (and I like nouvelle cuisine!). They don't really understand wine lists here at all, so don't bother on that front. Personally, I was not a fan of the chef - the deliciously flavoured organic vegetables were consistently cooked to sotter and everything was a bit mediocre, though very healthy and fresh (my wife and children preferred the food); consequently, we ate out quite a bit in restaurants which, I have to say were much better. Breakfast is very laid-back (as is the service) and the setting is very pleasant. We found the owner/management very pleasant and generally accommodating but the real underlying problem here is that the super-eco-friendly ideals behind the place and the requirements of a deluxe hotel simply do not meet. Best to regard this place as somewhere quite unique and enjoy it - despite the shortcomings, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would return.

My girlfriend and I stayed here in the New Year, after a few days in Marrakech, and enjoyed the most relaxing and peaceful end to our holiday. Its appeal began to take hold as our taxi weaved its way through the endless groves of the Palmeraie, instilling a calming sense of distance from the joyful chaos of the city, without actually being that far. From the moment we arrived we were impressed, not only with the beauty of the grounds and the buildings, but also with the unobtrusive attentiveness of the staff which would serve us throughout our stay: whether it was a drink before dinner, or a log-fire in the bedroom, someone was always there to provide assistance. It began to feel like it could have been our own home (the lack of locks on the doors within the building only adding to this effect), and what a home it was. The beautiful gardens (much of which would end up in the salads of the excellent meals), swimming pools, tennis court and roof terraces, made it easy to while away the hours outside. And in the evenings it was wonderful to sit in the beautiful rooms of the house, enjoying the open fires, the excellent collection of books, a relaxing tipple, a fantastic home-grown meal, only to finally retire into a comfortable double bed and look forward to enjoying the next day in the same way. It surprised and amused me to read some of the negative comments on this site, because i can't quite see how the authors came to their conclusions. Meryanne and Gary are fantastic hosts who make you feel like their home is as much yours as theirs. We only wish we could have made it ours for longer!

Pierre & Anne from Paris.

Coming back to Jnane Tamsna is always a dream...
We often come to Marrakech and since we know this fantastic place, there is nowhere else to stay!

The place is not a hotel, you feel like in a private house.
It is set in the Palmeraie of Marrakech in beautiful biologic gardens: a lot of palm trees, exotic plants, and vegetables' gardens. Tropical feeling that reminds paintings of Douanier Rousseau!
Beautiful architecture, a lot of space, lovely views, not too Morrocan, a certain feeling of Africa. Very very chic!

The inside decoration is marvellous. A lot of colors, beautiful paintings, flowers and candles everywhere. Beautiful bedrooms, all different and big.
The food is delicious, and so fresh; all the vegetables and herbs from the garden! Meals are served in different sets, garden or courtyards full of flowers, plants and birds!!!

The staff is very welcoming and helpful, (you laundry is done everyday for free).

The owner has created heaven, she has the charisma and the creative willing of Barbara Hendricks! She will explain you the spirit of her place and all her interesting researchs and projects she has with her husband, Gary.

If you come to Marrakech, it is the best place to stay!