The Capaldi Hotel & Spa

Rooms

Rooms and suites range from cheaper Farmhouse rooms in the original mud-brick building to Deluxe Pool Suites with their own walled yards and private 7x3m swimming pools. Two 4-bedroom private villas can also be rented, tucked away behind walled gardens, each with their own large private pools, enjoying full use of the hotel's restaurant and other facilities.

All come with super-kingsize beds and fireplaces, and most have both a shower and a window-facing bathtub in their ensuite. Every room can have twin beds instead upon request. All but the Standard Farmhouse and Prestige Rooms have private outdoor space, ranging from small Juliet-style balconies to furnished roof terraces and courtyard patios that overlook lush lawns. Luxury amenities include Egyptian linens, fresh flowers, complimentary mineral water, robes, slippers and artisanal soaps.

We stayed in the mid-range Atlas Room, set on the second floor of the contemporary main building and popular for its commanding view of the grounds and the snow-capped peaks beyond. Taking in the view while soaking in the tub was a real treat. We also liked the indulgent cosiness of the Farmhouse rooms. But the 2 Deluxe Pool Suites are a worthy splurge if you can afford it, offering 70sqm of living space, a 30sqm tiered patio, a private pool and a covered loggia - great for honeymooners and those looking to hide away. The views from these rooms across the Atlas mountains are breathtaking. We thought, however, that the main pool area was such a stunning space you may prefer to while away the hours there anyway.

The minimalist style mixes grey and black accents with warm earth tones from brick, stone, tile and tadelakt finishes. This creates a sharp backdrop for shimmering red-silk pillows, sumptuous curtains, hammered brass light sconces and Moroccan lanterns that spin mesmerising shadows across the walls. Thanks to market finds such as lattice partitions, kilim rugs and low circular tables, no two rooms are alike.

See Rates for full details of the different categories available.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

Enjoy breakfast on the shaded patio or by the pool. There's a selection of tasty hot and cold options - scrambled eggs and salmon, homemade breads and jams, perfectly cooked omelettes - all served with tea, coffee and juice.

Lunch and dinner are served on the patio or in the restaurant, which has sophisticated black and white décor, Moroccan arches and lanterns, a double-sided fireplace and a retractable glass skylight. You can also dine on the roof terrace with its panoramic views. The internationally inspired cuisine emphasises local produce - some from The Capaldi’s own herb and salad gardens.

We ate lots of lovely bright salads on our last visit. Dishes change with the seasons, but options might include beef carpaccio with rocket and parmesan; tartare of avocado with tomato and crab meat; almond sorbet; and chocolate croccant with homemade ice cream. There are also western meals like burgers and club sandwiches if you prefer. Just ask and the French chef will whip up delicious vegetarian alternatives or accommodate other dietary requirements. Our last visit saw us enjoy a Mediterranean inspired 3-course set menu for dinner, served in the courtyard under olive trees. There’s a short list of hand-picked wines, too, and half-board supplements are available if you plan to eat in every night.

An abbreviated menu of tapas-style dishes is available poolside or via room service, and there’s also a bar. The loggia and fireplace by the smaller of the 2 swimming pools make wonderful places to relax on cushioned couches with a cocktail.

The restaurant has a private dining room for special occasions, and staff can arrange picnic lunches in the countryside. Ed and Tara can also give you directions to a charming lakeside restaurant and pick you up afterwards.

Jnane Tihihit is a small organic farm with rooms serving lunch and dinner - it's a 20-minute walk from the hotel through Berber villages.

Features include:

• Bar
• Organic produce
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Sunbathe on a poolside daybed with a book borrowed from the library, watch a movie in the cinema, snooze on a shaded circular lounger hidden among the roses, or enjoy a sunset cocktail on the roof terrace
  
• Head to the spa for a traditional Moroccan hammam, an argan-oil massage or a bath treatment using scented oils and rose petals
  
• Hike to nearby Lake Lalla Takerkoust. A 40-minute walk or bike ride through local villages will bring you to a charming restaurant on the banks, where you can enjoy a beer, some lunch and maybe a bit of jet-skiing or fishing
  
• Take on the dunes with a quad-bike or dune-buggy ride over the sands of the Agafay Desert
  
• Trek or cycle in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Ed and Tara can recommend local English-speaking guides to show you the best trails on bike or foot
  
• Go hot-air ballooning or hop on a camel - the hotel can book a range of local activities
  
• Experience the chaos of Marrakech medina (a 35-minute taxi ride away), with its souks and ancient palaces. Staff can arrange a day trip, or you can combine a stay at The Capaldi Hotel & Spa with a few days at its sister property in the city

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Canyoning
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Hot air ballooning
• Kayaking
• Mountain biking
• Museums / galleries
• Plantlife / flora
• Private guided tours
• Rafting
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Traditional cultures
• Well being

Kids

The hotel is aimed squarely at couples and those seeking a peaceful retreat. That said, children over 12 are accepted and will enjoy dune-buggy rides, quad-biking and watersports on the lake. Twin beds are available in all rooms upon request.

Best for:

Teens (over 12)

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The Capaldi is located near the Agafay Desert in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. It’s a 35-minute drive south of Marrakech.

By Air:
Fly to Marrakech Menara (37km / 35 minutes' drive), which is served by a range of international flights. From the Airport you can take a taxi or arrange a transfer through The Capaldi (recommended as the hotel can be tricky to find).

By Car:
We don't advise hiring a car, as staff can easily arrange transport during your stay. If you do want to rent a vehicle to explore the region, see our car rental recommendations.

Detailed directions will be provided when you confirm a booking through i-escape.

More on getting to Morocco and getting around