Things to do
Once you’ve settled into your expansive villa, splashed in the pool and gazed at the endless views to where the horizon meets the deep blue Atlantic Ocean, you’ll want to go exploring. With a guide, hike the hillside pathways to the village of Mezgalef where you’re likely to be invited for mint tea with a friendly resident. Marvel at the coastal beauty of the beach, where you can spot aquatic birds, nestled in the dunes or canter along the sand on horseback. There’s surfing to be had here too; lessons can be arranged for beginners. Back at the hotel, the hammam awaits for a scrub down or enjoy a ‘oriental ritual’ treatment that uses black soap and prickly pear seed scrub or you can join a mediation session set to the sound of the crashing waves.
Sleeping
The suites and villas at La Fiermontina have an impressive wow-factor, and in many ways are the standout feature of this hotel, nestled between orchards and olive groves, with vistas that stretch to the deep blue Atlantic Ocean. Although crafted from local stone, the pool villas tend to be more modern in style, with polished floors, floor-to-ceiling windows and terraces with sweeping views to admire from your swimming pool. The more traditional stone houses replicate a village home and have interiors dotted with antique lanterns, rugs from the Atlas Mountains and Moroccan tiling.
Food & Drink
As you might expect from owners with Moroccan heritage who hail from Italy, food is an important part of a stay at La Fiermontina. Cradled by sand dunes, the Ocean Restaurant serves up rich and tasty Moroccan dishes cooked in traditional clay pots, such as couscous or lamb tagine alongside Italian classics including a creamy tiramisu to finish. On the wild and windswept beach, enjoy the Beach Club, camouflaged into your natural surroundings. Lunchtime here are on the light and delicious side including club sandwiches and freshly caught fish. In the afternoon, you can pop by to savour a glass of wine or cocktail as the sun slowly makes it way to the horizon.
What We Think
We love the potential for cultural immersion at La Fiermontina whilst also offering exclusive seclusion in thoughtfully designed villas and suites. In the morning you could be having a Moroccan breakfast with a family in the village and by afternoon, enjoying a traditional hammam before dinner in the dunes and bedding down in a spacious villa, dotted with Moroccan curios.
Best For
This is certainly not your usual destination within Morocco, so this trip suits those who are happy to seek the alternative angle – and be rewarded for it. It’s also very possible to include this hotel as part of a trip around Morocco’s north, exploring the ‘blue city’ of Chefchouen and the up-and-coming port city of Tangier. Families are also very welcome at La Fiermontina.
