I’d heard talk of this mystical piece of land. A lot of talk. L’Amandier. The Almond Grove. A small piece of Morocco in the Ouirgane Valley that so captivated the brothers Khan many years ago, it has led to me setting up a new life in Marrakech. At least for a while; we’ll see how it goes.

So I had to see it. I had to understand the draw, the beauty, the scene of what will become, I had heard, a very special place to spend time in some rather special villas.

The drive out of Marrakech down the wide boulevard lined with cast iron lampposts points directly to the snow covered Atlas Mountains. They are such a surprising backdrop to the city, but most definitely alluring. You want to head out on that road. You want to head off and explore the peaks and crags. Well, the foothills at least. The road winds upwards and switches back and forth around the contours of the hills. Small, square, earth-rendered houses cling to the steep slopes and the red muddy water flows angrily through the river-bed at the base of the valley (it’s rained a fair bit recently – which will be good for the price of vegetables this spring, I’m told).

Just under an hour later we turned a sharp left off the road. Jen started bouncing up and down. “This is it! Just wait – you’ll understand in a minute!” Then we all started bouncing up and down. Although soon to be addressed, the road is still a dirt track and none too smooth, thanks to the rain. It led through a pine forest and at the crest of a hill we stopped. There below was the land they call L’Amandier. A perfect plateau rising out of the valley, surrounded by stunning mountains. It’s tricky to find the words to convey the true beauty and tranquility of this secret pocket of Morocco, you’ll really need to visit to see for yourself…

Related posts:

1. Royal Welcome on the Road to Morocco
2. Team site visit Jan 13th
3. MHK International Ltd was born