Jnane Tamnsna Boutique Hotel
Jnane Tamsna Boutique Hotel
Marrakech, Morocco
www.jnanetamsna.com
A garden oasis in a magical storybook setting… Marrakech harbors an unexpected treasure secluded in a natural wonderland of century old palm trees, lush gardens, and bubbling pools. Uniquely a destination that is truly awe-inspiring in every aspect, Jnane Tamsna showcases the creativity and diverse talents of its owner, designer, architect, builder, and host, Meryanne Loum-Martin. The only black woman hotelier in Marrakech, Meryanne’s own multi ethnic cultural heritage and rich life experience mirrors the diverse elements of design highlighted in the architectural vision of Jnane Tamsna Boutique Hotel. Each detail and object d’art was personally curated, a reflection of her philosophy that her guests should experience the feeling of being in someone’s home, sharing a personal appreciation of its history and culture. At Jnane Tamsna, each area is its own showcase. Each room is a distinct work of art. Each space evokes discrete emotion and character. And each guest becomes part of the vision and tapestry of the story of this idyllic retreat.
Like every compelling story, there is a sense of destiny in the journey. Born in Côte d’Ivoire, her father a Senegalese diplomat and her mother a West Indian lawyer, Meryanne has also lived in Ghana, London, Moscow, Paris and New York. As a precocious 7 year old, her passion for design and architecture was already apparent, but her educational path as a student in Paris led her to study law, though her passion was never abandoned. Of course, the next chapters of the story lead to a magical romance worthy of a Hollywood script, and a marriage of hearts, minds, and vision bringing together Meryanne Loum and Dr. Gary Martin, ethnobiologist and founder of the Global Diversity Foundation. A love of Morocco for years and their harmonious blend of talents led to the purchase of the Marrakech land in 2000 and the realization of the Jnane Tamsna Boutique Hotel. The exceptional interior and exterior design of the hotel and their family home incorporates the rich cultural heritage with French accents to traditional Moroccan features, courtyards, niches, archways and fountains, tilework, furnishings, and beautifully carved screens. Together the dynamic couple created a stunning landscape design, pristine placement of the 5 swimming pools and clay tennis court, and a plan to sustain the naturescape and create the contoured gardens of Jnane Tamsna that provide the fresh organic produce distinguishing its exceptional cuisine.
The magic of Jnane Tamsna can be found in each of the 24 guest rooms, creatively presenting a unique design fusion of traditional and modern elements, reflecting the handwork of local artisans, with Moorish, French, and even art deco accents, distinctive lighting features, artwork, fabrics and beautiful tilework. Guests have a range of options for accommodations, from a cozy room ideal for solo travelers to spacious suites, a garden room with gorgeous views, and the privacy of a pavilion room with pool and veranda, each choice focused on luxurious comforts and high end amenities. The beauty of all that is Jnane Tamsna embraces guests with a peaceful serenity, a place to pause to recharge and absorb the culture and the multitude of experiences bombarding travelers.
Meryanne Loum-Martin is an inspiration to African women and women everywhere as she has taken her creativity and passion for design to new heights as an immensely successful hotelier, hosting movie stars including Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, and Hugh Jackman, designers including Giorgio Armani and Donna Karan; as an interior decorator and entrepreneur creating designer decor, unique lighting, and a line of women’s clothing. She is author of Inside Marrakech: Enchanting Homes and Gardens, an intimate peek into extraordinary homes with noteworthy design and breathtaking gardens. Modeliste joins in celebrating the achievements of women in all fields, sharing that Jnane Tamsna has been featured internationally in travel, design, and style magazines including Elle, Vogue, and Town and Country.
Design also plays a significant role in the realm of Chef Bouchra, whose culinary talents and presentations are dazzling. a national icon of women’s empowerment who has over 780,000 followers on her cooking channel. Each meal is designed to perfection, innovative creations featuring the bounty of the organic gardens, herbs and floral garnishes satisfying both the eye and the palate with a varied cuisine of Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes that truly is incomparable. With a a farm-to-table concept, the restaurant serves locally produced and seasonal vegetables and fruits, most of which are grown on their own organic farm.To savor and indulge, the dining experience is extraordinary, beside a pool or in the shade of a date palm, under the stars in the garden or in the lovely dining room. Chef Bouchra conveys her passion for cooking in her popular classes for guests and is modestly an international TV star as well. Choice Moroccan wines are perfect for pairings and Jnane Tamsna signature craft cocktails uniquely infuse their alcohol with organic herbs for new taste sensations. Weddings and special events are celebrated and designed within the beautiful natural surrounds with exemplary dining for groups of all sizes.
Beyond swimming, tennis, and cooking classes, guests can enjoy guided biking excursions to the nearby Atlas Mountains, a ride in a deluxe sidecar to the Medina and beyond the old city, or a camel ride through the Palmeraie property. Guests can experience henna parties to discover the art of henna and learn about its spiritual and cultural significance while sipping a fresh cup of atay (Moroccan mint tea). The Jnane Tamsna staff will arrange a knowledgeable private guide for guests to the Medina, palaces, or excursions beyond to the desert or mountains.
Jnane Tamsna is set to launch its Garden Café in October 2022, under the helm of Thaïs, Gary and Meryanne’s daughter, a music and film artist who helps run the hotel. Her new space will feature a bar serving their signature botanically infused cocktails together with snacks and light courses inspired from local spices and traditions, featuring a space to work and read, a library counting hundreds of books, a lounge area and a boutique where guests can buy fashion, art and interior decor items specially curated and designed by Meryanne. A conciergerie curating bespoke cultural experiences for Jnane Tamsna’s guests is located in Gary’s adjoining EthnoBotanica space, which also sells local products including honey, natural cosmetics, and more, with the goal of supporting the sustainable livelihoods of communities throughout Morocco.
Supporting thelocal community:
As part of Jnane Tamsna’s commitment to supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods in Morocco – and global environmental leadership worldwide – the hotel supports the Global Diversity Foundation, a registered charity in the UK and the US. GDF projects include the ethnobotanical garden at Dar Taliba boarding house, which helps girls pursue formal education while expanding their environmental awareness, a new program on supporting the livelihoods of High Atlas communities, and the Global Environments Network, a collective leadership initiative that promotes social and environmental justice at local to global scales. Hotel guests have the option of giving back through their stay by contributing to GDF’s initiatives, granting them the opportunity to give even greater meaning to their trip.
Jnane Tamsna’s EthnoBotanica Shop sells local products including honey, natural cosmetics, and more, with the goal of supporting the sustainable livelihoods of communities throughout Morocco.
Environmental sustainability:
Over the 20 years since opening the hotel, Gary Martin has experimented with over 500 different varieties of plants, searching for the ones most adapted to Marrakech’s increasingly arid climate. Their commitment to environmental sustainability means they have beautiful white gravel across the property instead of grass, which consumes high amounts of water, a resource that is lacking in the region. All food and garden waste is turned into compost onsite, following the golden rule that nothing biodegradable that enters the hotel leaves the property, instead being used to further enrich the soil.
