Olinto

A tranquil and private oasis just an hour south of Marrakech in the high Atlas Mountains, Olinto is a passion project that reflects the deeply personal vision of its creator and owner, Prince Fabrizio Ruspoli di Poggio Suasa.

• The Zouak bar, with its coffered ceiling and intricate craftsmanship intended to evoke a historic feel
• The expansive grounds, landscaped with olive trees, oleander, lavender and grasses, with a multitude of outdoor seating areas
• The impeccably elegant guest rooms, each set in a private pavilion with a rooftop terrace

When Prince Fabrizio Ruspoli di Poggio Suasa opened Maison Arabe 25 years ago, it was the first boutique five-star hotel in Morocco and set a new standard for riad-style hotels in Marrakech. In 2019, Ruspoli sold Maison Arabe and turned his attention to creating a retreat in the mountains. Olinto opened in 2022, but it feels like it’s been in the Ourigane Valle forever.

There are just nine suites, each set in its own pavilion with a private garden and rooftop terrace—a few have an infinity pool on the roof as well. Rooms are grand and elegant, with arched brick entrances, high ceilings, antiques and warm jewel tones of gold and red, with wood and leather accents. Spacious marble bathrooms have double sinks, tubs and rainfall showers. A wall of windows in each suite overlooks the mountains and the garden below, where stone paths wind through olive trees, roses and wild grasses. Everywhere within the gardens dappled light filters through the leaves, accented by bright pops of color from bougainvillea, allium and acanthus. The air is rich with the smell of jasmine and lavender.

Olinto is clearly a passion project. Ruspoli is an antiquities dealer, so he employed many local craftsmen to give the property a historic feel. Because Ruspoli personally served in all the major roles—architect, interior designer and garden designer—the property very much reflects his unique artistic vision. It feels cohesive. Perhaps nothing best exemplifies this vision better than the Zouak bar (the word Zouak means “to make something as perfect as possible”). Guests walk along a stone path before pulling open a large wooden door set with stained glass. Inside a vaulted coffered ceiling is delicately painted, and lamps made of hammered copper and bronze add their light to the shafts of color from the stained-glass windows. Leather arms chairs and exposed brick create a cozy ambiance.

Meals are served at the indoor restaurant or the more casual outdoor patio, under a pergola. The cuisine is a mix of Moroccan dishes, including superb tagines, and lighter Mediterranean fare using produce grown on site. A serene pool has views of the surrounding mountains. There is a hammam and spa. The service is lovely, and most of the staff are local Berbers from the Asni valley.

Activities include hiking into the Atlas Mountains right from the property or visiting the Berber market held in nearby Asni on Saturdays.

Travelers seeking a retreat outside Marrakech with the opportunities for active adventure and relaxation

Families with younger kids as Olinto only allows guests ages 16 and up