There is a common misconception in tourism that to see the great sights you have to spend your time in the larger urban centres, which are well-known for their culture and historical attractions.

While it is true that the larger cities do have a good portion of the sights that many tourists come to see, not just in Morocco but around the world, there is something to be said about the smaller cities and towns that may be passed over by an uninformed tourists

Often, those small towns will be places that can open your mind, delight your senses and enrich your soul.

Morocco is full of these types of small towns, where time has passed them over and a simpler way of live without the modern disadvantages.

One of these towns sits about half an hour away from the big city of Marrakech, on the foot of the Atlas Mountains; Amizmiz.

This small town, which is so small you can get around most of it on foot, has been forgotten by time and missed by modernization.

As a traditional Berber village, it boasts a traditional village lifestyle that is hard to come by elsewhere in Morocco.

Most tourists in fact will not even know about this town, and the accommodations for it are quite sparse as a result.

However, due to its close proximity to Marrakech, if you are visiting that city there are plenty of tours that will take you out to Amizmiz, which could provide a relief from the hustle and bustle of one of the most important cities in all of Morocco.

The landscape of the town is truly amazing. Sitting at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Amizmiz has the ability to dazzle the eye throughout the day, simply by the color of the mountains.

Over the course of a day, the mountains will change color from green to blue to grey, a sight that is truly breathtaking and worth the trip out to Amizmiz.

Along with the color of the mountains and the small town atmosphere of the town, there is the authentic feel of Morocco you will get from being in the town.

Where to Stay

Probably the best place to stay in Amizmiz, if you decide to stay there and not in Marrakech, is the Amizmiz Inn. The Inn has stood on family property since the beginning of the 20^th century, offering an exceptional site with centenarian olive trees. It was Dr. Henri Dubois-Roquebert, who was the chief surgeon of His Majesty Mohammed V, from 1937 to 1971, and in 1940 he discovered Amizmiz. He immediately become enamored with the city and chose to build a villa there. His Majesty was curious about the chosen location of his doctor, and he came to visit in him the 1940s. This was a big event for those in Amizmiz and a belvedere set up 200 meters away from the property for the occasion is still called The King’s Place.

The site is made up of several villas, with one reserved for the manager, another for the relaxation of guests and the lodging of other guests of the Inn, near the swimming pool. To keep the care and solitude of the guests in mind, the villas have been placed away from the restaurant and welcome center.

The property sits on five hectares, with only one developed to keep the are in touch with nature. The villas stand no more than 3.5 meters high and when they were built, they were done so without breaking a single branch of the 100-year-old olive trees and other species of trees in the area.

The Bungalow villas are open to the outdoors thanks to large big bay windows and terraces for every living room and bedroom. Everything there has been laid out for the guests to appreciate nature.

Four of the villas there acted as refuges to harbor King Mohammed V during his exile after he was deposed in 1953. This is where Dr. Dubois-Roquebert would visit the royal family in each of them.

Three of the villas are 80 square meters, offering an entryway, living room with chimney, bedchamber, bathroom with shower and separate toilets.

One of the villas is 140 square meters, and includes two bedchambers, two bathrooms with showers, two separate toilets and two chimneys.

The linens are made of cotton satin, and all beds are king-sized. All suites come with a mini-bar, satellite television and safes. High speed internet is also provided free of charge at the welcome center.

The luxury hotel in Amizmiz also provides excellent Moroccan food and European cuisine that uses fresh products from the region, including olive oil, pomegranates, plums, figs, almonds and strawberries.

As part of your stay at the hotel, you will be able to discover Amizmiz through strolls and excursions into the countryside. You can float in their swimming pool while looking at the valley, explore the foothills of the Atlas Mountains on horse or foot, or hike the forests near the town.

A guide can also provide you with a tour of the Belvedere of King Mohammed V as you enjoy a picnic, the stone villages of the valley, the traces of Portuguese miners who settled there centuries ago, the old mining village of Azgour, the waterfalls of Tazakka and the traditional souk in Amizmiz.

 

Amizmiz is a beautiful little slice of heaven that everyone should try and enjoy if the chance presents itself. In fact, no trip to Marrakech would be complete without a stop over to this small town that sits at the foot of the Atlas Mountains.

Sometimes the smallest place can hold the biggest charm, you just have to make the decision to go out and find it.