The approach of Moroccan-born
owner Jean-Dominique Leymarie, who retired from
masterminding golf courses for a simpler way of life
15 years ago, is unorthodox: 'There's no architect,
no landscape designer, just the earth.' His daughter
harbourside hotel within a converted church.
It is
in the old Portuguese city of El Jadida, 45 minutes'
drive south of Casablanca, w/hich was once a
working port but is now popular with holidaying
Moroccans. There are 15 suites with 1940s furniture
and terraces overlooking the ocean, as well as a fish
restaurant 100 metres along the harbour and a local
fisherman's boat for lunches and sunset drinks.
Kasbah Beldi is set within 15 hectares of grapefruit
and olive trees on the banks of Lalla Takerkoust
lake, an hour's drive south of Marrakech. At present
Above, the Leymarie family at their
property L'Iglesia. Top, the Beldi
Country Club, their hotel in Marrakech
and son, Geraldine and Alexandre, live with their
young families on the Beldi estate and help to
manage a growing empire that includes two new
properties, both extensions of Beldi's Berber-chic
aesthetic.
Opening this month is L'Iglesia, a
there are two pools and a restaurant to enjoy along
with the views; but you can't stay here yet. There
are 20 lake-view suites to come. LEO BEAR
00 212 5 2438 3950; www.beldicountryclub.com:
www.liglesia.com. Doubles from €165
