Morocco’s Top 10 Green Key Properties, La Clef Verte
The Green Key, La Clef Verte, is a voluntary eco-label that awarded to more than 3,000 hotels and establishments in over 57 countries worldwide. The Green Key award is the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. Morocco’s Top 10 Green Key Properties are part of this prestigious eco-label which represents a commitment by them to adhere to the strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
A Green Key, La Clef Verte, awarded to Moroccan boutique riads and hotels stands for the promise to its guests that by opting to stay with the Green Key establishment, they are helping to make a difference on an environmental level.
Marrakech: Les Jardin Des Medina
Set in a grove of bitter orange trees, the charming Les Jardins is located in the heart of the Marrakech medina. The property defines itself as having the soul of an Andalusian riad and the spirit of a high-end hotel; it has retained its original 19th-century architecture. In addition to having a Green Key Label, the property is distinguished with a 2018 award of excellence by the Hotels de Charme & Caractere. Visitors rave about the rooftop views, food, room decor, and the garden settings with century-old olive trees and exotic plants.
Marrakech: Tata: Dar Infaiane
Dar Infiane is set within the heart of the Tata palmeraie which was selected as one of the best oasis in the south of Morocco. This charming guest house was awarded the Green Key by the Mohammed V Foundation. The location is perfect for travelers who are en route for a desert trek, a rally or an excursion in the region. Dar Infiane is a 500 years old house, renovated respective of the local architecture and design. Tastefully organized around a few patios, a refreshing basin, and panoramic terraces.
Riad Fes
Riad Fes is a Relais & Chateaux Property and the premiere luxury boutique hotel with class and authenticity in Fes. This charming, now sprawling Riad has been restored with impeccability and combines traditional Spanish Moorish architecture with Modern touches. The decor has been designed with the inspiration of a serene atmosphere reminiscent of Arabian Nights. A stay at Riad Fes will allow you to travel back in time and enjoy the splendor of the lifestyle of Fassi nobility. The garden offers moments of freshness under the shade of orange, lemon and bay trees.
Riad Laaroussa
Riad Laaroussa is a quaint, elegant 17thcentury restored palace style Riad in the heart of Fes. Riad Laaroussa has a relaxed atmosphere with suites that surround a tranquil courtyard where guests can relax in the shade of the orange trees. Its interior courtyard garden is filled with citrus trees, jasmine flowers, and soothing sounds of a trickling fountain. There is an exceptional terrace with breathtaking views. The suites at Riad Laaroussa have charming fireplaces that are perfect for winter weather. A legendary Fassi restaurant and a serene spa make this riad a good choice for artists, or those looking for a homey place to stay. Cooking classes are also available at Riad Laaroussa.
Tarodaunt: La Maison Angalaise
La Maison Anglaise is an authentic Moroccan house with 9 bedrooms, roof terraces, mosaic floors, traditional tiling, and all the other charming Moroccan touches like lanterns, rugs, fabrics, pottery, wood and iron furniture. The Green Key property is located in Taroudant and promotes ecotourism and sustainability. They use solar panels to heat water, serve locally produced food made with fresh ingredients, and monitor water and electricity conservation. La Maison also supports local projects including the Orphanage, School for the Blind, women’s cooperatives, wildlife, and animal welfare.
Agdz: Bab Ouled
The Ecolodge Bab el Oued Maroc is set in an atmospheric oasis in the Draa Valley in Tamnougalt, Morocco’s deep south. The ecolodge offers visitors a calm and relaxing palm groove environment, a chillout ambiance, and an enchanting setting with Kasbah Tamnougalt and Jebel Kissan in the background. The unique property has 6 rooms and is a coveted destination nestled in the Agdz palmeriae. The Green Key property hires people from the local community to run it’s growing 2 hectares of organic gardens and space, uses environmentally friendly products and cleaning supplies, and tries to source materials to build and decorate the ecolodge.
Rabat: Pietri Urban Hotel
Rabat’s Pietri Urban Hotel, originally built in the 1970s was one of the first establishments in Morocco to apply and receive the Green Key Label. The hotel ethos has always stood for respecting the environment and even, in the beginning, used magnetic keys, automatic lighting, a solar hot water system, and dual push flush toilets. Additional changes to support eco-tourism were made in its 2010 renovation: the restaurant which hosts jazz three times a week was soundproofed with the energy efficient double glazing method; low energy light bulbs were installed throughout the hotel; and in 2011 controlling water, electricity consumption, training staff on Green Key and sorting waste were emphasized.
Taghazout: Paradise Surf Yoga Lodge
Paradis Plage is the 1st Eco-resort in Morocco and covers 3 hectares in Taghazout. It is perched right on the Atlantic coastline. The location promises good weather year round, mesmerizing sunsets, and is one of Morocco’s best surf spots. In alignment with it’s Green Key Label promise, the resort was built using natural materials like wood and stone; furniture, pottery, lamps, and weavings have been made or produced in or around Agadir; the artwork is from local artists; local products are used at its eco spa; the workforce has included over 120 local staff; the environment is protected with energy and water saving techniques, and a wastewater treatment system is used to irrigate the gardens. The property offer suites with ocean views, and beach bungalows and villas to make you feel at home. Visitors also enjoy the daily yoga classes, spa treatments, and easy access to the beach for surfing.
Agadir: Atlas Kasbah
The Atlas Kasbah Ecolodge was opened in 2009 with the vision of offering a sustainable and traditional experience inspired by southern Morocco’s nature. The Kasbah is located on a hill in southern Agadir, the most well-known area in Morocco for argan oil. Local artisans have contributed to the building’s construction and design. As a Green Key Labeled property, Atlas Kasbah pays special attention to the materials it uses to create and adorn the ecolodge. The furniture, the ironwork, and design are authentic Berber tradition; the products they sell are from the local women’s cooperatives; solar panels are used to power the rooms; the permaculture garden supports the restaurant’s kitchen; fresh herbs from the gardens are hand-picked for the teas; the swimming pool is filled with salt water; and the water from showers and cooking is naturally recycled. The ecolodge also integrates members of the community to teach cooking and pottery classes.
Ifrane: Hotel Michlifen
Michlifen is a 5-star mountain and golf club resort with a chic chalet atmosphere. Located in Infrane, the city referred to as Morocco’s ” Little Switzerland”, Michlifen emphasizes that everything is harmonious with nature. Timahdit stone columns, American lodge style logs, rammed earth and tataoui in its spa, Amazigh carpets on its floors, and other details show support for the local environment. The Green Key property hires locally, serves farm fresh ingredients, sources spa products from nearby bio vendors, and supports projects in the community.