“Where are you headed next?” Everyone asked me, after a week in Marrakech. I had been staying at the famous La Mamounia which hardly needs an introduction. It is still the perfect base for exploring the city even if newer luxury hotels have appeared. However, finally I reluctantly packed my bags to head for the wilderness.
I replied: “I’m going to the Alone In The World camp of Alcimat.”
Nothing To Google
No matter who I spoke to, they had not heard of this luxury camp in the middle of nowhere. Of course, I became apprehensive. The luxury sector of Morocco is vast and varied but it is nevertheless still a small world. Everyone knows each other or at least has heard of the other.
Upon reaching the Alone In The World camp, which is just under a two-hour drive from Marrakech, I realized why. With a smile and a hint of a giggle, the staff told me that their camp deliberately did not have a website nor any contact details. An online search of Alcimat, the parent company, yielded a handful of lovely photos that hinted at nothing. As for googling “Alone In The World”? All I can say is, “good luck to you.”
The Insiders of Alone In The World
So apparently one was either in the know about this camp or not. Among those in the know were former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his singer/ model wife Carla Bruni. They had stayed there. The design team of Yves St Laurent were including in this whispering circle as well, along with a group of very fashionable Russian women. And now, happily, so was I.
I had always dreamed of staying in a camp like this because it is luxury at its most unique. It is neither a desert camp nor a safari camp, although the tented accommodations certainly had an Out of Africa theme.
Amidst vast horizons and endless silence, the heavy duty ensuite tents with vintage interiors and a swimming pool carved from rocks stood as if they had always been there. These blend seamlessly with the surroundings but were as breathtaking as the views,
Initial Impressions
The Alone In The World camp is accessed via a long, winding drive through barren landscapes and stone villages in the Atlas Mountains. Many of the latter were still affected by the last large earthquake.
At the camp, the tents are spread across a rocky ridge, each one positioned with an unobstructed view of the mountain ridge across. The earth here was rugged, a mix of red and rust-colored stones, with only the odd olive tree for a touch of green. Meanwhile, the uneven terrain created a sense of wild, untouched beauty. This was a place shaped by harsh winds and sun, a land etched with history.
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Morocco’s Most Exclusive Camp
The camp is small and understated. Yes, I was literally Alone In The World. Whether you are one guest or twelve, the entire camp and its staff is for you when you book it. As for the camp itself, each tent is simple yet stylish.
The interior accents include Berber rugs, old-fashioned lamps and hanging gas lanterns, and handcrafted cushions with tribal designs. You also find lovely antiques such as old tea pots and useful items from the safari camps of old.
Each tent has a small covered terrace with leather camp chairs for taking in the majesty all around. There is nothing but miles of rocky terrain framed by distant mountains. Nevertheless, you are captivated from the first moment.
I walked to the edge of the swimming pool created with rocks — all mine for my stay — to watch the sunset. There was a slight breeze, carrying the coolness of dusk, and the view before me was staggering. The landscape changed colors as the sun dipped lower. It shifted from amber to deep crimson, then finally to a violet hue that softened the sharp edges of the rocks. I found myself lost in a silence so profound that it felt alive.
Civilization In The Middle of Nowhere
As darkness fell, the rangers beckoned for dinner. The meals are arranged in the main tent, on a large dining table adorned with dripping candelabras. Meanwhile, the menu, which is up to the resident chef, varies according to inspiration, seasonality, and availability. With advance notice, he can whip up practically anything in his small tented kitchen.
The dishes we had were excellent and sophisticated fusion — a marvel, considering our location. None of the usual tagine and couscous unless specifically requested by guests.
That night, the meal ended with the finest desserts in Marrakech. Such civilization in the middle of nowhere and apparently only the best will do for the camp’s guests. In this case, we had French champagne (Ruinart) and fancy desserts. Everything sweet, along with the breads for breakfast, came fresh from the Pierre Herme patisserie at the La Mamounia. The staff purchase these and bring them to the camp on their daily trips.
After dinnerl, I wandered back to my tent to enjoy the depth of the silence around me. I lay on my bed, with just the tent’s opening flap pulled back, letting the cool night air drift in. When I looked outside, the sky was a stunning tapestry of stars. Each one was sharp and bright in the clear desert air. I could see the Milky Way stretching across the sky, a glittering ribbon against the deep darkness. I lay there for what felt like hours, just breathing. My mind was still as my senses became attuned to the quiet rhythm of the night.
Alone In The World But Not Lonely
The next morning, I woke just before dawn to watch the sunrise from the ridge. The air was cool and crisp and there was no one in sight. Not even the staff for breakfast was awake. And as the first light rose over the rocks, I was overwhelmed with emotion. There was beauty all around me and I was Alone In The World. However, I was not at all lonely.
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