Mey Meryem Zniber: ‘We welcome travellers from all over the world, attracted by the unspoilt beauty of our surroundings’

Atalayar spoke to Mey Meryem Zniber, co-manager of the hotel, which is surrounded by a privileged natural environment for guests to enjoy.

What are its origins? 

The Ermitage d'Akchour is much more than a hotel. Its origins go back more than twenty years, when Ahmed Saad Zniber, passionate about nature and the beauty of the Akchour valley, had the idea of creating a unique place that would showcase the natural treasures of the region. The Ermitage d'Akchour was born out of the desire to combine luxury and comfort with respect for nature and the environment. 

What kind of activities do you offer your guests? 

The Ermitage d'Akchour offers a wide range of activities designed for guests: guided walks through the majestic mountains of the Akchour valley; excursions to natural sites such as the Pont de Dieu; wellness and relaxation sessions, including outdoor yoga and meditation classes... In addition, we regularly organise cultural, artistic and spiritual events that showcase the cultural richness of the region, such as traditional music performances, local art exhibitions and regional product tastings, as well as personal development retreats. 

What kind of customers do you have? 

Domestic guests make up the majority of our clientele, attracted by the authenticity of our establishment and the cultural richness of the surrounding region. At the same time, we also welcome international travellers from all over the world, seduced by the unspoilt beauty of our surroundings and looking for a peaceful getaway far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. 

In terms of gastronomy, what kind of cuisine does your restaurant offer? 

La Table des Ermites offers refined cuisine that subtly combines local Moroccan flavours with international influences. Our team of talented chefs draws inspiration from the region's fresh and authentic ingredients to create a wide variety of traditional Moroccan dishes, using local spices and herbs, as well as international dishes with a creative twist. We also use fresh produce from our vegetable garden and aromatic herbs in all our dishes. 

What qualities should Ermitage d'Akchour staff have? 

Our team is mainly made up of local people who have been trained by Moroccan professionals who are passionate about hospitality and customer service. We value qualities such as friendliness, helpfulness and attention to detail. They are trained to offer a truly exceptional experience to our clients. 

The economic strength of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region in recent years has led to growth in many sectors, including tourism. Has the number of clients increased? 

In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of customers, especially in the context of the growing demand for rural and sustainable tourism, which intensified after the pandemic, when travellers expressed a greater desire to recharge their batteries in unspoilt natural areas. The Ermitage d'Akchour, with its commitment to sustainable tourism and its spectacular location in the heart of nature, perfectly meets this growing demand.