The House of Ruspoli is historically one of the great aristocratic families of Rome, but is originally from Florence. The family origins go back to the 8th century in France with Charlemagne.
The contemporary Prince Fabrizio Ruspoli di Poggio Suasa is a French-Italian aristocrat and hotelier known for establishing luxurious properties in Morocco. After a career as an antiques dealer, he moved to Marrakech in the early 1990s and transformed the historic La Maison Arabe into the medina’s first riad hotel, which he later sold to seek a quieter life. He then created Olinto in the Atlas Mountains.
On the morning we were transferring from Riad L’Hotel in Marrakech to Olinto, we had L’Hotel take us to the train station where our driver from Olinto was to pick us up. We did this because it would have been too hard for us to guide the Olinto driver to the precise spot in the medina to fetch us. The drive to Olinto was only about 75 minutes in time but a world away in privacy and experience.
Built on an old olive grove, Olinto’s property is about 10 acres but feels even more expansive and speaks of deeply private luxury. It overlooks a valley that has been set aside as the royal hunting grounds for the King of Morocco.
A stream divides the property into two parts. On one side of the stream are the common grounds and main building with the dining room and main pool. On the other side there are nine private guest pavilions with exposed brickwork, inlaid ceilings, and plenty of high-quality local metal and leather-worked details.
Each has its own garden and terrace enclosed within earthen walls, and a rooftop terrace with daybeds and stunning Atlas views accessed by a stairwell. Each villa can only be booked for two people and so that means a maximum of 18 guests at a time at Olinto, allowing for plenty of peace and privacy. Some pavilions also have private heated pools and it is in one of these where we spent three idyllic nights.
The Atlas Mountains are covered in snow right now and the ski resort near Marrakech is open for business.
Our home at Olinto was Pavilion Six, also known as “Eucalyptus”. Each of the Pavilions are named after local plants. Our Pavillion is a one bedroom with 1 1/2 baths two-story house with a private pool overlooking the valley below and a broad vista of the Atlas Mountains. Honestly stunning.
Inside the details and finishes were lovely and it was clear that someone put a great deal of thought into the design. I don’t want to give away too much from a private conversation, but we spent some time speaking with someone who is very close to the Prince and it was crystal clear that Olinto is a labor of love as much as anything. That emotion runs strong throughout the staff as they are all extraordinarily kind and welcoming.
In order to maintain the quiet atmosphere at Olinto, children under 14 are not allowed. There is a beautiful spa with a hammam and a gym on site, as well as a lovely restaurant and a bar.
We really had a wonderful stay here and if you’re looking for a place to unwind and be spoiled, then Olinto is perfect for that. You can book your room at olinto.net. Book early because, as mentioned, there are just nine Pavilions.
