Touda EcoLodge was born following a meeting between Said Marghadi, a Berber guide from the High Atlas Mountains, and Ali, chief of the Zawyat Oulmzi village in the Ait Bougmez Valley where the guesthouse is located. Between 2007 and 2008, Touda EcoLodge, perched at 2200 metres above sea level (the valley is 1800 metres above sea level) overlooking the vast Ait Bougmez Valley, was constructed. Since roads leading to Touda EcoLodge did not exist at the time, local tradesmen transported locally sourced materials using mules. Between March and October, the crew built the stone (azrou) foundation and adobe (tabout) walls. Then, before winter arrived, the mud roof was installed.

With the exterior complete, the finishing touches were added. A fireplace where travellers gather on winter evenings was designed and built on site using local materials and techniques, including tadelakt (a mix of lime plaster).

Then it was time to secure the necessary licences and authorizations, and Touda opened its doors in 2009.

The High Atlas valley of Aït Bougmez remains one of Morocco’s best-kept secrets.
When they say make yourself at home, we really mean it here at Touda EcoLodge. After all, we built the house in a traditional style, but one where authenticity meets modernity.

Common spaces invite guests to gather around and share travel tales while local staff impart their culture through music, food and dance. Meanwhile natural light floods in to the salon through the arcades giving on to the terrace overlooking the valley.  Mint tea flows freely and it’s not uncommon to see guests rolling up their sleeves and learning a thing or two from the dada in the kitchen that opens on to the common spaces.

But for those seeking a bit more solitude, we can ensure that too! A library is stocked with books about local culture as well as the flora and fauna of the Ait Bougmez Valley, and even novels left behind from fellow travellers. Curl up next to the fireplace on a winter’s day or head out to the terrace and soak up the sunshine for a bit of reflection.

In keeping with the local style, the house features a traditional tadelakt hammam which guests are welcome to use upon request. And to remain environmentally friendly, solar panels provide the hot water for guests.

With nine rooms and two sites , the house can accommodate up to 24 guests.

Step outside and on to the terrace where you’ll enjoy views of the valley, and a silence that is punctured only by the sound of the village children of laughing and running freely.

The ecolodge has:
9 NON-SMOKING rooms in total:
4 twins: two single beds
2 doubles: one large bed
2 family rooms: a double bed and two single beds
1 superior room: a double bed (this room is in the same wing as the two suites and has a beautiful view of the valley)
Each room is equipped with a private bathroom. Bath-towels and bed linen (sheets, pillowcases, duvets and blankets) are provided.

The suites

Close your eyes and imagine
A few steps from your bed and here you are in the heart of the Ait Bougmez valley. A unique experience, as simple as it is intense. The luxury of nature nearby, between green fields and snow-capped peaks…. our guests love to throw open the curtains in the morning and watch the sun creep up over the mountains from bed.
For a very pleasant stay, the Suites have a spacious living room, comfortable window seats, a wood-burning stove, coffee / tea making facilities and a shower with a spectacular view.

And again and again these splendid views of the valley and the mountains. You will never tire of it!

Natural pool

The swimming pool (60m²) is managed like a natural lake. Composed of a system of vegetal filters, it comprises a regeneration pond, filtration pond and cascades that oxygenate the water. Completely organic, it needs no chemicals. The pool water is also used for the irrigation of our agricultural greenhouses.