La Fiermontina Ocean
Houmat Eljediane Centre Sahel, Larache, Marocco

On the northwestern coast, in the Larache province, one and a half hours from Rabat and 45 minutes from Tangier, one can soak up the beauty and the pleasure of a slower existence and forget city life, for a chance to experience the most profound emotions and begin a transformative journey. The immense deserted beaches, the unspoiled nature, the magical sunsets, that special light, and the wind that swells the Atlantic Ocean’s waves, chases the clouds and the huge flocks of seagulls, and caresses the dirt tracks leading to forgotten villages. Places that have remained unchanged, still untouched by the tourist onslaught, are like travelling in a time machine to 60 years ago. This is the backdrop of La Fiermontina Ocean, the charming brand new widespread eco-retreat featuring villas in the ocean-facing hills and, less than one kilometre away, four traditional stone houses in the village of Dchier. This, along with the small douars (rural villages) of Tcharouah and Mezgalef, is part of a respectful solidarity hospitality project conceived by Giacomo Filali and his sister Antonia Yasmina in order to give something back to their father’s native land, Morocco, which has given them so much.

La Fiermontina Ocean synthesises and reflects an enthralling family history, a journey spanning almost a whole century and beginning in the 1930s in Puglia with the owners’ grandmother, Antonia Fiermonte. In the 1940s, Antonia leaves her native Italy behind and follows the sculptor René Letourneur (the owners’ maternal grandfather) to Paris. In the 1950s, the story moves to Fes, in Morocco, where Antonia, a catholic painter and violinist, meets the father of her daughter, Anne’s husband Abdellatif, the cadi Thami Filali. A judge of Islamic Law, he welcomes her with a great public celebration. The artist and the cadi, albeit from two very different backgrounds, gave proof of great tolerance and paved the way for their grandchildren’s future journey, which started with the creation of the Fondation Orient-Occident in Rabat in 1993 in order to facilitate intercultural dialogue and integration. The journey continues now with La Fiermontina Ocean, an example of eco-sustainable tourism born from the siblings’ wish to strengthen their bond with their father’s and grandfather’s land. The true beauty of La Fiermontina Ocean lies in bringing these disappearing villages back to life by supplying not only water and new roads but also education and training, and by supporting the birth of local cooperatives, farming initiatives and a form of social solidarity economy-based tourism.

Embedded in the unspoiled scenery, eleven charming suites and a Villa clad in local stone are well integrated in the landscape, with gardens carved out of the rock and pool terraces overlooking the Ocean. A twelfth 62 square metre suite (Suite Juba) is wheelchair – accessible and features a private garden with Ocean views. The suites live and breathe in harmony with the surrounding landscape, thanks to the large windows that make the best use of the light and bring the outdoors indoors. Ranging in size from 65 to 105 square metres, the Suites come in three categories: Dune, Maissa and the two-bedroom Suite Sirine, sleeping respectively two, three and four guests. They all feature Taza stone floors, contemporary design pieces and traditional Moroccan furnishings such as mirrors, vases and the colourful natural wool rugs selected by French interior designers Charles-Philippe and Christophe of Laboratoire Design, in Rabat, who curated all the interiors. A restful sleep is guaranteed by the comfortable mattresses and eco-friendly pillows available in various consistencies. The 300 square metre villa Akhazane features three bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, a spacious kitchen and living room, a fireplace and dedicated service staff. This is a very special place where one can find tranquillity and inspiration: large panoramic windows, art collections, artisan goods, Berber rugs, and an immense infinity pool to relax in, surrounded by nature.

Image courtesy of La Fiermontina Ocean

Image courtesy of La Fiermontina Ocean

Image courtesy of La Fiermontina Ocean

Image courtesy of La Fiermontina Ocean

Image courtesy of La Fiermontina Ocean

The cultural diversity in the Filali family is reflected in the resort’s interior design: a combination of Italian taste, French restraint and Moroccan warmth. A well thought-out blend of styles, which is immediately apparent in the reception area, a meeting place featuring turquoise Italian sofas from the 1950s/70s and a mix of Moroccan and 1960s French armchairs, in a refined interplay of shapes and colours.

The scene is set by the spectacular views of the Ocean and the sand dunes, visible through the large windows and from the panoramic terrace. Set against the backdrop of the ocean and the sand dunes, Ocean Restaurant offers the best of Italian cuisine. Dishes are served alongside traditional Moroccan cuisine that is prepared by local cooks, with the latter including dishes such as couscous or lamb tajine, prepared in the eponymous clay cooking pot with its pointed lid. Whatever you choose, you will be treated to a range of authentic flavours, with each recipe making use of organic fruit and vegetables produced by local farmers.

Image courtesy of La Fiermontina Ocean

Image courtesy of La Fiermontina Ocean

Image courtesy of La Fiermontina Ocean

Image courtesy of La Fiermontina Ocean

La Fiermontina Ocean offers authentic and active holidays, with walks along golden beaches at sunset and the discovery of rural villages where one can join in the daily activities and feel part of the local community. It is the perfect place for romantics, nature lovers, travellers and sporty types. The Fiermontina Ocean’s project rests on four fundamental principles: support local communities, support social innovation, develop the economy and protect the environment.

more. www.lafiermontinacollection.com