Looking to get off-the-beaten path in Morocco? Here’s a tip. The owners of La Mamounia in Marrakech have another property not far from Fez in the Middle Atlas Mountains. Situated in Ifrane in a region known as Morocco’s “Little Switzerland,” the Michlifen Ifrane Suites and Spa is a five-star alpine hideaway with its very own heliport, so guests can hop on a helicopter at La Mamounia to discover what TripAdvisor commenters call “the most beautiful resort you’ve never heard of.” At 1700 meters in altitude, Michlifen is surrounded by gorgeous scenery, a cedar-dotted landscape of rolling hills and lakes. The hotel was built on a 10-hectare property and designed by André Paccard, who also decorated La Mamounia back in the day. (Michlifen recently got a head-to-toe makeover.)
It’s a warm, authentic, and luxurious place, accented with wood, stone, slate, and sumptuous fabrics. Designed to resemble mountain chalets, the hotel has an open-plan lobby overlooking the snow-covered peaks and a 19-room spa with traditionally-themed hammams and an indoor pool lit with a glass dome. There are 70 rooms and suites decorated in four different styles: Savoyard, Nordic, Tyrolean, and American Lodge. On the menu in the restaurants: a creative twist on Moroccon classics like couscous with royal shrimp and broth of fresh ginger, plus Mediterranean cuisine like scallops with mascarpone and parmesan enhanced with a drop of champagne. For more information: www.michlifenifrane.com