Inside Morocco’s Only Black-Owned Hotel, Jnane Tamsna

Morocco Retreat Inside Morocco’s Only Black-Owned Hotel, Jnane Tamsna

By Parker Diakite

Meryanne’s Garden at Jnane Tamsna Boutique Hotel in Marrakesh, Morocco

Situated on nine acres of land in Marrakesh is one of the most stunning boutique hotels that captures the essence of the city’s beauty.

Founded in 2001 by Meryanne Loum-Martin and Dr. Gary Martin, Jnane Tamsna is the only Black-owned and woman-owned hotel in Morocco.

Loum-Martin was born in Cote’ D’Ivoire, but spent her childhood in Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, London, and Moscow because her father was a Senegalese diplomat.

Once settled in Paris, she followed her West Indian mother’s footsteps by studying law. And while she always loved studying law, her true passion was interior design, art, and architecture.

The Parisian lawyer turned hotelier wanted to marry her unique experiences and rich African identity in a way that guests could experience the rich culture of Morocco. Inside, you will find

Western modernity meets Moroccan tradition

in the 24-bedrooms spread over five houses, five pools, and a tennis court.

In an interview with Travel Noire, Loum-Martin discussed more about how her hotel has managed to stay afloat during the pandemic:.

Travel Noire: It’s been more than 20 years since you and your husband purchased the land to build Jnane Tamsna. I know this pandemic is unlike anything we’ve seen before. How are you

Jnane Tamsna Boutique Hotel in Marrakesh, Morocco

yanne Loum-Martin Courtesy of Jnane Tamsna

all doing?

Loum-Martin: Indeed with large overheads and the total absence of guests, it has been challenging. Fortunately, the government has helped pay the salaries of the hospitality workforce. We have focused on future bookings, weddings, special interest groups, and individuals.

We have developed new activities as a way to entrepreneur. enrich the stays of our guests including dance, Travel Noire: What changes, if any, have you pottery and baking classes— on top of our had to make during this time to survive? popular activities like yoga, and cultural Loum-Martin: We started selling organic discoveries. produce that we grow on our farm and twice a

Along with the release of my book Inside week, we either deliver or host our own vegetable Marrakesh, I have created 3 specially-designed market on the grounds of the hotel. tours that I personally lead, in exchange for I have also started selling home accessories, a donation to our partner charity, the Global china and textiles to a handful of loyal clients. Diversity Foundation. To learn more about this amazing property, visit

I am also working on a cultural clip concept, the website. “ Marrakech Impulse,” which would further https://travelnoire.com/moroccos-black-owned-hotelcontribute to my role as a local cultural jnane-tamsna-staying-afl oat