Oasis Jena

Where to go for that early, pre-summer tan? Where is it hot, exotic and yet close to Europe? My partner and I are on our way with some close friends of ours, to rid our winter blues hangover in Morocco. We arrive into the blast of spicy air soaked in warmth and the merry chaos of Marrakech at lunch time and we all agree that the first thing that must be done is to find a good local restaurant to dig into an authentic Moroccan meal. A brief conversation comprised mainly of extravagant hand gestures later and our lovely taxi driver has deposited us at a perfect little place. We all cram ourselves around a small round table, suitcases piled up higgledy-piggledy and proceed to devour an exquisite feast of steaming hot tagines and a divine fish chermoula. We finish off with the obligatory fresh mint tea and honeyed pastries that melt in the mouth. Very pleased with this auspicious start to our holiday we then pile back into a taxi and wend our way out of the colourful, Ochre City and arrive at our hotel.

Just as we reached the gates, a delightful, smiling lady came out to greet us kindly in perfect English. Michelle had adopted this mythical land and set up this idyllic spot for guests who wish to taste a little of the wonderful life she leads here. Set away from the hubbub and busy bustle within the town walls, the aptly named Oasis Jena is set amid the verdant countryside in a lush garden that breathes a fresh, sweet air, which caresses our hot cheeks. A haven of serenity and nature where you can cocoon yourself in the charming douirias (little private bungalows) that are distributed around a vast, pale blue infinity pool stretching out cool and inviting in the afternoon sun. We are all sticky and uncomfortable and the magnificent sight has the same effect on all of us. We agree to get settled into our respective quarters and reconvene out here in twenty minutes.

My love and I are shown Assia, an enchanting little home done in soft chocolaty tones highlighted with turquoise, creating an earthy nest, with rich, yet rustic furnishings and a vast bed with a silky, striped throw over it. Everywhere there are pretty, ornate details typical of the region, be it a woven rug, tapestry, gilded mirror or a gorgeous, glowing lamp. As you walk in there is an open plan living room area with a small sofa and large flat screen television and through to the other side is a sumptuous bathroom with Italian walk in shower. Our friends have beaten us to the pool and too impatient to wait, are already blissfully swimming the long lengths up and down the pool. Somewhat less sporty, I feel quite content to splash around a bit and then float on my back as I gaze up at the hazy cobalt sky.

A good while later and we are drenched in sun and I can feel the soporific effects of the journey, the large lunch and the unbroken calm of this utopian bubble begin to make my eyes droop and my mind drift. A snore to my right startles me and I burst out laughing along with the others as my man jerks himself awake. The verdict is unanimous: time for a siesta. Back in the shady confines of our quarters we sink onto our bed and into delicious, refreshing sleep. When we awake the light has turned a deep gold and red and we quickly freshen up and dress to sit out together in romantic silence and watch the sun set over this spellbinding place.

Then, through the deepening blue we spy glimmering lights, and a call from our friends leads us to a table beautifully laid out for supper. A tasty breakfast is served every morning but guests may also request the night before to eat lunch the following day, and for dinner you need only ask that morning. We had phoned ahead to arrange dinner and now we are served with a fabulous meal freshly prepared for us along with a couple of other guests. It is a merry group of very contented people that sit out until late into the night, dining under a starry sky, celebrating the first perfect day in this small corner of paradise and toasting to magical days to come.