In the vibrant heart of Morocco’s Palmeraie district stands Jnane Tamsna, a serene, art-filled oasis that is redefining the landscape of luxury hospitality.
At the helm of this award-winning retreat is Meryanne Loum-Martin, the first Black woman to own and design a boutique hotel in Morocco, who has masterfully blended African elegance, Moroccan craftsmanship, and sustainability into one of the region’s most celebrated stays.
For over two decades, Loum-Martin has turned her vision into reality, transforming a piece of Moroccan countryside into a cultural and architectural masterpiece. Her boutique hotel, Jnane Tamsna, has welcomed a host of global icons—from Brad Pitt and Nicole Kidman to David Bowie and Giorgio Armani—who come seeking an intimate experience rooted in authenticity and design.
“The place is about a constant dialogue between the past and the present, between cultures, between outdoors and indoors… it feels authentic, rooted, and indeed serene because it’s timeless,” Loum-Martin shared in a recent interview.
Every room at Jnane Tamsna tells its own story. Rejecting the cookie-cutter uniformity of traditional hotels, each of the five buildings on the property is adorned with unique textiles, antiques, and artwork sourced from across Africa and beyond. You won’t find TVs or minibars in the rooms—only inviting spaces to read, reflect, or enjoy the expansive gardens, rooftops, and library.
Loum-Martin’s commitment to sustainability and community impact is just as strong as her design vision. With her husband, she co-founded an international foundation to support biodiversity, social progress, and local empowerment. The hotel practices organic farming, local sourcing, glass recycling, and innovative water conservation, making it as eco-conscious as it is luxurious.
“Our remarkable gardens are an example of water management and innovative green techniques,” she explained. “We grow our own organic food, only buy local, recycle glass bottles with a local factory which makes glasses.”
Her journey was not without challenges. As a Black woman navigating an industry traditionally dominated by large hotel chains, Loum-Martin was a pioneer in every sense. Yet she credits her biggest obstacle not to identity, but to innovation itself.
“The challenge was not being Black, nor a female,” she said. “It was being a pioneer and creating something which did not exist.”
That forward-thinking spirit earned her early recognition, including the Harpers & Queen award for “Best Private Villa to Rent in the World.”
Long before “experiential travel” became a buzzword, Loum-Martin was curating bespoke Moroccan adventures—from regal picnics to private conversations with local scholars and artists.
As for the future, Loum-Martin remains grounded in her values and open to what’s next. “I hope many exciting developments await,” she says. “So we should definitely stay in touch.”
With her unwavering dedication to culture, sustainability, and storytelling, Meryanne Loum-Martin is not just redefining luxury hospitality—she’s setting a global example.
Follow her journey on Instagram: @meryanneinspired
