“The whole project is the research of happiness when you are a child. I myself, had a very happy childhood in my grandparents’ house in Switzerland, when they were growing their own garden.”
We’re in great company with Romain Michel Meniere, Founder and Owner of Berber Lodge who with the help of other creators with their own refined taste, took this stunning atmosphere and historic place, turning it into a timeless retreat nestled at the foothills of the Atlas Mountain in the countryside of Morocco.
A French-Swiss Interior Architect and Designer with years of worldly travels and cultural experiences under his belt, Romain now calls Morocco home, working as an interior designer for many Marrakech’s most popular hotspots, before deciding to open his own hotel, showcasing his passion for mixing local architecture with tasteful interiors and a modern take on traditional Moroccan cuisine.
In this episode, Romain reminds future generations of travelers to appreciate life’s simple pleasures - sightly nature, nourishing food and of course, good company.
Top Takeaways
[1:45] Born and raised in Paris, Romain finished his education in Geneva, moved to Milan to begin his career in interior architecture and design, and lived in the United States running his own furniture business before coming upon a midlife crisis.
[4:00] What started as a brief visit to Marrakech turned into a love for the local Berber style of architecture, the purchase of land to build his own house, and many projects brought on by friends Romain made in the community.
[9:15] The story of how Arabic architecture came to be and how Romain respects that tradition and those rules in his renovation and new concepts today.
[13:50] How Romain has learned along the way in his hospitality adventure, from finances to food, and all of the excitement in between.
[22:30] The importance of preserving this sense of place and the simplistic lifestyle and genuine happiness it creates for Romain’s guests and team members alike.
[27:55] Mediterranean, Moroccan and Middle Eastern flavors meld together in the many dishes and drinks guests can savor while dining at Berber Lodge.
[31:15] There are so many culturally immersive experiences from desert drives to picnic lunches, weaving workshops to horseback rides, pottery classes to dinner with locals.
