The concept behind Farasha Farmhouse, pairing wellness, art and farm-to-table dining, grew out of a specific set of influences rather than a single vision. “We were inspired by farm hotels in the Balearics and beyond,” says Rosena Charmoy. “We are passionate about produce, so we wanted a working farm to eat well.” The art component came through personal connection: “We are fortunate to have one of Morocco’s leading contemporary artists as a friend and neighbour, Amine El Gotaibi, so we always wanted to showcase his collections. His signature wool sculptures and installations look particularly striking in the Farmhouse setting.”
Farasha Farmhouse is open every day, but Sunday is when it shows its full range. “We welcome guests every day to the Farmhouse, but on Sundays we have a special brunch with yoga in the mornings, local and international DJs at sunset, and regular programming of talks and workshops,” Rosena explains. Brunch, movement, music and ideas are stacked into a single day rather than spread thin across the week.
A typical Sunday, from Rosena’s perspective, starts well before guests arrive. “After our resident breakfast service, we set up our brunch tables and cut fresh sunflowers and herbs from the garden to decorate,” she says. “Towels are laid out for reserved sunbeds while the kitchen team is busy harvesting vegetables and herbs from the garden for brunch.” Guests split their time between the pool, yoga and sport before brunch, and the day builds toward the evening. “Later we enjoy sundowners with the DJ and often some dancing at sunset. Our hotel residents normally enjoy supper in the olive grove on Sundays.”
Not everyone who visits stays overnight. Farasha runs a day pass for guests who want the farm and its grounds without booking a room. “Yes, we have a day pass which includes a private day bed and towels and a three course lunch in our restaurant, and swimming in our 50 metre pool,” says Rosena. “Guests are welcome from 11:00 to 19:00 to enjoy the pool and gardens and meet our animals.”
The kitchen runs largely on what the farm produces itself. “We serve nearly entirely our own vegetables, salads and herbs, as well as our own honey and eggs from our hens,” Rosena says. “Of course, the olive oil is from our 500 tree olive groves too.” Bread, pizza, cakes and even soft drinks are made in house: “We make all our own breads, focaccias and pizzas and homemade cakes and desserts, as well as kombucha, ginger beer and cocktail infusions.” A new wine range has just launched. “We have just launched a range of natural house wines, red, white and blush, produced for us by a great winemaker in the north of Morocco, using many of our permaculture principles.” The menu shifts with the seasons, with one meal following a different, more local template. “Our guests enjoy different daily Mediterranean style meals according to the seasonal produce. Our breakfast is the most traditionally Moroccan meal we serve, with pancakes, breads and shakshouka style tagine.”
Sound healing is one of the less conventional parts of the programme. “Our sound healing therapist, Kaltoum, brings a range of crystal bowls, gongs and a variety of sound producing instruments to guide guests through a relaxing ritual of approximately 40 minutes,” Rosena explains. The session can take place in two settings: “Guests can either be lying down on yoga mats in our palm circle or floating on lilos on our pool, which is an extra special experience. Eyes closed and body relaxed, the sound bath relaxes and heals through the powerful vibrations of sound.”
The library has an unusual back story. “We are fortunate to have been bequeathed a collection of books from the family of Diana Vreeland,” Rosena says, noting that Vreeland’s son Freck Vreeland served as American Ambassador to Morocco. “So we have books on a wide range of subjects, from history and art to travel and, of course, fashion, for guests to take to the pool. We also have baskets of paperbacks in our library, which we encourage guests to take home.”
“Eyes closed and body relaxed, the sound bath relaxes and heals through the powerful vibrations of sound.”
— Rosena Charmoy