AN ECOLODGE
WHAT IS AN ECOLODGE ?
According to Hitesh Mehta, a landscape architect and author of the book International Ecolodge Guidelines, one of the most prominent figures of this trend :
An ecolodge is a \" accommodation facility of 5 to 75 rooms, financially sustainable, built with a concern for harmony with nature and whose impact on the environment is therefore minimal. It helps protect the surrounding fragile areas, involves local communities and allows them to generate profits, offers tourists the opportunity for an interpretive and interactive experience, and is conducive to a spiritual communion between nature and culture. The ecolodge is designed, conceived, built and operated in accordance with responsible environmental and social principles."
This type of accommodation is part of a sustainable tourism approach based on three main principles are:
INVOLVEMENT OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Villa 58 has 7 rooms, built with local materials by companies and staff from the region with traditional know-how.
Most of the furniture at Villa 58 was specifically designed and made on-site by local people.
In addition to the construction staff, employees or service providers at Villa 58 are locals (cook, housekeepers, gardener, masseuses, beauticians, etc.).
The products offered in the solidarity shop as well as the gallery works are mostly made by local communities. All sales profits are donated to the "Tamounte" Association, which works for the development of women and children in rural areas of Morocco, particularly in the Ouirgane Valley, devastated by an earthquake in 2023. We invite you to meet them and discover their craftsmanship: weaving workshop, preparation of Berber couscous and traditional bread, pottery. You can also visit the children's school where you can exchange with them. A simple and genuine moment…
Villa 58 offers a multitude of interactive activities and experiences both inside and outside the villa with local staff who receive the full cost of these services.
RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Energy, let's save it! Villa 58 is self-sufficent in electricity on a daily basis with a 12kW photovoltaic system. Control systems, along with the awareness of the residents, help minimize energy consumption at night while maintaining maximum comfort.
The insulation of Villa 58 has been carefully studied (insulation, natural ventilation in the false ceiling, double glazing…) to control heating and air conditioning.
Solar protection through rusted metal sunshades, widely separated from the glazing on the outside of the building, reduces energy consumption (air conditioning), eliminates direct glare, and improves the comfort of the residents.
Villa 58 uses LED lights or solar-powered spotlights equipped with batteries for nighttime operation.
Water is life! Villa 58 has a rainwater and fishpond wastewater recovery system for irrigating plants and trees (drip irrigation).
The raised vegetable garden of Villa 58 has been designed to recover lost irrigation water for later reuse.
Villa 58 features toilets equipped with dual flush systems for water savings, as well as faucet mixers with automatic sensors (water saving and hygiene).
Villa 58 has a water purifier certified by a reverse osmosis system to avoid plastic bottle consumption.
Minimizing environmental impact Villa 58 is located on a 1,500m² plot in harmony with lush native vegetation (coconut palms, palm trees, olive trees, orange trees, fig trees, almond trees, argan trees, bougainvillea, jasmine…).
Many of the materials used are natural : wood, plants, earth, and stone.
Villa 58 offers local and organic products in its breakfasts (crêpes, jams, seasonal fruits and homemade juices…) and meal offerings, including organic vegetables from the vegetable garden and fruits and herbs from the garden.
Our staff is daily trained in recycling, reducing plastic usage, bulk purchasing, waste management, and composting. We also prioritize homemade biodegradable soaps and cleaning products.
Villa 58 offers activities and experiences with a low environmental impact.
RAISING TRAVELLER AWARENESS
Villa 58 is equipped with interactive educational panels to raise awareness of good environmental and tourism practices.
Villa 58 has an on-site solidarity shop and gallery, with all sales profits donated to the "Tamounte" Association. We invite you to meet them in Ouirgane, a small village in the Atlas Mountains, and see the wonderful work they do to raise awareness of this cause.
We also offer products purchased from more remote areas. By doing so, you will help support and contribute to the preservation and well-being of these local communities.
The photo gallery in the tree-filled patio, along with exhibitions of paintings or sculptures, creates a spiritual connection between nature and culture.
Villa 58 offers a multitude of interactive activities and experiences both inside and outside the villa with local staff and low environmental impact.
The ecolodge Villa 58 also offers a wellness experience: hammam, massage, yoga classes… and much more. All these activities invite relaxation, letting go and reconnecting with oneself and with nature.
Beyond comfort and well-being, Villa 58 also hopes to offer you a magical, unique experience that will give your journey a new meaning and make your stay in Marrakech even more beautiful !