Travel: La Maison Rouge in Mopti
La Maison Rouge [Mali]
[Image source: The Great Mosque, Mali – the GreenProphet]
The BBC recently did an 8 part series entitled Human Planet, exploring man’s relationship with nature in the world today. Beautifully shot, the series looked at diverse environments such as: cities, rainforests and mountains. Unfortunately, I caught it near the end of its run, but managed to see the episode featuring deserts. This episode looked in part at the annual re-plastering of the Great Mosque in Djenne, Mali – a day-long festival involving the community. Re-plastering annually is necessary as heavy seasonal rains can ‘melt’ the fragile structures. The largest adobe (mud-brick) building in the world and a stunning example of the local architecture, the mosque is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most famous landmarks drawing visitors from around the world.
[Image credit: La Maison Rouge]
It was a combination of the programme and the recent post I did on malene b’s carpet’s that got me searching what Mali has to offer, eventually ending up at several beautiful places including La Maison Rouge (The Red House) in Mopti, named for the red clay found locally which gives the buildings their distinctive colour.
[Image credit: Accommodation – La Maison Rouge]
La Maison Rouge is a stunning boutique hotel comprising 14 uniquely styled rooms that offer guests a contemporary take on Dogon culture, two of which are ‘open to the stars’. Tucked away in a backstreet, the hotel is inspired by local architecture but also laid out like a riad, with serene courtyards and gardens that allow you to relax in style. The hotel has been described as a haven for those looking for quiet after a busy day of sightseeing, and to take advantage of this head upstairs to the Moroccan Lounge where you can relax on the terrace overlooking the garden, or cozy up by the fireside and indulge in some tea and pastries.
[Image credit: Dining – La Maison Rouge]
You can choose to dine in the vast vaulted restaurant, on the patio or in the garden, sampling gourmet Malian and French cuisine freshly prepared for you and includes produce straight from the garden.
[Image credit: Sleeping under the stars – La Maison Rouge]
Additional Details:
Rates shown on the website: single € 47 per night, twin / double € 55 per night, Terrace Room (single or double) € 31 per night
For further information visit: www.lesmaisonsdumali.com
For information on the BBC’s Human Plant series visit: www.bbc.co.uk
