Scott Dunn: ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Description

This innovative boutique hotel offers a birds eye view of the Atlas Mountains, traditional Berber villages and of the lush river valley below. The setting for Kasbah Bab Ourika is simply stunning with magical views both by day and night and it offers a peaceful but spectacular interlude in sharp contrast with the hustle of the Western World.

Kasbah Bab Ourika is one of the most eco-friendly hotels in Morocco and is constructed principally from rammed earth, the traditional Berber building technique. The thick walls provide natural insulation in the heat, all water is recycled, a biodigester system produces electricity and solar panels provide hot water for the hotel and the under floor heating. Despite all these environmental 'constraints', the kasbah's status as a luxury boutique retreat is not compromised - the attention to detail, friendly service, stylish decor and fabulous food all add to the setting to make a stay here a truly memorable one.

The kasbah's fifteen rooms and suites are all individually decorated in soothing shades of browns, whites and creams and are furnished with traditional Moroccan pieces. Each offers mesmerising views of the mountains or valley and many have private terraces and cosy open fireplaces for those chilly Atlas evenings. Delicious Berber, Arabic and international meals are served in the shady gardens, colonnaded restaurant or privately in the comfort of your room.

Days can be spent simply lounging by the kasbah's pool and enjoying the tranquil surrounds but those curious to see more of Morocco can visit the large Monday Berber market at the nearby town of Tnine Ourika or call at some of the farms that grow herbs and flowers in the valley for the perfumers and herbalists who sell a wide variety of exotic perfumes in the Medina. For the energetic there is also hiking, trekking, biking, rafting, and riding from the Kasbah or even skiing nearby in the Atlas mountains.

Accommodation

Ksbah Bab Ourika's fifteen rooms have all been beautifully designed to reflect the natural surroundings of the hotel - limestone walls, leather bed heads and traditional carpets all adorn the kasbah and many of the rooms are home to special Berber artefacts sourced by the owner. Superior Rooms have a shower in their en-suite bathrooms as well as a terrace. Deluxe Rooms are slightly larger with baths and many have fireplaces and/or terraces. The kasbah's Suites are more spacious still with fireplaces and/or terraces and the Deluxe Suite is the largest with families often adding two extra beds to the spacious sitting area.

Childcare

Children are more than welcome at Kasbah Bab Ouirka - active families can enjoy the trekking, riding and other outdoor activities that the area offers and kids will love the pool. Please note that there are no specific facilities for children but that the hotel will try to meet any specific requests.

Facilities

Passionate about produce, the chef specialises in traditional Berber and Arabic recipes as well as international cuisine with fresh ingredients derived daily from neighbouring villages. Healthy delicious breakfasts, lunch by the pool, exotic picnics and nutritious hiking packs can all be prepared and meals can be served in the gardens, the colonnaded restaurant or in the privacy of your room. There is a secluded swimming pool as well as a small hammam and massage room.

Activities

The kasbah are happy to help organise any excursions for sightseeing, farm, market and village visits, trips to Marrakech, hiking, trekking, mountain biking, rafting, canoeing or riding and can even arrange skiing 40 minutes drive away in the Atlas mountains. Alternatively enjoy a day relaxing in the sun with a delicious poolside lunch.

When to travel

Location and directions

Atlas Mountains, Morocco

Ourika Valley

How to get there

3.5hr direct flight then 35 min private transfer by road