Kasbah Bab Ourika

Perched on a hillside at the foot of the magnificent Atlas mountains, with orange trees and olive groves dappling the Ourika valley beneath it, this Berber style country house hotel is the perfect contrast to the busy streets of Marrakech. The Kasbah has been painstakingly constructed using local Berber materials and building methods, to ensure that it blends into its setting, whilst its now-matured terraced gardens are a spectacle in their own right. You’ll find open roaring fireplaces, rosemary lined patios, a walled swimming pool positioned specifically for sundowners and extensive shaded dining spots under an olive tree canopy with cascading views. The Kasbah never fails to create an atmosphere ripe for gatherings of family and friends to come and celebrate life. The Kasbah is full of local fare, vintage carpets, ornate objects and handwoven local fabrics from nearby markets. Rooms are spacious yet cosy, maintaining the country house feel in Berber style, with thick woollen blankets and fireplaces in most for winter nights. The suites, in particular, boast breathtaking views, and hours can go idling on your private balcony before ambling down for an exceptional Moroccan dinner, most of which will have come from their extensive kitchen garden.The local staff are wonderfully enthusiastic and knowledgeable about every fine detail and nothing ever seems too much trouble. This Kasbah is about doing as much or as little as possible. So try and stay for at least three nights to give yourself time to enjoy the peace of the place. And when you are ready, get into the mountain by foot, bicycle or camel. Explore local markets with the staff or trek to a wonderful waterfall nearby with a packed picnic lunch.