This innovative boutique hotel offers a bird's 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 comfortable 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 26 rooms and suites are all individually decorated in 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 or colonnaded restaurant.
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.
