Kasbah Bab Ourika

With 360 degree panoramic views of the Atlas mountains, this hotel is not only stunning, but one of the most eco-friendly buildings in Morocco.

Photos by Alana Yolande

One of my favorite trips I hosted was a multi-city tour of Morocco back in 2019. We began in the mountains, ventured to the desert, and finished in the city of Marrakech. When looking for accommodation partners for the first leg of the trip, settling on Kasbah Bab Ourika was easy. This 4-star hotel sits 3,000 feet above sea level with gardens and terraces intentionally designed to showcase the spectacular views of surrounding fields, olive and citrus groves, and snow-peaked mountains.

Even more important to me, though, was their dedication to sustainability. Because the hotel is made primarily of rammed earth, in the traditional Amazigh technique, it easily blends in with the surrounding rock. The thick walls provide natural insulation to maintain a balanced temperature in both the winter and summer - making air conditioning unnecessary. Additionally, solar panels provide hot water for the hotel and the underfloor heating and all grey water is recycled and used in the garden.

As for their involvement in the community, the Kasbah provides ongoing training for folks in the valley and ensures that the majority of the staff is from nearby villages. The Kasbah has also sponsored various initiatives, including the creation of extra water storage to provide running water to the houses in the village below. They also encourage foreign companies and guests to sponsor activities and materials needed for the local schools.

For the particulars, Kasbah Bab Ourika is located about an hour drive from Marrakech. The boutique hotel has 41 rooms, spread out across the main building, garden, and villas. They're each individually decorated, with their own terraces, and all have incredible views. In addition to the secluded swimming pool, there are tons of artist-inspired lounging areas to enjoy the surroundings. The onsite spa offers various treatments including hammam, massage, and more, using aroma therapy oils created by Nectarome, a nearby organic garden in the Ourika Valley.

Next time I’m back in Morocco, spending at least couple nights here again will be a must!