Like France’s châteaux, Morocco’s wonderful kasbahs, or fortresses, are just ripe to be beautiful hotel conversions. These romantic, mostly mud built, buildings were the homes of local leaders and have high walls and easily defendable positions - which to a hotel guest means spectacular panoramic views. Aside from the walls and the vantage point, kasbahs come in all shapes and sizes. Which also means that the best Kasbah hotels in Morocco come in all shapes and sizes too.

Our Guru’s recommendations for the best kasbah hotels in Morocco also come with a wide range of room rates. Some kasbah conversions offer every imaginable luxury, but some are beautiful but fairly basic, or in magical, but hard to reach locations.

The kasbahs of the High Atlas Mountains are well loved by trekkers and those looking for a real escape from modern life. Richard Branson’s kasbah conversion is known for its star-studded guests. But each of our Gurus' recommendations has those magical Arabian Nights qualities which will make your Moroccan adventure extra special. While the kasbahs of Marrakech promise romance and a touch of exoticism, in amongst its old souks, ancient and beautiful architecture, maze of streets and a whirlwind-like medina experience like no other.

If you want the desert you might consider Ouarzazate, a quiet town at the base of the High Atlas mountains in Saharan Morocco, for a long time a waypoint for traders between Africa and Europe. And if you want the coast then it's Essaouira you shoud be looking up, spreading along a long sandy strip of Morocco's Atlantic coast, the kind of place you'd imagine Peter O'Toole's Laurence of Arabia riding in to off the desert. Definitely Moroccan, but with a European familiarity.

The 10 Best Kasbah Hotels in Morocco

The Most Luxurious Kasbah Hotels in Morocco

The Kasbah Tamadot is Richard Branson’s exclusive Moroccan hideaway, an amazing palatial paradise in the foothills of the High Atlas mountains, but also within easy reach of Marrakech. From the outside this kasbah seems to hunker down on a dusty hill, but inside the bohemian opulence takes over and there’s every imaginable comfort, plus beautiful rose gardens and incredible views.

Ouarzazate’s Dar Ahlam is a luxurious retreat with 14 sumptuous suites and villas. This is an excellent place to stay if you want experiences to be shared with you, as they specialise in taking guests on tailor-made excursions. In spring and summer stay in the garden suites and in winter opt for the kasbah proper.

The Amanjena was converted from a larger fortress rather than a kasbah, but the end result is so palatial that it’s worth including here. There are fountains strewn with roses, beautiful mosaics, red walls, palm trees, vast, pavilion-style rooms and every imaginable luxury. There are 39 rooms and a spa that goes above and beyond. Perfect if you’re in need of pampering.

The Best Kasbah Hotels in Marrakech

Ksar Char Bagh is a beautiful Moorish palace in the scrublands of the Palmeraie with 13 elegant suites, tranquil gardens a luxurious hammam and wonderful cuisine - chef Damien Durand trained with Alain Ducasse. The views are also incredible. This is actually a modern building, but it feels centuries old.

The Kasbah Agafay was built in the 18th century, out of mud, but the result is a magical, Arabian Nights kind of palace with 20 beautiful rooms and suites - some of them in wonderful canopied tents. The decor is fitting of such a building, and the views are of orange groves and a Berber village. The restaurant also runs cooking classes and there’s a hammam and spa.

The Best Kasbah Hotels in the Atlas Mountains

Kasbah Bab Ourika occupies a breathtaking spot in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Tasteful and serene, this kasbah is surrounded by a beautifully groomed gardens of olive trees, lavender and roses. There are just ten rooms, each individually decorated. This is a wonderful place to escape. But it’s also only 45minutes from Marrakech.

High up in the Atlas Mountains, the eco-friendly Kasbah du Toubkal is a wonderful retreat run by Berbers and only reached by donkey. Or on foot, of course, and that’s one of the great appeals of this kasbah, it’s a Mecca for walkers and trekkers looking for a bit of spoiling post adventure. The rooms range from economical dorms to luxurious havens, but the Moroccos decor and indescribably beautiful views make it a treat at whatever price.

La Gazelle d'Or is a uxurious hunting lodge turned hotel on the outskirts of Taroudant. Set amid extensive exotic gardens with superb views of the Atlas Mountains. Swimming pool and spa with traditional hammam. Beautifully kitted out suites and pavilions. Come here for pampering and serenity.

The Best Value Kasbah Hotels in Morocco

Kasbah Angour is a beautifully preserved kasbah in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. The views are superb, and the 25 rooms and suites have been carefully restored using traditional materials. The garden has also been carefully restored, and a pool has been added. You’re just 30mintues drive from Marrakech and rooms start from just over £100 per night.

If you haven’t found your idea of the best kasbah hotel in Morocco on our Guru’s list of the 10 Best Kasbah Hotels in Morocco, you could:

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Morocco!
• Or refine your search by destination, to the best places to stay in Marrakech? or the best places to stay in the High Atlas Mountains? or the best places to stay in Essaouira?
• or you could consider Guru's recommendations for the 10 Best Hotels in Morocco Outside Marrakech?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

The 10 Best Kasbah Hotels in Morocco

 

Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Wednesday, 5th June 2019