Discover luxurious solitude in the lower Atlas Mountains where Berber castle Kasbah Angour offers a stunning home-from-home away from it all, just 30 minutes from vibrant Marrakech in what feels like another world.
For almost 1000km, the High Atlas stretches across the middle of Morocco. In the distance and at the highest reaches, snow falls, but lower down there is plenty of fertile land as temperatures rise and stay mild throughout the year making the lower reaches of the Atlas Mountains a year-round destination.
Kasbah Angour is wonderfully located to explore and enjoy this magical and unique part of North Africa. The hill top location of this hotel with easy car access is designed with traditional architecture showcasing authentic Moroccan Berber style and ambience.
There are 25 bedrooms and suites, a restaurant and bar and large outdoor swimming pool with the magnificent backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The stunning gardens here cover 10 acres with spectacular views of the surrounding Atlas Mountains and green countryside.
The Angour Deluxe Suite is named after Mount Angour to the south of the Kasbah. It is located on the first floor in the central tower and has an entrance hall, bedroom, bathroom and a Moroccan salon.
The spacious bedroom looks due south across the gardens to the summits of the mountains and the comfortable Moroccan salon has views to the south and east. There is a large private terrace adjoining the salon, with wonderful panoramic views.
Le Grand Atlas Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner to both guests and non-residents and the kitchen uses fresh, seasonal produce sourced from the hotels gardens and local suppliers. The chef offers a variety of Moroccan and Mediterranean themed specialities with the accent firmly on wonderfully flavoured, healthy and colourful dishes.
Moroccan food is not “hot” to taste but is subtly spiced with ginger, cumin, saffron, paprika, cinnamon, garlic, coriander & parsley. Moroccan dishes include tajines (slow-cooked meat and/or vegetables named after the conical earthenware pot in which the dish is cooked), couscous (thrice-steamed, fine semolina served with vegetables & meat or poultry), charcoal grills, soups and delicious salads (using tasty & colourful fresh vegetables).
Café-Bar Azrou is another relaxing space, with a beautiful vaulted ceiling and decorated with traditional Moroccan artefacts. For a large part of the year, including the winter months, the fine day-time weather means that it is ideal to dine al fresco. Outside terraces adjoin the Restaurant and Café-Bar which give wonderful views across the gardens to the surrounding panorama.
Kasbah Angour has 10 acres of gardens containing a wonderful mix of plants and trees, including native mountain species. There are many different areas to enjoy and explore. The southern gardens are planted with flower beds, trees & lawn to stroll across and appreciate the delightful vistas.
The northern side of the Kasbah has formal gardens, with rose and other flower beds, low hedges and fruit trees. There is a wonderful courtyard bordered by a pergola for al fresco dining.
The kitchen garden to the north-east of the Kasbah is where many of the herbs and vegetables featuring in the menus are grown. Kasbah Angour truly enhances the senses whilst celebrating its eco credentials showcasing a greener way to holiday in Morocco.
Half-day walks starting from Kasbah Angour are ideal for those looking to do moderate walking. Full-day walks are also offered and really enhance the experience in this setting. Walks are with a multi-lingual mountain guide local to the area and take between 3-4 hours.
Thanks to Kasbah Angour’s privileged position, they can offer superb half day walks that start and finish at the Kasbah. As the Kasbah is in the foot-hills of the mountains, there is the possibility to choose walks where the amount of climbing is moderate rather than strenuous.
They can also adjust walks to suit all walking abilities. Aside from the health benefits outlined below, walking holidays in the Atlas Mountains allow visitors to know about the country, its history, culture and environment which are all rewarding. As visitors open their lungs on a walk, they also open their minds. Walking transforms the way visitors view and remember a destination.
Kasbah Angour offers all manner of outdoor activity holidays including: Half Day Walks (3-4 hours), Full Day Walks (6-7 hours), Visit to the local Souk on Tuesdays (2-3 hours), Visit Imlil for the Day with mule trek picnic, 4×4 Adventure in the Mountains, Tours of the Mountains by Car, Ascent of Mount Toubkal (2 days), Camel Rides, Visits to Marrakech and Skiing & Golf.
Not only is this an active break but also a cultural one. Berbers are Morocco’s proud indigenous people and visiting local Berber villages and staying in a Berber castle only add to the uniqueness of a trip here in the mountains.
Kasbah Angour supports the local community in a massive way. Not only does the hotel provide jobs but it also purchases everything locally supporting local farmers and businesses. Freelance guides and other professionals are also employed locally and they possess local knowledge and provide a unique awareness of the surroundings.
Address: Douar Toufsirine, Aghouatim, Tahanaout, Marrakech، Morocco
Phone: +212 5244-84121
Website: kasbahangour.com
Photography courtesy of Kasbah Angour
