Only 45 minutes from Marrakech, Kasbah Bab Ourika receives warm sunlight all day, ending in spectacular sunsets. Guests can relax in individually decorated rooms with their own terraces or unwind by the secluded swimming pool.
ABOUT
This kasbah (fortress) is only 45 minutes from Marrakech. But, having swapped the frenetic, raucous souks for these gape-inducing views across the Ourika Valley and Atlas Mountains, you’ll wonder if the city even existed at all. Up on its romantic hilltop throne and bathed in sunlight all day, Kasbah Bab Ourika is a exercise in serenity. The vistas are of red rocks and orange trees; of ochre-coloured hamlets and Berbers pummelling olive trees. Further off, green cedes to yellow and the Sahara begins. Eventually there’s a spectacular sunset, and then an endless blanket of stars takes over.
ROOMS
The 15 individually-decorated rooms have earthy textiles, local wooden furniture and famously comfy beds. Most have their own terrace, too. The four categories range from Superior Rooms up to Deluxe Suites (one with a pool) which suit larger groups.
FACILITIES
Making full use of one of Morocco’s finest vegetable patches plus produce from nearby villages, Kasbah Bab Ourika’s chef offers both Moroccan and international cuisine. The menu changes daily, and even breakfast is brilliant – particularly those spicy Berber omelettes. Meals can be served in the terraced gardens, the courtyard or the colonnaded restaurant. There’s also a secluded swimming pool and Wi-Fi.
MORE INFO: Exploring the valley is a must. As well as easy walks and scenic picnics, Kasbah Bab Ourika can arrange various mule-supported treks, including to the remote Salt National Park. The Monday market at nearby Tnine Ourika is also well worth seeing.
The Lawrence of Morocco map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
Beautiful property with gorgeous arts and crafts everywhere, down to the rugs and floor tiles in my room. Amazing views, especially sunsets. Lovely pool and lounge and restaurant. Delicious food. Great wine. But the thing that made my stay special was the wonderful staff who were so professional, hard working and friendly.
Aileen who stayed here in April 2025.
Bab Ourika was a great starting point - Amanda has a legendary reputation and was a lovely host, her staff were fantastic, as were the gardens and food. The picnic was wonderful (Amanda’s kitchen) in a beautiful location. We did some independent walking the following day which was more satisfying as we ventured onto higher ground to appreciate the views.
Christine Cubitt who stayed here in March 2025.
Luxury and relaxation in a stunning setting...
Hugh G who stayed here in October 2024.
Hugh Griffiths who stayed here in September 2023.
Bab Ourika was a complete contrast to the Riad, where one was opulent the other stark, but we had been upgraded to a de luxe room, and it was really a very good peaceful location, lovely grounds and views.
We had an excellent guide the next day, with good English and a good and generous picnic was bought to us on a donkey! We made use of the Hammam and the masseuse afterwards which was a good idea for desk bound English people who hadn’t taken any exercise for some time.
I would say that the food was quite basic here but perfectly edible, and I think I would be disappointed if I had come to Bab Ourika for my main holiday for a rest. Fine as a base for walks, which others were doing, or as a stopover. I believe the owner is English – we met him briefly - but I thought he might have realised that the actual food itself could have been so much more. Again the staff were faultless.
Fiona who stayed here in February 2023.
Kasbah Bab Ourika, Ourika has been rated 5 times, with an overall rating of 4.60 out of 5.
We really know Morocco and have had the pleasure of making many people's dream trips become reality over the years. It has been our privilege to be asked to manage holidays, weddings and productions for so many fantastic and discerning clients. We remain small and dedicated to providing excellent honest advice to enable you to sit back, relax and enjoy the fun bits without having to manage the unpredictability of this fascinating country.
If you want it done right, look no further!
