lifestyle

Kasbah Bab Ourika

High above the Ourika Valley, surrounded by brick-red mountain ranges and lush green hills, sits the Kasbah Bab Ourika. Like a fortress, it looks down from its hill to the river, which meanders through the Ourika Valley, accompanied by olive and orange trees. Its view extends just as proudly to the snow-covered peaks of the Atlas Mountains, the foothills of which cradle the valley like a mother holding her child in her arms.

Almost everything seems to hold its breath before this majestic sight. Tranquillity is inherent in this place, which has an effect on body and mind. In this decelerated seclusion of the Moroccan mountains, every room, every corner and every place of the Kasbah Bab Ourika invites you to immerse yourself and relax.

Starting in the back garden, where you can not only admire home-grown herbs and vegetables, but also detoxify your body and mind with a massage and hammam. Countless seating areas in the garden and on the terrace tempt you to take a break with their cosy cushions and wide pillows, while the intense scent of the thyme bushes wafts around the pool with every little breeze.

Behind the red walls of the Kasbah Bab Ourika, guests are greeted by communal living spaces that seem to have fallen out of time. Dark brown leather armchairs are eyed by taxidermied antelope heads, bowls filled with pomegranates adorn richly decorated wooden chests, stacked 50s radios defy time alongside well-stocked bookshelves and all kinds of dried flowers, floor lamps and embroidered pouffes create little niches to linger in. A skilful blend of European antiques and glittering, woollen Berber textiles exude warmth and characterise the charm of the interior.

A friendly "Marhaba" and a gesture inviting us to enter welcomed us to the Kasbah Bab Ourika. A benevolent "Salam aleikum" and waving hands bid us farewell. But we take the tranquillity and relaxation with us. Even if only for a short while...

Morocco, May 2023. | All words and photos by The Sturgheons.