Atlas Kasbah
Atlas Kasbah
An exclusive-use eco-kasbah, bursting with unique experiences and opportunities for adventure together with majestic views over the UNESCO Argan Biosphere Reserve.
We are delighted to introduce Atlas Kasbah Ecolodge to our portfolio. The property has been welcoming guests since 2009 and is a new favourite of ours, due to its strong sense of place and responsibility to the environment. Atlas Kasbah will knock- your- socks off when it comes to their commitment and approach to sustainable tourism, it is in fact the first ecolodge in Morocco and North Africa and was awarded the gold winner of the world for Responsible Tourism in London during 2015.
Atlas Kasbah enjoys a magnificent position enveloped by glorious undulating terrain. The region is known as the Argan Biosphere Reserve and while having the feel of being wonderfully immersive and away from it all it is still close enough to reach the windswept beaches of Agadir for a completely contrasting coastal experience. And you simply cannot leave without taking a visit to the charming Fisherman’s village of Taghazout, a stroll along the narrow promenade followed by a refreshing drink at one of the cosy restaurants while watching the surfers at sea is simply glorious.
There is an otherworldly quality to Atlas Kasbah, this is largely due to the expertly preserved architecture, colourful soft furnishings and original artefacts. Interesting craftsmanship has been carried out by expert local artisans with ancestral knowledge in rammed earth, tadelakt, stone and wood, providing a distinct sense of place and allowing guests the opportunity to connect to the surrounds. Throughout, the property exudes and promotes the Moroccan value of humanity, traditions and heritage with the complete preservation of nature in mind.
The commitment to the environment is evident in abundance from carbon neutral menus, organic food production, to renewable energy resources and earth construction. Furthermore as part of this sustainable approach, Atlas Kasbah is eager to promote the local community. To this end, they employ workers from the Agadir Souss Massa region who are an utter delight and so keen to welcome, they make an effort to introduce guests to local customs and their fascinating way of life. The team consists of locals from the Berber villages near Agadir who have never received formal training. They are also eager to employ women with no education, this social initiative encourages local women to participate in economic activity providing new opportunities for themselves and their families. This wonderfully human approach gives way to a more sincere experience and leaves you feeling wonderfully refreshed from the moment you arrive. We’re pretty certain you’ll enter as a guest and leave as a friend. Atlas Kasbah has just 12 guest rooms all of which are individually styled and arranged using noble local furnishings and fittings as well as green materials such as earth and wood. The wonderfully soothing combination of colours blends seamlessly with the Moroccan sunlight evoking a strong sense of relaxation and place. Each of the rooms have individual features and amenities.
We offer our retreats on a half or full board option (please refer to each individual retreat to find out what is included: see prices). All dishes have been prepared using locally sourced or Kasbah reared meats and fish and just-picked produce from the organic vegetable gardens. While it has few frills, the simple flavours of genuine Moroccan home-cooking speaks volumes for its authenticity. There really is no better place to refuel and enjoy a feast of local delicacies, each of which has been carefully prepared to order by the ladies who share their own family recipes lovingly and in a custom that you would enjoy if you were a guest dining in their own home. While the Kasbah does not hold an alcohol license you are invited to bring your own duty free should you wish to enjoy a glass of wine or two over meals. If there are any special snacks or home comforts you like to enjoy such as an English breakfast tea we recommend bringing this with you. We will also offer an honesty bar during our retreat holidays.
The most difficult decisions you will make while resident is what to see and do once you are here. The majority of guests visiting with the Discerning Collection will be visiting on one of our exclusive-use retreats. In addition to wonderfully relaxed yoga, there is an enormous choice of activities to engage in. While some guests may be happy, kicking back with a good book by the enormous salt-water swimming pool or rejuvenating in the spa. There are plenty of activities on offer; including traditional Moroccan cookery classes, honey and date tasting, gentle trekking, pottery classes, an introduction to Arabic, star gazing in the wilderness, as well as many opportunities to explore the local flora and fauna and places of interest.
Popular with sun seekers due to its warm year round climate, a stay at Atlas Kasbah is the perfect choice for those who love vast open spaces, nature, serenity and the opportunity for immersion into the local ambience. A truly wonderful space to disconnect and reconnect.
