RESTAURANT

MEALS ARE SERVED IN THE GARDENS, IN THE COLONNADED RESTAURANT OR CAN BE TAKEN PRIVATELY IN THE ROOMS OR SUITES.

TO MAKE A RESERVATION OR FIND OUT MORE CALL:
+ 212 661 63 42 34 / + 212 661 27 47 07
OR EMAIL:
bookings@kasbahbabourika.com

AT KASBAH BAB OURIKA WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT OUR PRODUCE. we source the freshest organic ingridients AVAILABLE FROM OUR OWN KITCHEN GARDENS AND NEAR BY MARKET TO PREPARE A PURE ARTISANAL CUISINE FOR OUR GUESTS TO ENJOY.

OUR MENUS REFLECTS THE SEASONS AND LOCATION. BERBER, ARABIC AND INTERNATIONAL DISHES ARE ALL FEATURED FROM HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS BREAKFASTS, LIGHT MENUS FOR LUNCH BY THE POOL, EXOTIC PICNICS, NUTRITIOUS HIKING PACKS AND BAB OURIKA SPECIALTIES FOR INTIMATE NIGHT TIME DINING.

KASBAH BAB OURIKA AND OUR KITCHEN CONSULTANTS HAVE BEEN WORKING TOGETHER THROUGH THE YEARS ON A UNIQUE VISION TO BRING A BALANCED MOROCCAN AND EUROPEAN MENU. THE MENU CHANGES EVERY DAY. WE SOURCE FRESH ORGANIC PRODUCE FROM OUR KITCHEN GARDENS AND THE SURROUNDING VALLEY.

OUR MENU IS A MIXTURE OF MOROCCAN TRADITIONAL DELICIOUS DISHES AND GLOBAL CUISINE WITH NUANCES OF FRENCH, ASIAN AND MEDITERRANIAN FLAVOURS. THE SOFISTICATION COMES FROM THE MIXTURE OF INFLUENCES AND THE EXCELLENT QUALITY OF THE PRODUCE.

OUR FOOD IS SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL, TASTY AND HEALTHY.

OUR RESTAURANT IS OPEN TO NON RESIDENTS FOR LUNCH AND DINNER. WE CAN ALSO CATER FOR LARGER GROUPS ON ONE OF THE MANY DINING TERRACES IN THE KASBAH GARDENS WITH SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF THE ATLAS AND THE OURIKA VALLEY

SAMPLE MENU

STARTERS

MEDITERRANEAN FISH SOUP, RUSTIC CROUTON, SAFFRON AIOLLI

WARM CRISPY GOATS CHEESE BRICK, MIXED LETTUCES, RED ONION CONFIT, RED WINE VINAIGRETTE

THREE MOROCCAN SALADS, BERBER STONE BREAD ROASTED BEETROOT, ROCKET, FETA, WALNUTS, MINT, SHERRY VINAIGRETTE

MAINS

SLOW COOKED LAMB, POTATO CAKE, RATATOUILLE, SALSA VERDE

SALMON FISH CAKE, STIR FRIED SPINACH, LEMON, CAPER BUTTER SAUCE, CRISPY FENNEL SALAD

CHARCOAL COOKED BEEF TAGINE, VEGETABLES, WILD HERBED COUSCOUS

SPICY LENTIL FRITTERS, CRISPY, GREEN BEANS, OVEN ROASTED TOMATOES, MINTED YOGHURT SAUCE

DESSERTS

FONDANT CHOCOLATE CAKE, MASCARPONE.

AMARETTO PARFAIT WITH GERANYUM SYROP

FLOURLESS ORANGE AND ALMOND CAKE

HOMEMADE SORBET

ACTIVITIES

THERE'S A LOT TO DISCOVER AROUND KASBAH BAB OURIKA. OUR STAFF WILL GIVE YOU DETAILED INSIGHTS ABOUT A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES AND ARRANGE THEM FOR YOU. RESERVATIONS FOR ALL ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE MADE AT RECEPTION.

HAMMAM TREATMENTS Combination of relaxation and efficiency
Experience one of the oldest traditions of the Eastern culture and discover our traditional hammam. The hammam’s steam bath helps one eliminates stress, toxins and impurities by sweating. The hammam is an intimate and inviting place that rids one of tension and daily worries, either alone or as a couple.

Escape Hammam (Enjoy the private access to the hammam (no therapist) and relax covered by verbena scented foam
(30 min) @ 250 Dhs per person

Discovery Hammam Discover the benefits of a traditional Moroccan scrub. Thanks to the black soap that moisturizes the skin deeply and prepares for a gentle exfoliation with the ”kessa” glove.
(+- 30 min) @ 350 Dhs per person

Traditional Hammam Enjoy the traditional Moroccan scrub with the black soap and the verbena soaping.
To complete this journey, the “Ghassoul” mask purifies and soften the skin by absorbing impurities. Leave with a skin bright and silky.
(+- 45 min) @ 500 Dhs per person

MASSAGE TREATMENT We offer only one type of massage: Berber massage (mix between relaxing and tonic).
- 550 Dhs for 50 minutes per person
- 350 Dhs for 30 minutes per person

BEAUTY TREATMENTS FROM ABSOLUTION - PARIS Absolution face care elaborated from organic vegetable extracts or wild plants, minerals and vitamins.
- 460 Dhs for 1 hour per person
- 320 Dhs for 30 minutes per person

LEARN TO MAKE BERBER TEA AFTER A TOUR OF THE HERB GARDEN WITH OUR STAFF TO COLLECT MINT AND FRESH HERBS.

CAMEL TREKKINGG 2 HOUR TREK FROM THE KASBAH THROUGH THE VILLAGE OF TIMALIZEN AND DOWN TO THE RIVER.

FULL DAY TRIP IN THE DIRECTION OF THE FOREST EXPLORE THE NATIONAL PARK VIA THE ROAD TO IGROUFROUANE PASSING THROUGH SMALL VILLAGES WITH THE OPTION OF A 1 HOUR TREK. YOU CAN HAVE A PICNIC LUNCH.

½ DAY TRIP TO NECTAROME GARDENS THEN ON THE VILLAGE OF TAFZA TO THE POTTERY MANUFACTURING AND THE BERBER MUSEUM.

DAY TRIP TO SETTI FATMA AND THE WATER FALLS AND THE OURIKA VALLEY IF YOU WOULD LIKE US TO ARRANGE A LOCAL TREKKING GUIDE AT SETTI FATMA TO WALK YOU UP TO THE WATER FALLS THERE IS A SUPPLEMENT .

DAY TRIP TO MARRAKECH (45 MINUTES BY CAR) EXPLORE THE MEDINA AND ENJOY THE DELIGHTS OF THE FAMOUS MAIN SQUARE (JEMAA-EL-FNA), THE SOUKSAND LOCAL MONUMENTS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE US TO ARRANGE A NATIONAL GUIDE THERE IS A SUPPLEMENT.

Treks at Kasbah Bab Ourika

In addition to easy walks and picnics locally, you can explore the region on longer treks including the remote and unspoiled Salt National Park. You can experience a taste of Berber village life as you pass through the many local villages. Kasbah Bab Ourika can provide an experienced English-speaking Mountain Guide who can tell you more about the valley, the Berber way of life, the countryside and botany surrounding you. On the following treks The Kasbah’s Chef can arrange an individual picnic lunch (200 dhs per person) or sandwich to take away (100 dhs per person) Or on our forest treks we can arrange for you to have lunch in a Berber house (200 dhs per person – including mint tea & mineral water) The Kasbah will provide mineral water for your Trek; and the Guide or a donkey (for large groups) will carry it for you.
Trek 1 -Taourirte Direction: 2h00-2h30 duration (Easy Trek)
SStarting from the Kasbah, explore the Traditional Salt Productions at Taourirte, visit the Village, and come back to the Kasbah through the little fields of olives, plums and vegetable gardens.
(250 dhs per person for minimum of 2 People or 500dh for Single)
Trek 2- Timalizen Direction: 2h00-2h30 duration (Easy Trek)
Walking South to the Village of Timalizen and then to Tamzenderte Village, continuing onto the river and return back to the Kasbah through the farm lands.
(250 dhs per person for minimum of 2 People or 500dh for Single)
Trek 3-National Park Direction: about 3h00 to 3h30 duration (Medium Trek)
This is considered a medium level walk, in which you will go through Taourirte or Agadir Ntizi Villages, then into the National Park onto hills and valleys, coming back to the Kasbah through the hills.
(300 dhs per person for minimum of 2 People or 600dh for Single)
Trek 4 –Takaterte (Gardens) Direction: about 3 to 4 hours duration (Medium Trek)
This incorporates the visit in Trek 1 , where you explore the Traditional Salt Productions at Taourirte and visit the Village, plus a visit to the Bio Aromatic Gardens called Nectarome (entrance fees -20dhs- not included) at Douar El Haddad and to the lovely Christine's Safran Garden "Le Paradis du Safran" at Takaterte (entrance fees -100dhs- not included) (In case you get tired the guide can arrage for you a “local Taxi” which cost 150 dhs from the Safran Farm to the Kasbah).
(350 dhs per person for minimum of 2 People or 600dh for Single)
Trek 5 - Monday Market: 4 to 5 hours duration (Medium Trek)
This Trek incorporates Trek 4, exploring the Traditional Salt Productions at Taourirte and Visits to the Nectarome and Safran garden plus explore the local Berber Market of Tnine, which means : “Monday” . (In case you get tired the guide can arrage for you a “local Taxi” which cost 150 dhs from the Safran Farm to the Kasbah).
(350 dhs per person for minimum of 2 People or 600dh for Single)
Trek 6 – National Park & Tagadirte Village: 4 to 5 hours duration (Medium Trek)
EIt's medium level trek, walking East of the National Park to Tagadirte Village, in which you have an option to visit a Berber House and get in touch with the Berber Culture and have a cup of mint tea with the family (50 dh per person supplement) then returning to the Kasbah via the Taourirte Salt Mines.
(350 dhs per person for minimum of 2 People or 600dh for Single)
Trek 7 – Exploring Villages & The National Park: 7 hours duration (Hard Trek)
This is a high level trek, in which you can explore the several villages and their local way of life before entering into the National Park where you will discover the different types of Trees of the Valley, such as Juniper, Holy Oak, Pine and Carob.
(550 dhs per person for minimum of 2 People or 700dh for Single)
Please note:
There is a cancellation fee of 50% for last minute cancellations.
All the prices of the treks are based on 2 People Minimum.

TO MAKE A RESERVATION OR FIND OUT MORE CALL:
+ 212 661 63 42 34 / + 212 661 27 47 07
OR EMAIL:
bookings@kasbahbabourika.com

ECO- FRIENDLY

THE KASBAH IS ONE OF THE MOST ECO-FRIENDLY BUILDINGS IN MOROCCO. CONSTRUCTED PRINCIPALLY FROM PISE (RAMMED EARTH), THE TRADITIONAL BERBER BUILDING TECHNIQUE, IT BLENDS EASILY WITH THE ROCK AND EARTH AROUND IT.

THICK WALLS PROVIDE NATURAL INSULATION IN SUMMER AND WINTER TO ENSURE A BALANCED TEMPERATURE. THE KASBAH USES SOLAR PANELS TO HEAT THE BUILDING AND THE DOMESTIC WATER SUPPLY. WE HOPE TO INSTALL ADDITIONAL PANELS TO START GENERATING OUR OWN ELECTRICITY TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE.
ALL GREY WATER AT THE KASBAH IS RECYCLED AND USED IN THE GARDEN.
AT THE OUTSET THE KASBAH PROVIDED ESSENTIAL TRAINING TO ENSURE THAT THE MAJORITY OF OUR STAFF ARE FROM THE NEARBY VILLAGES. THIS POLICY HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL AND WE ARE ONE OF THE LARGEST EMPLOYERS IN THE VALLEY. THIS PROVIDES MUCH NEEDED EMPLOYMENT IN THE AREA AND ENSURES THAT THE KASBAH IS INTEGRATED INTO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
IN ADDITION THE KASBAH HAS TRIED TO SHOW ITS COMMITMENT TO THE LOCAL DOUAR (COMMUNITY) BY INSTIGATING VARIOUS INITIATIVES AND ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING. THE KASBAH SPONSORED THE CREATION OF EXTRA WATER STORAGE TO PROVIDE RUNNING WATER TO THE HOUSES IN THE VILLAGE BELOW. LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROVIDED PUMPS AND FUNDS TO COMPLETE THIS WATER DISTRIBUTION.

THE KASBAH HAS ENCOURAGED FOREIGN COMPANIES AND GUESTS TO SPONSOR THE ACTIVITIES OF THE LOCAL SCHOOL AND WE HAVE MANY RETURN GUESTS WHO HAVE KINDLY ARRANGED PACKAGES TO BE SENT WITH ESSENTIAL MATERIALS SUCH AS BOOKS AND WRITING EQUIPMENT.
THE KASBAH IS KEEN TO IMPLEMENT OTHER TRADITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES. THERE ARE PLANS TO BUILD A PROTOTYPE BIODIGESTER UNIT TO USE WASTE PRODUCTS OF THE KASBAH TO PRODUCE ELECTRICITY AND GAS AND FINE QUALITY COMPOST FOR THE GARDENS. IT IS HOPED THAT IF THIS PROJECT IS A SUCCESS IT WILL HAVE APPLICATIONS ALL OVER THE BERBER VILLAGES IN THE HIGH ATLAS.

DESIGN

WE CREATED A UNIQUE AND SPECIAL PLACE. A SINGLE ESCAPE WHERE GUESTS CAN EXPERIENCE A MORE GENUINE SIDE OF MOROCCAN LIFE.

THE CREATION OF KASBAH BAB OURIKA STARTED IN 2004 WHEN STEPHEN SKINNER FOUND THE HILLTOP SITE AND STARTED THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MAIN BUILDINGS AND THE PLANTING OF THE SURROUNDING GARDENS. IT TOOK 5 YEARS TO REALISE THE CURRENT KASBAH. THE PROJECT INVOLVED A LARGE TEAM OF LOCAL ARTISANS TO CREATE ACCESS TO THE SITE. THE ENTRY ROAD WAS DUG BY HAND. THE INITIAL CONSTRUCTION WAS DEPENDANT ON BERBER DONKEY TRANSPORT TO SUPPLY WATER AND MATERIALS. WELLS WERE FOUND AND A SYSTEM TO PUMP WATER MORE THAN 500 METRES UPHILL TO HOLDING TANKS CREATED ALONGSIDE THE KASBAH. THE PROJECT IS ONGOING WITH THE ADDITION OF THE GARDEN ROOMS AND WATERFALLS, THE KITCHEN GARDENSOVER THE PAST FEW YEARS AND NOW DUE TO OPEN IN 2016 THE NEW 5 BEDROOM RETREAT LOOKING OUT OVER THE OURIKA VALLEY AND THE ATLAS.

A FRIEND OF STEPHEN ARCHITECT ARGUS HARDY PROVIDED PLANS FOR THE MAIN KASBAH BUILDING. THESE PLANS WERE MOSTLY CHANGED AS THE WORKS EVOLUTED AND STEPHEN WAS GETTING A BETTER FEELING ON SITU …. THE NEED OF OPENING OUT TO HAVE THE BEAUTY OF THE SURROUNDINGS ALWAYS ACESSIBLE BECAME A NECESSITY .
STEPHEN ASKED INTERIOR DESIGNER ROMAIN MICHELLE MEINIERE TO HELP HIM OVERSEE THE FINISHING . ROMAIN WORKED WITH STEPHEN IN THE BEGUINING OF THE PROJECT IN 2008.

FOR STEPHEN THEOBJECTIF WAS THE USE AND RESPECT FOR MOROCCAN TRADITION AND THE LOCAL CRAFTSMANSHIP MIX ING IT WITH ECLETIC OBJECTS AND FURNITURE FOUND ON THE FLEE MARKETS ,AND ANTIQUE SHOPS .

ROMAIN SAYS : “ON VISITING BAB OURIKA I WAS TAKEN ABACK BY THE BEAUTY OF THE SURROUNDINGS AND THE KASBAH ITSELF. THE COURAGE DISPLAYED BY STEPHEN TO TAKE ON SUCH AN ENORMOUS PROJECT WAS INCREDIBLY ADMIRABLE TO ME. HE HAD CHOSEN A HILLTOP IN THE OURIKA VALLEY, FAR FROM THE TARRED ROADS, THE SAFETY OF THE BUSY POPULATED CITY, AWAY FROM THE NORMAL TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF MARRAKECH - THE SOUKS, RESTAURANTS, ETC. HERE HE HAS CREATED A UNIQUE AND SPECIAL ESCAPE, A PURE PLACE WHERE GUESTS CAN EXPERIENCE A MORE GENUINE SIDE OF MOROCCAN LIFE THE LIFE OF THE VILLAGE BERBERS.

THE FEELING OF THE KASBAH WAS STRIKING TO ME TOO. IT HAD A POWERFUL PRESENCE TO IT A LIVING ELEMENT. IT DID NOT FEEL LIKE A NEWLY CONSTRUCTED SITE, MORE LIKE AN OLD SOUL - A KASBAH THAT HAD BEEN THERE FOR YEARS, OVERSEEING THE VILLAGES BELOW, PERCHED ON ITS OWN HILL STANDING GUARD OVER THE MOUNTAINS A TRUE REFLECTION OF ITS SURROUNDINGS. ARGUS HARDY, THE KASBAH S ARCHITECT, DESIGN AND PROPORTIONS APPEALED TO ME TOO.

MY DECISION TO JOIN THIS SPECIAL PROJECT CAME FROM MY RESPECT AND UNDERSTANDING OF STEPHEN S VISION, AS WELL AS OUR AGREED IDEAS AND DIRECTION FOR THE INTERIORS OF THE KASBAH TO KEEP EVERYTHING TRUE TO THE BERBER STYLE USING NATURAL COLOURS, BERBER TEXTILES AND ARTEFACTS. SINCE LIVING IN MOROCCO I HAVE BECOME MORE AND MORE INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH THE NATURAL MATERIALS FOUND HERE MATERIALS WHICH ARE TYPICALLY USED IN THE REGIONAL AREAS OF MOROCCO. KASBAH BAB OURIKA WAS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR ME TO UTILISE THESE TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES AND BUILDING METHODS LIMESTONE AND MUD WALLS, PALM TRUNK CEILINGS.”

STEPHEN PRIORATIES WERE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE INCREDIBLE AND STRIKING VIEWS THAT SURROUND THE KASBAH THE DRAMATIC ATLAS MOUNTAINS TO THE FRONT, THE AMAZING DEEP RED CANYON THAT DROPS TO THE LEFT - MAKING THESE A FEATURE POINT OF THE PROPERTY. LARGE WINDOWS AND GLASS DOORS, DESIGNED ON THE EGYPTIAN GOLD NUMBER, HAVE BEEN USED ALLOWING THE VIEWS TO BE SEEN FROM EVERY ROOM WITHIN THE KASBAH, AS WELL AS ELONGATED MEURTRIERE STYLE WINDOWS, ALSO SEEN IN THE TRADITIONAL BERBER KASBAHS.

IT WAS AN EASY DECISION AS TO WHAT MATERIALS STEPHEN WANTED TO WORK WITH. HE NEEDED TO KEEP EVERYTHING TRUE TO THE SURROUNDINGS AND REFLECT THE TYPICAL STYLE OF THE BERBER VILLAGES. A TRADITIONAL MIXTURE OF LIMESTONE AND EARTH - PLUS OTHER ANCESTORAL SECRETS OF TECHNIQUE AND APPLICATION - WAS USED TO COVER ALL WALL SURFACES, ALLOWING THE PERFECT NATURAL BACKDROP FOR THE CHIC ETHNIC STYLE FURNISHINGS .

IN THE BEDROOMS BED-HEADS HAVE BEEN UPHOLSTERED IN NATURAL TONES OF LEATHER, VINTAGE MOROCCAN CARPETS COVER FLOOR SURFACES, WINDOWS ARE DRESSED WITH OLD BERBER PLAIDS (EACH ONE UNIQUE IN DESIGN) AND BERBER POMPOM BLANKETS DECORATE THE BEDS ALL OF THESE FURNISHINGS HAVE BEEN LOCALLY SOURCED, ALL CARRYING THE THEME OF THE NATURAL EARTH COLOURS THAT SURROUND THE KASBAH .

THIS HAS EVOLUTED THROUGHT THE YEARS AND NUMEROUS LOCALLY SOURCED OBJECTS AND ARTEFACTS HAVE BEEN ADDEDALL OF WHICH AT SOME POINT HAD A FUNCTIONING PURPOSE IN THE DAILY LIFE OF THE BERBERS. THEY HAVE BEEN USED NOW FOR DECORATION OR TRANSFORMED WITH A NEW MODERN FUNCTION ANCIENT POTS WHICH WERE USED FOR TRANSPORTING WATER AND OIL ARE NOW LAMP BASES, AN OLD CHEST WHICH ONCE HELD THE CONTENTS OF A YOUNG BRIDES DOWRY NOW DECORATES A PASSAGEWAY OF THE INTERIOR COURTYARD. THESE OBJECTS ALLOW TO SHOW THE GUESTS AT BAB OURIKA THE CRAFTSMANSHIP OF THE BERBERS PLUS THE OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERSTAND MORE OF THEIR LIFESTYLE AND DAILY LIVES.
STEPHEN AND HIS INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTANT BEATRIZ MAXIMOHAS BEEN WORKING TOGETHER IN THE PAST FEW YEARS ANDCONTINUE TO SEARCH FOR MORE UNIQUE AND RARE PIECES THE KASBAH WILL BE FOREVER CHANGING WITH OUR NEW DISCOVERIES. VINTAGE PIECES AND MORE MODERN DESIGN HAS BEEN PURCHASED IN THE LATE YEARS AND THE ECLETIC MIXTURE GIVES A SENS OF UNIQUENESS TO THE PROJECT .

A NEW 11 ROOMS RETREAT HAS BEEN COMPLETED AT THE END OF 2020 AND IT IS THE MOST CLEAR EXEMPLE OF THIS NEW DESIGN VISION .