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Morocco is extravagantly endowed with wildly varied landscapes and natural beauty. These soulful stays put nature centre stage, where she belongs.
Kasbah du Toubkal, Imlil, High Atlas Mountains
One of Morocco’s original and best-loved eco-retreats, du Toubkal was opened by British expat Mike McHugo back in 1995, and it still has a loyal following of travellers craving feel-good relaxation and mountain activities far from the medina.
The traditionally-decorated 14 lodgings are the ultimate in pared-back barefoot luxury, looking out over vast valleys and the highest peak in North Africa. You’re just 60km from Marrakesh, but feel a whole world away.
Doubles from £140 mrandmrssmith.com
Beldi Country Club, Marrakesh
38 Beldi-style suites create a miniature Moroccan village within 14 hectares of lush greenery, complete with shady courtyards and winding alleyways. Run by French owner Jean-Dominique Leymarie, the combination of chic French design and traditional Moroccan influences makes this one of the most stylish stays in Morocco; an oasis just a few miles from the city centre, with views that stretch beyond the beautiful rose gardens to the Atlas Mountains on the horizon.
Doubles from £150; beldicountryclub.com
Atlas Kasbah, Agadir
Located 15 minutes east of the popular seaside resort of Agadir, this 11-room ecolodge was built by local craftsmen and is one of the first truly green properties in Southwest Morocco, run by a Berber-French couple who both have degrees in sustainable tourism. Solar power contributes over 80% of the energy, the tranquil, central pool is chlorine-free and the talented chefs grow much of their produce in the kitchen garden.
Doubles from £80; atlaskasbah.com
Kasbah Bab Ourika, Ourika Valley
Just a 35-minute drive from Marrakesh International Airport, Kasbah Bab Ourika nestles between the olive and citrus groves lining the Ourika River, and the snowcapped peaks of the Atlas Mountains. The 21 individually-decorated rooms are dotted around a tranquil swimming pool, and traditional Berber meals are served either in the lush gardens or the atmospheric colonnaded restaurant. Constructed primarily from rammed earth (or pisé) employing a traditional Berber building technique, the kasbah blends into its natural surroundings perfectly.
Doubles from £110; kasbahbabourika.com