Kasbah du Toubkal

Lee McMurray

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At the foot of North Africa's highest peak, 1800m above sea-level, Kasbah du Toubkal is an idyllic mountain refuge, carefully restored by local people, using traditional crafts.

An hour's drive from Marrakech, nestled in among the High Atlas mountains, is the Kasbah du Toubkal. Built in 1940, it was once home to a tyrannical warlord, who razed a village to make space for this mountain retreat. Within two decades, the warlord died and the kasbah crumbled to a ruin, before its current owners, Mike McHugo and Hajj Omar Ait Bahmed, bought it in 1990.

Today's kasbah is equipped with all the mod cons, although as you sit by the log fire, tucking into traditional fare, cooked and served by villagers from nearby Imlil, it's easy to feel you've been transported back in time. The dining and reception areas are supported by exposed beams and enclosed within intricately carved wooden walls, while the floors are tiled in a traditional Moroccan style.

The apartment suite is the plushest room on offer. Three en suite bedrooms, a fully fitted kitchen and a living area are spread over two floors, with a twelve-foot wide patio window giving fantastic views across the mountains. More modest yet comfortable rooms are available.

The kasbah can arrange transfers from the airport, but will only go as far as the foothills. From there, guests have to climb the mountain (no grappling hooks necessary), with the kasbah's friendly staff and an equally affable donkey train acting as a porter. I'll freely admit I'm no athlete, but I am relatively fit and still found the uphill trek a bit of a struggle.

If, like me, you're fond of a drink, make sure you stop off at duty free beforehand - the kasbah doesn't serve alcohol, which I was dismayed to learn, although you're welcome to bring your own.

While staying at the kasbah, guests can ski in the mountains, or trek through the nearby national park. If you're looking to relax, however, the kasbah has it's own traditional steam bath, or hammam, and there's no finer place to enjoy the sun and serenity than on the roof terrace with a mint tea in hand.

Room rates : Standard double: €130, Garden suite: €270. Prices per room including breakfast.

Number of rooms: 10 rooms and 5 suites

Phone : ++ 44 (0)1883 744392

Fax : ++ 44 (0)1883 744913

Website : www.kasbahdutoubkal.com/

Map : link to Multimap

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