Agadir - Atlas Kasbah Ecolodge - Quality tailor made holidays.
The Atlas Kasbah Ecolodge in Morocco is the first eco-friendly accommodation in the Argan Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage location. It is located in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains yet only 20 minutes from the beautiful beaches of Agadir. Opened in 2009, the Atlas Kasbah Ecolodge was granted both the prestigious Responsible Tourism Award from the Ministry of Tourism of Morocco and the international Green Key Ecolabel from King Mohamed VI Foundation for the Environment. In 2011, it was recognized as one of six projects in the world by the International Network of Responsible Tourism & was awarded the ALM Ecology Trophy the same year.
Hassan Aboutayeb is the manager and owner of the Kasbah. He is also a well known consultant on sustainable tourism development. Hassan has a French Master of Arts in Sustainable Tourism. Hassan wanted to put his professional knowledge into practice and consequently Atlas Kasbah was born. Hassan's wife, Hélène, has a Master's in Sustainable Development from the University of Maine and has been instrumental in the implementation of this innovative ecotourism project in Morocco. The project focuses on respect for the environment, appreciation and use of traditional architecture techniques and above all, the strengthening of the local Berber communities.
In order to help make your stay as pleasant as possible, there is a team of local Berber staff from the nearby villages, whose only concern is to take good care of you. The Kasbah community is completed by some pets: goats, peacocks, chickens, turkeys and cats but don't worry if you're allergic, they don't come into the ecolodge.
Rooms and Suites: Atlas Kasbah Ecolodge offers exceptionally spacious rooms, surrounded by nature and peace and quiet in the unique setting of a majestic fortress. There are 8 rooms and three 55 m² suites, all of which are bright and decorated in a traditional style, that combines Berber and European influences. They all have an ensuite bathroom but no TV.
N.B. It is a smoke-free accommodation.
Dining: The menu at the Atlas Kasbah Ecolodge is carefully chosen by the chef; a different set menu is chosen every day to guarantee fresh products and for you to discover all the Moroccan flavours. A vegetarian menu is also available upon request. The restaurant's terrace, overlooking the surrounding hills, is also a way to escape. In fact, the view encompasses the High Atlas Mountains which is in sharp contrast to the adjacent plains. Add to this scenery the captivating colours of the Kasbah walls and you have an unmatched atmosphere in an absolutely timeless place.
If you are a lover of exotic cuisine and have always dreamed of learning the skills of a great chef, you are invited into the kitchen of the Kasbah to learn how to cook the highly creative dishes and the local specialities. From the careful selection of ingredients to the mastering of techniques, you will learn it all.
N.B. The Ecolodge does not have an alcohol licence but guests are welcome to bring their own alcoholic drinks.
Make the best of your stay with some great activities!
Note: All the activities below require a minimum number of participants and are available upon request. Prices are discounted for guests only.
Introduction to native languages: Learn some words in native Berber: Tachelheet dialect or acquire a basic notion of spoken Arabic. You'll soon notice how a few words and phrases will make a big difference in your Moroccan experience and how people truly appreciate your efforts in learning more about their culture.
Henna Tattoo: Temporary Henna Tattoos are a very ancient tradition in Morocco. These ornamental designs are used to protect and moisturize the skin, the nails and the hair.
Argan & Essential Oils Massage: What is more relaxing to retrieve pain and stress than a massage. The Berbers know the value of traditional massage therapy and share it with you through a two-hour massage.
Surf or body-board Sessions: Enjoy surfing on one of the best spots of the Agadir region.
Hikes or Donkey-rides: Enjoy a walking tour or a donkey ride in Berber villages and experience daily life in the Moroccan countryside. Learn how to extract argan oil with the women from the local cooperative. Take the ancient trail that the locals used to take to go to Agadir. Slow down to Berber pace!
The Ecolodge Atlas Kasbah integrates sustainability, innovation, respect for the environment and the appreciation for the local Berber cultures. Consequently, the Kasbah places an emphasis on eco tourism labels. In order to achieve these objectives, six criteria were chosen including: water, energy, waste, purchasing, the integration with the scenery and environmental education.
First Criterion: Water Conservation - Use of mixer taps; Double flush toilets; Intelligent irrigation for the garden: well water, drop by drop system and irrigation at the end of the day; Use of biodegradable cleaning and bathroom products (no phosphate, non toxic, non corrosive, non-chlorinated).
Second Criterion: Energy Conservation - Use of renewable energy technologies (80% of the electricity and all of the water heating comes from photovoltaic panels); Low consumption light bulbs; Passive solar heating; Maximization of natural lighting and ventilation.
Third Criterion: Waste Management - Implementation of the 3RV rule: reduce, reuse, recycle and valorisation. Reduction of disposable objects, no individual packaging and hence less packages; Left over vegetables are used as animal feed; The Kasbah is a non-smoking establishment.
Fourth Criterion: Purchasing Practices - Local organic garden with organic fertilizer; Respect of the seasonality of products; Appreciation of local and non-pollutant products (pottery, reed…).
Fifth Criterion: Integration with the landscape - Use of local traditional architecture; Interior and exterior walls made entirely of natural products (mud brick walls, tadelakt…); Over 90% of the Kasbah terrain is open green spaces; The garden includes local or endemic plants; Integration of representative elements of the region's culture and tradition.
Sixth Criterion: Environmental Education - Work with the staff in relation to information and education on environmental issues.