TRAVEL GUIDES
OUR GUIDE TO THE ATLAS
Right after our wedding, we decided to escape to the Atlas Mountains for a few days of pure relaxation. It was the perfect call for our little mini-moon. Just over an hour's drive from Marrakech, but it felt like another world entirely. Peaceful, quiet, and full of fresh mountain air. All we wanted was to sleep in, eat well, and do absolutely nothing, and that’s exactly what we did.
The Atlas Mountains stretch across Morocco like a spine, separating the city from the vast desert beyond. They're home to some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes, high peaks, deep valleys, Berber villages clinging to hillsides, and offer a completely different energy from the Medina madness.
You can definitely make it an active trip if that’s what you’re looking for. There are incredible hikes in the region, from gentle valley walks to more ambitious treks like Mount Toubkal (the highest peak in North Africa). But since we were in full recovery mode post-wedding, we kept things very low-key. It was June when we went, which can be a bit warm, but still very manageable, around 27°C during the day, and always cooler at night. A welcome escape from the Marrakech heatwave.
The area is full of charming kasbahs and mountain lodges, many run by local families or with strong ties to Berber culture. Even in summer, they feel serene and breezy, and in winter, we hear they become super cosy, with crackling fireplaces, blankets, and even snow-dusted peaks outside your window. Yes, Morocco gets snow!!
So if you’re planning a trip to Marrakech and want to balance it with a little calm, we can’t recommend a few days in the Atlas enough. It’s the ultimate contrast and a reset you didn’t know you needed.
Where to Stay
Ourika Valley, Morocco
From 200€ per night
We had a super relaxing stay here. The rooms open up to beautiful mountain views, some even have private plunge pools that look out over the valley. The restaurant has panoramic views too and some of the best tagines we had on the trip. And breakfast was a highlight! It’s not a fancy five-star resort, but comfortable, well-designed, and the quality-to-price ratio is great if you’re looking for a quiet escape in nature.
BERBER LODGE
Oumnass, Morocco
From 200€ per night
Our original plan was to spend the day at Berber Lodge (it’s about an hour’s drive from Ourika), but in the end… we got lazy and decided to just stay put. That said, friends who’ve stayed there absolutely loved it. It’s known for its beautiful, minimalist Berber-inspired design, earthy tones, raw textures, very serene. The restaurant is supposed to be excellent too. Definitely one to bookmark!
OLINTO RETREAT
Ouirgane, Morocco
From 950€ per night
Olinto is relatively new, it quietly opened its doors in 2022.I f you’re looking for a more high-end kind of retreat, this is one to know. Created by Prince Fabrizio Ruspoli, it’s a real passion project (He’s the same person behind the iconic La Maison Arabe in Marrakech). The retreat has nine private pavilions, each designed and surrounded by gardens and the prince’s own collection of antiques and art.
What to do
VISIT IMLIL VILLAGE
Imlil is a small mountain village that is the gateway to Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak. It’s a popular base for hikers and trekkers, but even if you're not climbing anything, it's worth the visit.The scenery is stunning and it’s also one of the best places to get a feel for traditional Berber life, with stone houses, friendly locals, and a slower rhythm. Fun fact: parts of the film Seven Years in Tibet were shot here, thanks to the dramatic landscapes that looks almost Himalayan.
Imlil, Morocco
GO CARPET HUNTING
If you’re thinking of buying a rug, the Atlas is definitely the place: this is where they’re made, and prices are much better than in Marrakech! We went to a few places but didn’t find anything first. The next day we tried The Carpet Source (you can find it on Google), and it was great. Hamid totally got what we were after. Just remember, you will still need to bargain a lot! We ended up getting three rugs for the price he initially gave for one, but that after hours of theatrical negotiation…
Ourika Valley, Morocco
TEA CEREMONY
A Berber tea ceremony is much more than just drinking tea, it’s a warm, welcoming ritual that brings people together. Traditionally, it involves brewing strong green tea with fresh mint and plenty of sugar, served in small glasses with a careful pouring technique that creates a frothy top. It’s a symbol of hospitality and friendship, often shared multiple times during a visit.
Ourika Valley, Morocco
NATIONAL PARK TREK
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 or French-speaking Mountain Guide who can tell you more about the valley, the Berber way of life, the countryside and botany surrounding you.
Ourika Valley, Morocco
BERBER MARKET
The Monday local Berber market near Ourika is a great spot to see villagers trading fresh produce, textiles, and handmade goods. Then there’s the Saturday Asni market, about an hour from Ourika, which is a bit bigger and livelier. On the way, you can often stop in smaller villages to discover even more local color. Most hotels and lodges offer guided tours to these markets, making it easy to get there and learn about the traditions behind them.
Ourika Valley, Morocco
What to Taste
Ourika Valley, Morocco
€€
If you’re in the area but not staying at Kasbah Bab Ourika, it’s definitely worth stopping by for lunch. The views are absolutely stunning, and the food is really good, especially the tagines! You can come a bit earlier to enjoy a drink around the garden beforehand and soak it all in. The restaurant has an à la carte menu and special dishes for each day. And don’t miss the pastillas for dessert, they were seriously delicious!
KASBAH DU TOUBKAL
Imlil, Morocco
€
If you’re heading to Imlil and looking for a spot to stop for lunch, Kasbah du Toubkal is a great choice. The food is simple, traditional Moroccan: warming soup, hearty tagines, and a set menu (€15 for lunch, €20 for dinner). In line with Berber tradition, no alcohol is served on-site, but you’re welcome to bring your own and serve yourselves. It’s all very relaxed and down-to-earth, and if you happen to stay for dinner, it really looks magical with the soft candlelight.
SELS D’AILLEURS
Medina, Marrakech
€€
Some good friends of ours went to Sels d’Ailleurs on their honeymoon just before us and highly recommended us to stop by! Sadly we couldn’t make it there ourselves, it was a bit far from our hotel, but it looks like a lovely spot for lunch if you’re in the area. The setting is beautiful, and the food seems very homey and generous, perfect for a long, relaxed meal in the countryside.
BERBER LODGE
Oumnass, Morocco
€€
The restaurant at Berber Lodge is said to be just as lovely as the hotel itself. The cuisine is simple but full of flavor, with a French-Moroccan twist that feels both refined and down-to-earth. Most ingredients are organic and locally sourced, and we’ve heard great reviews from friends who went. It’s a set menu only, but you can let them know in advance about any dietary restrictions or preferences. Definitely one to keep in mind, even just for a lunch stop.