Kasbah du Toubkal Brochure

K ASBAH DU TOUBKAL MOROCCO’S PR E M IE R HOLIDAYS IN THE HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS and beyond!

A Founding Member of

Kasbah du Toubkal “The scenery is magnificent. The friendliness and consideration of the staff are outstanding and the hammam was terrific after Toubkal. One of the most enjoyable experiences in my two-and-a-half years in Morocco.”

Anthony Layden, former British Ambassador to Morocco, after a visit to Kasbah du Toubkal

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asbah du Toubkal is an extraordinary venture, become a welcoming environment for those seeking the product of an imaginative Berber and Eu- a comfortable mountain refuge with beautiful rooms ropean partnership with a shared belief that in a stunning setting and a fully self-contained apartthe beauty of the Toubkal National Park should be ment with panoramic views over Jbel Toubkal and accessible to all who respect it. To this end the Kas- the surrounding mountains. It is this mix of accombah has been transformed, using traditional methods, modation types that takes you away from the conformity of standard hotel life, with the from the home of a feudal baron into a multi-award-winning Berber Hospitality It is worth flying out opportunity to exchange stories and Centre, one that provides a variety of to Morocco for just one experiences with other world travelaccommodation and event possibili- night in this remarkable lers with many a yarn to tell. But you will never feel crowded, the Kasbah ties to meet everyone’s requirements. hotel, a role model for has been designed with pockets of Formerly the preserve of the mounhow tourism can help, privacy where you can sit quietly taineer or the intrepid explorer, Jbel with a book, bask in the sun or simToubkal, the highest mountain in not hinder.

Barnaby Rogerson ply watch the mountain world go by North Africa, the national park that Cadogan Guides from rooftop terraces. bears its name and the mountain vilThe Kasbah is not a hotel in the lages of the Imlil Valley were out of reach to anyone other than those who were happy traditional sense, more an extension of the hospitality to lay their head on a rolled up blanket under can- that stems from the home of the Berbers who run it; to vas or share the very basic amenities of a rustic gite. tamper with this would destroy that special unquantiFrom ‘a ruin with one building that stood out like a fiable ingredient that makes visiting the Kasbah such a special and valuable experience. rotten tooth in an otherwise empty mouth’ the Kasbah has

Accommodation Your accommodation in the High Atlas Mountains has been designed for comfort and charm using local materials and craftsmanship. Choose between the award-winning Kasbah du Toubkal with its comfortable rooms and suites or our remote trekking lodge in the beautiful and unspoilt Azzaden Valley. Remote it may be, but its cozy simplicity adds to the uniqueness of Trekking in Style.

In the Bab Doukkala quartier of Marrakech, Riad Les Yeux Bleus, is a blend of traditional and contemporary design, with each of its eight stylish and comfortable bedrooms having its own ambience. A library, two pools, a spa and hammam ensure a relaxed, slightly decadent stay in the Red Rose City.

Kasbah du Toubkal

Azzaden Trekking Lodge

Riad Les Yeux Bleus

If you would like to follow life at

Kasbah du Toubkal

and discover more about the enigmatic country that is Morocco ,click on the cover image.

He who does not travel does not know the value of men.

Moorish proverb

The icing on the cake is Kasbah du Toubkal, a castle in the High Atlas Mountains with rooftop views of North Africa’s highest peak, Jbel Toubkal. If there’s a better place to sip mint tea, they’re keeping it a secret.

The Sunday Times

(Click on accommodation name for more information.)

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Trekking in Style

Read what the Daily Mail says Toubkal trekking

TiS 2 - 5 nights in the High Atlas mountains

Trekking in Style is a new concept in trekking that allows visitors to stay in luxury accommoda-

tion without all of the hardships traditionally associated with trips to the spectacular High Atlas Mountains. Our Trekking in Style package also provides each couple with their own personal mountain guide who will be on hand for the duration of your stay to help with planning treks. You can walk as little or as much as you like! Guests will stay at Kasbah du Toubkal in the trailhead village of Imlil and also at the Azzaden Trekking Lodge in the remote Azzaden Valley. All the trekking is fully supported with a mule and muleteer to carry your luggage whenever needed.

Our treks take us from Imlil along footpaths and mule tracks which rise through lush, irrigated terraces, apple orchards and walnut groves to villages where you glimpse a way of life barely changed for centuries, and where traditional values and hospitality have been largely unaffected by the outside world.

TiS 1 - 5 nights in the High Atlas mountains

The High Atlas Mountains

Whilst Marrakech is in itself a fascinating city, a whole new experience awaits those who venture south into the High Atlas Mountains. With several peaks above 4000 metres, the Western High Atlas is part of a larger chain of mountains that spreads from the Atlantic Coast in the west to the Mediterranean in the north.

The mountains are home to the indigenous Berber people who have inhabited Morocco for at least 5000 years.

The Berber live in small clusters of earthen adobe houses which cling precipitously to mountainsides and are often only accessible by mule or foot.

Day 1: Arrive Marrakech • Airport Transfer 1.5hrs

When you arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport you will be taken by private transfer to your accommodation in Imlil where you will meet your personal mountain guide and have the opportunity to discuss your preferences for walks and treks.

Day 2: Imlil •

A day to relax and enjoy free time in the Imlil area, or a chance to explore the Imlil valley with your personal mountain guide.

Day 3: Trek Imlil to Azzaden Valey • 3-4 hours including picnic lunch en-route A supported trek of 3-4 hours’ duration with guide, mule and muleteer to our remote trekking lodge in the Azzaden Valley, a beautiful setting barely touched by the modern way of life.

Day 4: Azzaden Valley •

A day to explore the stunning Azzaden Valley with your personal mountain guide. There are several treks of varying lengths to choose from.

Day 5: Azzaden Valley to Imlil • 3-4 hours with picnic lunch en-route Depart Azzaden Trekking Lodge and trek back to Imlil via a route of your choice with your personal mountain guide. A picnic lunch en-route will be provided.

Day 6: Transfer Imlil to Marrakech • Transfer 1.5hrs After breakfast, depart Imlil and return by private transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport or to your accommodation in Marrakech.

Marrakech

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nights in Marrakech

Marrakech is built around the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque whose beautiful minaret dominates the skyline and can be seen from almost every approach to the city. Any visit to Marrakech must include a visit to the medina and its colourful souks (marketplace) where you can barter for carpets, leather goods, jewellery, lanterns and spices.

“HOW MANY MOUNTAIN REFUGES in the Alps Guests will stay on a full board offer rose water to sprinkle on your hands basis in our luxury accommodaand face after a hard day’s hike? If that tion at Kasbah du Toubkal in the and other traditional Berber touches sound trailhead village of Imlil, just 40 tempting, then look no further than the miles from Marrakech, but seemKasbah du Toubkal’s four‑bedroomed lodge.” ingly a thousand miles from the

Tala Skari, TIME Magazine hubbub of the city, and also in our Trekking Lodge in the remote Azzaden Valley where peace and tranquility prevail, before returning to the magical city of Marrakech.

Day 1-5: As per Trekking in Style 1 Day 6: Imlil •

After breakfast, depart Imlil and return by private transfer to Marrakech where you will check in at your 4* hotel or luxury riad, a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden or courtyard.

Day 7: Explore Marrakech •

After breakfast the day is free for you to explore the fascinating and vibrant city of Marrakech.

Day 8: After breakfast, leave your hotel by private transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport for departure.

Kasbah du Toubkal - Morocco’s premier mountain retreat

TiS 3 - 2 nights in Marrakech 2 nights in Essaouira

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nights in the High Atlas mountains

Essaouira

Essaouira, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, lies approximately 105 miles from Marrakech, a magical fortified coastal town on the Atlantic Ocean, . In total contrast to Marrakech, the pace of life here is relaxed and slow. Essaouira was made famous by Orson Welles who filmed Othello here, and more recently by Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones who stayed here in the 1960s.

Unlike Marrakech and Fes, there are no single places of major historical note to visit, but Essaouira in itself has become an historic location and is not to be missed. The fishing port creates a lively backdrop to the white painted buildings of the Medina. The souk is small when compared to that of Marrakech and easy to navigate without a guide.

Day 1: Arrive Marrakech

Private transfer from Marrakech Menara Airport where you will check in at your 4* hotel or luxury riad (a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden or courtyard).

Day 2: Marraketch

After breakfast the day is free for you to explore the fascinating and vibrant city of Marrakech.

3: Marrakech to Essaouira • Transfer 2.5 hours After breakfast, your driver will take you to the seaside town of Essaouira, 105 miles from Marrakech.

This magical fortified coastal town is in total contrast to Marrakech and offers many photographic opportunities.

Day 4: Essaouira

After breakfast the day is free for you to explore the seaside town of Essaouira.

Day 5: Essaouira to Imlil • Transfer 4 hours After breakfast, you will be taken to Imlil, your base in the High Atlas.

Depending on your arrival time you will have the opportunity to discuss your preferences for walks and treks with your personal mountain guide.

Day 6-9: as perTrekking in Style 1 Days 2-5 Day 10: Imlil to Marrakech Airport • Transfer 1.5 hours

After breakfast, depart Imlil and return by private transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport

Jbel Toubkal, Overnight and Multi-day Treks The High Atlas, the greatest mountain range of North Africa, is perhaps the most beautiful and intriguing part of Morocco. It has retained a remoteness which until recent decades was virtually complete and contains villages where the way of life has changed little for centuries.

Outsiders to the mountains are constantly surprised when they encounter the friendliness and openness of the villagers, as they go about their everyday tasks. Hiking in the High Atlas is one of the best possible experiences in Morocco – exploration of stunning natural beauty, and of a rigidly individual world.

Regardless of levels of fitness this area is accessible to all. There is a wide range of trekking possibilities, from a short ramble through the villages that surround the Kasbah, to more demanding multi-day treks. Mule support can be arranged for bags and people, which opens up more opportunities. The mule trails around the valleys are well contoured and kept in excellent condition.

Toubkal Ascent The ascent of Jbel Toubkal (4167m), North Africa’s highest mountain, is achievable during the summer months without specialist climbing skills. Most people who are reasonably fit and determined can achieve this goal, and the views are magnificent – on a clear day you can see the Sahara.

Overnight Treks

A series of overnight treks that include: the ascent of Toubkal, treks to remote valleys and more demanding multi-day treks. All with local mountain guide and full mule support.

Multi-day Treks For trekkers and walkers who wish to do a multi-day expedition without compromise on overnight accommodation, the Kasbah has built the Azzaden Trekking Lodge on the outskirts of Aïd Aïssa, a traditional Berber village in a neighbouring remote valley.

Day treks can be booked a day in advance at the hotel reception.

Click HERE for more information

Yoga

o r c e c v o r o c o s M Di with

at the

Kasbah Kasbah du Toubkal

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Castle in the sky - one of my favourite places on earth. The location is dreamy the scenery spectacular, the cuisine excellent, the staff outstanding and the warmth and genuine hospitality that welcoms you is second to none. Ive organised three yoga holidays to the Kasbah and have already booked for my fourth, as the setup, layout and catering met our every need.

Fenella Lindsell - yoga-forever.com

itting at 1820m with spectacular views over the villages of the Imlil Valley and with Jbel Toubkal, North Africa’s highest mountain, as a backdrop, Kasbah du Toubkal provides a unique environment for those seeking a peaceful location to practice yoga and yoga-related activities. With its tranquil beauty, superbly comfortable bedrooms and attentive Berber staff, the Kasbah has become very popular with instructors seeking a stressfree environment for their students to fully appreciate the beauty of yoga, as much a meditation as an elegant physical exercise.

The area offers opportunities to explore the local villages and take guided walks to see this stunning region. If you are an experienced walker a trek to the top of Jbel Toubkal – done in the inimicable Kasbah style – will provide memories for a lifetime, but whether

it’s a stiff trek or a saunter through the walnut groves, indulging yourself in our private hammam adds that extra touch of Moroccan magic to your stay at our Berber hospitality centre.

Our cuisine is based on healthy cuisine made from fresh local produce, sourced wherever possible in the villages of the Imlil Valley. We can offer a varied vegetarian menu and are happy to discuss any special dietary requirements. Much of our produce is seasonal and you will see it ready to be harvested as you walk around the area.

Should you choose to host your training at Kasbah du Toubkal we can supply all the equipment you need mats, blocks, belts, blankets, bolsters. All we need to know is how many you need and they will be waiting for you when you arrive.

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ore than forty years ago Mike McHugo, Discover Ltd.’s Managing Director, arrived in Morocco, developing a passion for the country that continues to this day. Discover was created in 1978 to introduce travellers to this enigmatic country and has developed a reputation as the foremost tour company in Morocco, based on an in-depth knowledge of its culture and a genuine caring for its people.

Since the outset it has been

Discover’s philosophy to enhance the environment and the well-being of the local people in a sustainable way, and as an organisation works in partnership with the Moroccan people, who have contributed to the success of the business, helping to bring improvement to the lives of many.

All our trips and tours around Morocco are tailor made to suit each client’s requirements and new opportunities being added regularly to allow everyone to create their own exclusive holiday.

Build your own holiday

To create your personalised Moroccan Experience please contact us • Email: bookings@discover.ltd.uk Tel: +44 (0)1883 744667 • Web: www.discoverourmorocco.co.uk

Eye Candy

Morocco is one of the world’s most beautiful and photogenic countries - as these photobooks show

A selection of photos from in and around the Kasbah by Bonnie Riehl

Derek Workman’s favourite images of Morocco

Good Reads

Conference at the Kasbah

Media & Video Hotele Marzeń (Dream Hotel) Excellent video from Polish TV (in English) of Kasbah du Toubkal

The Third Eye - A stunning video shot entirely using the timelapse technique, which lays emphasis on the energy and vibe of Morocco.

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asbah du Toubkal has built an envious reputation as a conference centre for those searching for a venue that inspires, one that provides peace in a spectacular and remote location whilst providing the best of modern equipment. Steve Carter of Apter Development, a company specialising in running leadership training courses internationally, has used the Kasbah’s conference facilities regularly since 2000. “It’s a unique combination of a very arcane character that you can never quite get your head around. A mixture of Berber hospitality – and with the Berber people hospitality is a real, meaningful word – and English eccentricity. Absolutely delightful.”

Morning brings a view so extravagantly handsome that you can only smile at the cheeky way it checks off those travel-writing clichés - but for me where the Kasbah comes up trumps, even beyond its food and unabashed luxury is in the friendliness of its staff.

Financial Times

The Kasbah offers: • 11 en suite rooms, 3-bedroomed private house and 3 Berber salons ideal for families and groups (Click HERE) • 4 en-suite-bedroom remote trekking lodge (trek in and out) • Guided ascents of Mt Toubkal (13,665ft, 4165m) • Day excursions from Marrakech including lunch and guided walk • Corporate and private exclusive rentals available • Conference facilities for group activities (yoga, meetings etc. (Click HERE) • Inclusive holidays around Morocco

Trekking in the High Atlas Mountains, staying at Kasbah du Toubkal and Azzaden Trekking Lodge

Kasbah du Toubkal - Living the High Life Neil Sowerby holes up in the spectacular High Atlas Mountains

....and the tale of a lonesome hound.

Rock the Kasbah du Toubkal - A short video of the Kasbah and a trek to the lodge in the Azzaden Valley.

A video of life in the Ait Mizane Valley, centred around the village of Imlil.

You may think you know Marrakech but you will never have seen it like this before. Life in the Red City of almost seven decades ago.

(You can view more Kasbah du Toubkal videos HERE)

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Kasbah du Toubkal Moroccan experts since 1978 can arrange: Lunch excursions from Marrakech Special events, incentive tours, seminars, conferences and off-sites Field study trips, community service and educational tours Mule trekking (with muleteer-guide) A complete service for groups and individuals travelling around the whole of the fascinating Kingdom of Morocco For reservations please contact Discover Ltd at: Timbers, Oxted Road, Godstone, Surrey RH9 8AD, UK Tel: + 44 (0) 1883 744667 Email: bookings@discover.ltd.uk www.kasbahdutoubkal.com Kasbah address/Last minute bookings Kasbah du Toubkal, BP31, Imlil, Asni, Marrakech.

Tel: +212 (0)5 24 48 56 11 Fax: +212 (0)5 24 48 56 36 Mobile: +212 (0)6 61 91 85 98 www.kasbahdutoubkal.com email: kasbah3@discover.ltd.uk Discover Ltd is a member of:

Download a free copy of

R EASONABLE P LANS

The Story of the Kasbah du Toubkal from our website

kasbahdutoubkal.com