The best hotels in the High Atlas

The highest mountain range in North Africa, the peaks of Morocco’s High Atlas rise dramatically from the desert. Studded with stone Berber villages, these craggy mountains are marvellous for keen trekkers as well as culture enthusiasts. Accommodation options range from converted farms to striking country houses, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Our selection of the best places to stay in the High Atlas includes boutique boltholes for romantics as well as a magical tented escape for the glamping experience of a lifetime.

Some of our High Atlas collections:

• High Atlas Hotels - The Best Hotels for Trekking

Criss-crossed with hiking and cycling trails, the 1000kms of the High Atlas Mountains will delight adventurers of all ages. Paddle along rivers, spot birds on guided excursions, or try skiing in the winter months. Jebel Toubkal, amongst the highest peaks in the region, is a spectacular two-to-three day trek — there are seriously impressive views from the summit.

Just an hour’s drive from Marrakech, the High Atlas region offers wonderful opportunities to experience traditional Berber culture. The World Heritage-listed village of Aït-Benhaddou is fascinating, as is the vibrant souk of the much larger town of Amizmiz. Retreat to your pick of the best places to stay in the High Atlas for superb Moroccan cuisine, soothing spa treatments, and expansive mountain views.

The Best Places to Stay in the High Atlas

For Traditional Charm

• Kasbah Bab Ourika, just 45 minutes from Marrakech, commands panoramic views from its craggy mountain perch. Eco-friendly and understated, the hotel celebrates traditional design with its rammed-earth walls and artisanal decor. Rose-filled courtyards are perfect for soaking up the sunshine, and there's a gorgeous terrace with pool. Dishes are crafted from garden-grown produce. 
• Domaine de la Roseraie, run by the same family who opened the hotel in the 1970s, remains a rural gem. Expect classic interiors, with bedrooms set within bungalows scattered throughout the gardens. The team are wonderfully friendly - a very personalised mountain escape. 
• Kasbah Angour, a striking Berber castle, is the Moroccan equivalent of a country house hotel. The 25 rooms and two suites are decorated in traditional style, there's a great restaurant and the views over the High Atlas foothills are spectacular. Expect gorgeous gardens, too. 
• Kasbah du Toubkal is a unique mountain retreat run by Berbers and reached by donkey. Set at the foot of Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, the lodge has  sustainable tourism at its heart. Pick this place for the chance to switch off and experience traditional Berber hospitality. Great for trekking. 
• Domaine Malika is a 10-bedroom hideaway surrounded by olive and pine trees. Light-filled rooms offer garden views and chic design including traditional Berber touches. The food is fantastic, and there are excellent spa treatments for post-hike rejuvenation. 
• Hotel Kasbah Beldi sits an hour from Marrakech. Originally a farm, the hotel is made up of simple dwellings with earthy interiors, traditional Berber rugs & raw plaster walls. The food is fantastic, plus there are pools and pétanque in the gardens. Relaxing and well-located for hiking. 

For Foodies

• Owner and chef Jean-Charles Peuch keeps visitors returning again and again to Le Petit Hotel du Flouka, with its charming Beldi-style accommodation and delightful restaurant. Savour creative French-Moroccan fare in elegant, understated surroundings. There's a pool, bar and magical views, too. 
• The Capaldi, formerly a country house, now boasts 23 peaceful rooms, as well as a cinema, two pools and a hammam. The real draw is the restaurant, with legendary Sunday lunches attracting regulars from Marrakech each weekend. Feast on the best of Moroccan and European fusion cuisine in style.

For a Tented Camp

• Inara Camp is a luxurious glamping escape in the Agafay outside Marrakech. Bohemian interiors feature Moroccan crafts and stone under canvas. Two swimming pools, a bar, Moroccan restaurant and yoga make this a marvellous desert experience. 

For Absolute Luxury

• Kasbah Tamadot, owned by Richard Branson, offers 28 luxurious rooms. A five-star haven with infinity pool, hammam and spa, plus tennis courts, cooking classes and yoga. Adventurers will love ballooning, trekking, bird watching and mule rides.
• Olinto Atlas Mountain Retreat is a dazzling, adults-only hideaway near Ouirgane. Expect nine indulgent guest rooms with stained glass, carved wood and earthy tones, as well as private pool pavilions and mountain views. There's a spa with sauna, steam room, hammam and yoga. The farm-to-table dining is exceptional. Very romantic. 

For Great Value

• Douar Samra has eight affordable rooms in a village with views of Mount Toubkal. Trekkers will appreciate the relaxed convivial atmosphere, and the proximity to hiking trails. Meals are eaten at low tables, snug rooms boast log fires and there's an organic kitchen garden.
• Villa Quince is a simple yet comfortable family-run retreat made up of two charming lodges with breathtaking 360° views. Each lodge is tranquil, perfect for couples or solo travellers, and the family are wonderfully welcoming. Delicious, fresh cuisine adds to the appeal. Very reasonably priced. 
• Dar Adrar is a simple guesthouse within the Toubkal National Park. In a lovely little Berber village with spectacular views of the mountains, this is the kind of place where the hot water may not always come on demand, but the grand breakfasts and excellent tagines will make up for it. Great value. 

For an apartment or villa

• If you'd prefer a self-catering stay, we'd suggest visiting our online booking partner Booking.com.

Travel information

• Fly to Marrakech-Menara Airport or Fès–Saïs Airport, both gateways to the High Atlas Mountains. Just 40 minutes' drive, Marrakech is closer. Speak to your hotel to arrange an airport pick up in advance. 
• If you'd like to hire a car to explore the region, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• For keen hikers, the best time to visit the High Atlas Mountains is between March and November. The winter months (December to February) are bright and cool, with temperatures averaging around 14°C, and the heat peaks in July and August. If you plan to summit Mt. Toubkal, travel between April and September.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Taroudant.
• Alternatively, consider our pick of the best places to stay in Morocco. 
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.