Ksar El Kabbaba, located in the beautiful Skoura Oasis, was
the second place we stayed during our visit to Morocco.
Very early on the third morning of our visit to Morocco, we began
our four-day Morocco Tour heading to the Atlas Mountains, and then through the
Tizi n’Tichka pass, the direct route towards Ouarzazate. This nearly four-hour drive included
beautiful views of the snow capped, Atlas Mountains, Berber villages, and a
stop in Ait BenHaddou.
Fun Fact: Ait BenHaddou
is where many Hollywood films were filmed like “The Hills Have Eyes”, and “Game
of Thrones”.
After traveling all day, as one would suspect, we were
definitely looking forward to taking a hot shower, having dinner, and relaxing.
Besides, we had yet another full day ahead.
We were surprised (and relieved) when we pulled up to the 300 hundred
year old, majestic Ksar El Kabbaba.
To be honest, the Ksar El Kabbaba was not what we expected
after driving through dry, deserted roads to get there. What were behind the walls of this Kasbah
were beautiful grounds with a lush garden full of organic vegetables that are
used in the Ksar’s restaurant. There’s a beautiful pool, and lounge area that
you must pass before you hit the gym and spa.
After a tour of the grounds, we sat in the common area,
which houses the only television at the Ksar El Kabbaba. There, we enjoyed
Moroccan baked goods and Moroccan Mint Tea. Afterwards, we went upstairs to our
room, the Cheikh suite, to prepare for dinner at the Ksar’s own restaurant.
Traditional Moroccan wood doors opened up into the beautiful
323 square foot Cheikh (or Sheikh) suite. The black furniture added a hint of elegance and
luxury to the suite, especially with having the cream adobe walls as its backdrop. The bathroom
was nice and modern, and we experienced, thankfully, hot showers both in the
evening and in the morning. We needed it because the room was a bit cold. The room did
have a heater, but due to its size, two heaters should have been installed to
keep the room properly heated. Thank God for my hot-bodied husband.
Dinner at the Ksar El Kabbaba was great, and just like the
breakfast, was included with our stay. They serve a pre-fix three-course meal,
and on the night we visited, the menu consisted of Pumpkin Soup, Beef Tagine
with potatoes, carrots, and eggplant as sides, and their version of tiramisu.
Although dinner was included, alcoholic beverages were not, but that didn’t
stop us from ordering a bottle of wine: Domaine De Sahari Reserve, Rouge. A
beautiful red that went well with the Beef Tagine we were eating.
Dinner was filling. They give you a lot of food. I mean a
lot. Even for breakfast we were given a lot of food, a lot of good food. For
breakfast we were served fresh-squeezed orange juice, tea and coffee, yogurt,
crepes, pancakes, bread, cheese, olives… a lot. We both hated having to leave
left overs, but we definitely couldn’t finish what we were given. If only we could stay there and eat! LOL
After spending the night at the Ksar El Kabbaba, we didn’t
want to leave such a beautiful place. This place is seriously paradise in the
middle of nowhere. I can see a gorgeous wedding ceremony taking place here.
It’s just that pretty, peaceful and romantic. Staying at this historical Kasbah was
definitely the break we needed from the chaos we experienced in Marrakech.
Fortunately, our tour would lead us to more beautiful places like the Todra
Gorge and an experience camping in the middle of the Sahara desert. I’m sure
you’re going to want to hear about the latter.
We would definitely recommend staying at the Ksar El
Kabbaba. The beautiful, peaceful grounds, wonderful and friendly staff, and
amazing food made it a place we’ve vowed to return to on our next visit to
Morocco. If not having a television in
your room, and spotty Wi-Fi aren’t deal breakers, I suggest looking into
staying at least one night here in the Skoura Oasis.
Nightly rates for the suites at the Ksar El Kabbaba range
from $122 - $140 per night for a single, and $150 - $200 for a double.
Check out Ksar El Kabbaba on Facebook!