Kasbah Ait Ben Damiette, Skoura

Kasbah Ait Ben Damiette is a beautiful guest house located on the fringes of the Skoura palm oasis, (30mins drive from Ouarzazate), and with uninterrupted views across the Skoura palmeraie and to the Atlas mountains.

The French owners Yannick and Colette have lovingly restored, and extended, the glorious earth-built kasbah in keeping with the simple building techniques of the southern oases (dwellings are made from ‘pise’, rammed earth).

The couple live at the Kasbah and you are made to feel ‘at home’ as soon as you arrive. Their team are very much regarded as one big family and you, the guest, are invited to enjoy their home comforts.

Colette is responsible for the creative evening meals, a fusion of French and Moroccan, and when I dined there I counted at least 5 courses (with an amuse bouche).

Colette assured me that she doesn’t normally include tagine on the menu, the Kasbah likes to differentiate its meals. I was quite taken aback when after the fifth course a tagine was set down before me – thanks to Yannick’s sense of fun!

Simple touches in the rooms also set the Kasbah apart from other rural guest houses. Colette provides a gift from the Valley of Roses, there is a safe and fridge in each room, along with mineral water, fruit and home-made patisserie.

Of course I enjoyed the wonderful views and hospitality, and also the mutual enthusiasm my hosts have for rural Morocco. My only regret is that I didn’t stay longer and arrange a day’s hike through the Skoura palm oasis.

Please contact us for further details and how to combine a stay at Skoura at Kasbah Ait Ben Damiette during a tour.