Kasbah Ellouze

A stylishly converted kasbah in the Atlas foothills near Ait Ben Haddou, an area of biblically beautiful scenery

This remote and romantic kasbah has been beautifully restored by a friendly French couple, Michel and Colette Guillen. Perched on a rocky hill beneath the Atlas peaks, its four red adobe towers overlook a vast and startlingly green Garden of Eden: wheat fields, olive and almond groves, meadows intersected by glistening streams. People come here to escape from the world, to soak up the magical atmosphere and to explore the ancient landscapes. Every vista resembles a film set - you may recognise backdrops from Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth or Gladiator, which was shot in the ramshackle Kasbah Glaoui next door.

Labyrinthine corridors twist around the hotel, leading to 3 large terraces with views over the lush gardens, where swallows wheel and dive at sunset. Off the central tiled courtyard, with its bubbling fountain, are several lounges, an outdoor heated pool and simple but pretty bedrooms. Life moves slowly here (electricity only reached Tamadaght two years ago) and Kasbah Ellouze remains its best-kept secret.

Highs

• You'll get the romance of staying in an ancient kasbah, with hidden corners, stairs and terraces on different levels
• The surroundings are bucolic: snow capped peaks, red-walled forts, stunning gorges and gardens
• The UNESCO listed kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou is only 3km away
• Michel is a trained chef, so the food is exceptionally good
• Activities include fantastic guided walks, camel treks and balloon trips
• Birds are everywhere: they nest in the walls and their song surrounds you
• This is a great stopover between Marrakech and the southern deserts

Lows

• Some rooms don’t have a view of the garden, while 2 others are in a separate building which feels slightly dislocated from the rest
• Don't expect any nightlife, other than an occasional visit from local musicians
• Touts can be a hassle at nearby sights like Ait Ben Haddou