6 Best Hotels in High Atlas, Morocco

This luxurious retreat is a delightful example of how to build a near-perfect romantic getaway that's also eco-friendly. The hotel is perched on an outcrop overlooking a national park that staff fondly refer to as "Arizona" though its real name is Isk-N-Tanoumiri National Park. Inhale the lavender-scented gardens and take a moment to marvel at the fully organic herb and vegetable beds, the two pools, the terraces and arbors (hung with vines and roses), and a lawn any Englishman would die for. What is so extraordinary about this refuge (just a short journey from Marrakesh) is that it looks as if it has occupied its lofty position for generations, when in fact, it was built from scratch only a few years ago. All water is recycled, much of the power is solar (although Bab Ourika has its own generator), beauty products are supplied by nearby Nectarome, and salt comes from the mines below. The hotel also contributes to the local villages and is one of the most eco-friendly hotels in Morocco; it's constructed principally from rammed earth, the traditional Amazigh building technique. The thick walls provide such good insulation that air-conditioning is unnecessary, but each room has a fan in case you get too warm.

If you want to wake up to breathtaking views of Morocco's most famous waterfalls, Hôtel Borj des Cascades is your best bet in Ouzoud. The property's terrace, two pools, and several of its rooms overlook the massive falls and are surrounded by lush olive and almond trees. Hotel guests are also able to start their trek to and from the falls via a direct private pathway leading to the coveted landscape.

Thank your stars that the short trek to this stunning yet simple kasbah keeps some guests away, so you can gaze over the snowcapped Atlas peaks in peace. Dinner or a drink (nonalcoholic) in the glass-fronted cabin, which crowns the kasbah, presents a glorious sense of being on top of the world. Just as liberating is the simplicity of the decor of this fully restored mountain stronghold. Food is served in a number of locations on the premises, so take your pick. All is prepared in-house, from tangy salads to rich tagines. The staff is focused, friendly, and knowledgeable about the local area. The manager will gladly tell of the hotel's initiatives to contribute to the local community, with impressive social programs. But the best-kept secret is the 10-minute climb to the ecolodge that must be done on the back of a pack-mule (there's a reception office in Imlil's center; expect to pay 60 DH for the transfer, plus a small tip).

Widiane Resort is ideal for travelers who like to stay active on their vacation and truly make the most of their surroundings. It boasts two panoramic pools overlooking the Atlas Mountains; guests who want to venture farther can book kayaking and Jet Skiing trips on the gorgeous Lake Bin el Ouidane. You can also opt for a guided hike or private yoga session if you want to stay on land. Unwind at the end of the day by ordering a cocktail to sip as you watch eagles soaring through the sky.

Spread over 60 acres of glorious gardens, with centuries-old olive trees, orchards, and magnificent roses, La Roseraie is the creation of one of the earliest pioneers of Morocco's hospitality industry. It is a place to relax and revive, thanks to the crisscross paths that end in views of the Toubkal range and of the famous Aoudad sheep calmly grazing below. The three pools are a welcome luxury, as is the chance to watch the sunset behind the peaks from the open-air Jacuzzi.

This plush ecolodge is hidden in the lush plains beneath the Atlas through which the Route de l’Ourika runs. It’s built from pise (rammed clay), with flecks of straw visible in the baked earthen walls. Rooms and suites are very comfortable, furnished in line with local style—think handmade straw rugs, rustic wooden shutters and doors, iron furniture, and whitewashed walls. The gardens are an ambush of roses with some elegant olive and palm trees punctuating the lawn, while the views of the Atlas overhead are just blissful. With a firm eco-ethic in hand, the staff offers a range of dishes based on locally sourced ingredients. Quaryati insists on a commitment to ecotourism, notably through ethical water use and treatment, energy consumption, and consideration of the local economy.