Atlas Kasbah Ecolodge Agadir
Jan
20
Written by:
1/20/2011 10:20 PM
The interview below is with Hassan Aboutayeb, the owner of Atlas Kasbah Ecolodge in Agadir region.
Atlas Kasbah is the first Ecolodge in Agadir region, Morocco.
How did you get involved with hospitality business in Morocco?
I obtained a BA in hospitality management and a Master’s degree in sustainable tourism. Following that I spent many years working as a sustainable tourism consultant and then at one point I knew that it was time to start my own project.
How long have you been operating Atlas Kasbah, and why did you decide to set up an Eco friendly guest house in Agadir region?
Atlas Kasbah Ecolodge was opened in 2009 but the project was launched in 2005. We have decided, my wife Helene and I, to create an ecolodge in the Argan woodland to protect and promote this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. I also prepare a PhD. in sustainable tourism in this protected area. It’s my homeland you know and as a Berber, I feel attached to it and I would do anything to promote it in a sustainable way.
What kind of services does Atlas Kasbah offer its guests?
We offer an eco-friendly accommodation in a Kasbah-fortress located in an magnificent landscape. Besides, Berber women prepare delicious traditional meals. There are also many recreational activities such as cookery classes, Berber and Arabic classes, mountain-biking in remote Berber villages and the argan forest, guided hikes with inhabitants. Atlas Kasbah Ecolodge also boasts a unique pottery and tadelakt (lime plaster) workshop in the South of Morocco. For the guests that just want to let their mind unwind, there is a salt-treated swimming-pool, a hammam (a Moroccan steam bath), argan oil massages, a yoga studio and serenity.
How do you insure that you are an eco-friendly or an "ecolodge"?
Many measures have been implemented to combine sustainability, innovation and awareness. They deal with water, energy, waste, permaculture, buying policy, respect of the landscape and the area, eco-friendly activities... Also, the staff come from villages nearby and has received extensive training enabling the Kasbah to further its commitment to community-based tourism.
Besides, we work with the local community in different human development projects. Right now, we are preparing with the local association N'Aït Maten and the school in the village of Tighanimine Elbaz an Ecology Festival that will take place in February. It is a lot of work to have all these projects going on and even more to come, but it is a very rewarding experience!
As being eco active, we were awarded the 2009 Ecoplannet Sustainable Tourism Certificate, the 2009 Morocco Responsible Tourism Award and the Green Key in 2010.
What is your favorite spot in Agadir region and why?
Agadir region has a lot of different ecosystems from the coastline to the argan forest, from the Western High Atlas Mountains to the Anti Atlas ones, from the fortified city of Taroudant to the fishing villages. I really like to go and enjoy all of these depending on my mood. But, what I value the most is being in Atlas Kasbah terrace during sunset and getting inspired!
What kinds of activities are available around Atlas Kasbah?
The guests can enjoy surf or body-boarding on one of the best spots in Morocco, horse-riding, paragliding, visiting argan oil cooperatives or the biggest urban souk in Africa, in Agadir, enjoying a day out in the Atlas Mountains, in the imperial city of Taroudant.
In your opinion, what is the best time of the year to visit Agadir region?
All year round! Agadir region can suit everybody’s needs and that’s the main asset of the region. Right now, in winter, it is sunny and warm, and the great weather is perfect to enjoy outdoor activities. In spring, nature is at its best with flowers, blossoming almond trees, the landscape is spectacular. In summer it is full of activity and many festivals are going on while in autumn it is very peaceful and a perfect time for relaxing.
Atlas Kasbah Contact Information
Contact Person: Helene or Hassan
Email: contact@atlaskasbah.com
Phone: 00.212.661.488.504
Atlas Kasbah Pictures
3 comment(s) so far...
Re: Atlas Kasbah Ecolodge Agadir
I am glad to see ecotourism start to develop in Morocco.
By sammy on
1/21/2011 5:14 PM
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Re: Atlas Kasbah Ecolodge Agadir
It’s beautiful place everybody loves Morocco!
By Timzgida Ouftas on
2/9/2011 10:10 AM
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Re: Atlas Kasbah Ecolodge Agadir
Ecotourism is a growing area in the tourist friendly state of Morocco.
By landscape design on
2/25/2011 10:40 AM
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