Everyone Says Stay in a Riad in Marrakech, but Here’s Why a Kasbah Might Be Even Better!
After 9 trips to Morocco, I’m certain I’ve found the best luxury hotel near Marrakech. A few weeks ago I booked a last minute trip to a hotel so stunning it’s led me back here to blogging!
For me, Marrakech has always been one of the easiest and most rewarding weekend escapes. With multiple daily flights from the UK and a flight time of just a few hours, it’s one of those rare destinations where you can swap grey skies for sunshine almost overnight.
Compared to long-haul trips or other year-round warm destinations, it’s also refreshingly affordable, making it a place I find myself returning to again and again.
So while London hadn’t seen the sun in weeks and Marrakech was basking in 25-degree sunshine. I booked a 3 day trip on a whim, spending one night at the stunning Kasbah D’If, a luxury hotel in the Agafay Desert.
If you’ve heard countless travellers insist that a riad is the only way to stay in Marrakech, they’re not wrong but if you’re craving something more spacious, serene and quietly luxurious, a kasbah offers a different kind of magic.
These traditional African fortresses carry the same soul of Moroccan heritage, but with the scale and comfort of a refined five-star retreat. They’re where ancient architecture, open desert landscapes and modern luxuries coexist effortlessly.
Where Is Kasbah d’If?
Kasbah D’If is located 30 minutes from Marrakech Airport where, at this time of year the snow-dusted peaks of the Atlas Mountains can be seen beautifully contrasting the burnt orange tones of the Agafay Desert.
Built from natural materials and shaped by traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, the property blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Earthy textures, soft light and thoughtful design create a space that feels both deeply rooted in heritage and effortlessly contemporary.
This grand hotel is spacious, calm and designed for slow living (what we’re all striving for these days!). Every corner of the hotel feels like it can be enjoyed all to yourself despite its large size. From the moment you arrive you feel as though you’ve stepped onto a liveable movie set.
There’s a real ‘resort’ feel to Kasbah D’If with all of the values and finishing touches of a smaller boutique hotel.
We loved the multitude of seating spaces, gardens, pools and dining options. The views were truly breathtaking throughout both of the dramatic exterior scenery and the beautifully designed interiors. I especially loved the movement of light throughout the day within the property.
Hotel: Kasbah d’If
Location: Agafay Desert
Distance from Marrakech: ~30 minutes
Best for: Luxury desert escape
Best time to visit: October–April
Riad vs Kasbah: Which Should You Stay In?
If you’ve done even a little research before visiting Marrakech, you’ve probably heard the same advice repeated again and again: stay in a riad. And while that’s not wrong, it’s only half the story.
Riads are the traditional homes found within the winding streets of the medina. Built around a central courtyard, they’re intimate, atmospheric and deeply rooted in Moroccan culture. Staying in one often means tiled fountains, rooftop terraces and candlelit dinners tucked away behind unassuming wooden doors. They’re perfect if you want to be right in the heart of the city’s energy, steps away from souks, spice stalls and centuries of history.
But riads also come with their own rhythm and sometimes their own limitations. Rooms are often smaller, privacy can be limited, and the lively chaos of the medina is never far away.
That’s where a kasbah offers something different.
Historically, kasbahs were fortified homes or citadels, built to command views over the surrounding landscape. Today, many have been reimagined as spacious boutique hotels that still honour their architectural roots.
Compared to the intimacy of a riad, kasbahs offer more space, more privacy and a slower pace, often set just outside the city where the landscape opens up and the atmosphere becomes far more serene. At Kasbah D’If the experience combines the heritage and earthy textures of traditional Moroccan architecture with the comfort and openness of a refined five-star escape.
If a riad immerses you in the pulse of Marrakech, a kasbah offers something altogether calmer — the chance to experience Moroccan tradition with space to breathe, desert sunsets on the horizon, and the quiet luxury of a retreat beyond the city walls.
The Spa at Kasbah D’If: One of the Most Beautiful Spas Near Marrakech
If there’s one place at Kasbah d’If that truly stopped me in my tracks, it was the spa.
I actually shared a reel calling it one of the most beautiful spas I’ve ever seen, and it quickly went viral which, honestly, isn’t surprising once you see it for yourself. The design is striking in that effortless Moroccan way: soft earthy tones, sculptural archways and natural materials that feel as though they’ve been carved directly from the surrounding landscape.
Set against the quiet backdrop of the Agafay Desert, the spa blurs the line between indoors and outdoors. Sunlight filters through open archways, reflecting off tranquil water and warm plaster walls, creating a space that feels both grounding and deeply calming. It’s the kind of setting that feels almost cinematic, undeniably one of the most aesthetic spa spaces I’ve encountered anywhere.
Beyond its visual beauty, the experience itself is rooted in traditional Moroccan wellness rituals. Treatments often draw on time-honoured practices such as hammam cleansing and nourishing argan oil therapies, designed to relax the body while connecting you to Morocco’s rich spa culture.
After a day exploring Marrakech or relaxing by the pool at your Agafay Desert Hotel, the spa becomes the perfect place to slow down. Quiet, atmospheric and beautifully designed, it’s a reminder that some of the most memorable travel experiences come not from what you see, but from how a place makes you feel.
Food at Kasbah D’If – The Most Romantic Restaurant in Morocco
Whilst we’re on the subject of viral videos, another video I shared on this stunning hotel that got attention was of the on-site restaurant, well one of them.
Kasbah D’If offers a number of restaurants and bars to match the opulence of the architecture with the decadence of delicious dishes. We were lucky enough to dine at the resort one evening and the scene was able to steal the show over the exceptional service and flavorful food.
We stayed here for just one night in their lowest category of room which was still a large suite with a balcony and separate living space. Due to our travel times we were graciously offered an early check in and late checkout which was (although subject to availability only) such a luxury to be able to refresh immediately.
In just two days we were able to fully unwind and rejuvenate in this Moroccan oasis.
If you are planning a trip to Marrakech I would suggest a 2/3 night stay at Kasbah D’If for the perfect year-round luxury escape. If you are looking for more than a weekend break then add this hotel stay on to your existing Morocco Itinerary, you won’t regret it!
For more visuals check out my instagram highlights of this trip.
