I have endless good things to say about this retreat. We were met in Marrakech and driven up to the gardens by the owner. The place is so beautiful and pictures do not do it justice. Everything is very intimate, with only four rooms available. We opted for the cheapest room, which was still sizable, with its own living room and fire place. We were the only people staying at the villa when we went. All of the staff were extremely attentive, kind and helpful. We were given a menu with options for dinner, with which they cooked using ingredients from their own massive herb and vegetable garden. It is definitely a charming break from the hectic Moroccan cities, whether you wish to go for hikes or just lay by the pool.

I can't say enough good about Mr. Alaoui, the manager, here. He met us in Marrakech and brought us up to Ourika, stopping off at a couple of obscure places we'd asked about along the way, translating for us, etc. And my friend had her birthday while we were staying here, and he arranged a beautiful personalized cake (mmm--wish I'd eaten more) and a table scattered with rose petals and lit with candles, and all the kitchen staff in their finest formal uniforms.

The rest of the staff was kind and thoughtful too, and we felt so lucky to be here, and so well taken care of. Ben (the owner, who handles email) arranged a taxi and a hiking guide at good rates as well. It was early in the season, so we were the only guests, and had the run of the place. There's a beautiful herb garden, and a million terraces to sit on and take in the view.

I loved my room--the style is very rustic, but not uncomfortable. Very thick walls, traditional carpets and furniture, a comfy sitting area. (I swear--the challenge of staying here was just trying to figure out where the best place was to sit and read my book...)

The place looks very family-friendly--the suites have kitchens and everything--and it seems like it would be especially fun in July or August, when Moroccan families come up from Marrakech for vacation.

The location is nice--not super-remote. I took evening walks up and down the main road, and there are people out, and some shops. But you are basically relying on the kitchen at the hotel for all meals. They're good, but if you were staying for more than a couple of days, you'd probably want to branch out a bit--get a suite with a kitchen and stock up on groceries. Ah....dreaming about a weeklong total chill-out visit now!

Ourika Garden have a really wonderful garden with fresh herbs, flowers and a pool area. Lovely to hang out in during a warm spring day! The surroundings are also very nice - and conveniently near to Marrakech. The best thing about Ourika Garden is however its staff - always smiling and willing to make your stay the best possible. As another reviewer mentioned they are genuinly nice and very generous (our dinner had been discounted on our bill and we were given wine free of charge). Breakfast was great with pancakes, fresh goat cheese and local argane oil.
Our room was interesting, very large and the bathroom could have better cleaned.

After Marrakech this was an absolute joy the complete opposite - quiet, peaceful and beautiful. The service was incredible even though their English is very limited. The Manager, who lives in Marrakech, was very kind and helpful and took us to see wonderful things in the area and arranged our visit to the waterfalls. We also were taken to a Berber village by one of the staff and to his home for tea. It was the highlight of our whole trip.

The room we had was enormous with a very grand dining room table which had chairs for 8, seating area and a lovely fire which was lit every night with two chairs in front of it plus the very comfortable bed. The bathroom was the weak point as the shower had to be held to wash as it did not seem to connect to the connector. Once that has been sorted then everything would be perfect. There was also air conditioning for the summer with heating for the winter and it was needed and was very effective. The menu forf dinner is not huge but everything was really nice and served with a huge smile! Breakfasts were great and particularly enjoyable eating it in the sunshine.

The gardens are lovely and sitting in the sun around the pool, which is not huge, is lovely. This is the place for quiet and solitude - take lots of books!