Riad Cascades D’Ouzoud by Joanna Monkhouse

Riad Cascades d’Ouzoud is situated at the top of impressive waterfalls a couple of hours from both Marrakech and Fez. The maison d’hôtes has been constructed as a riad around a courtyard and has used the traditional materials found in local architecture - red mud and tadelakt covered walls - yet the French architect proprietor has injected his own style into the building. The rooms are simply decorated with rustic handcrafted furniture, traditional tataoui ceilings, ceiling fans and open fireplaces. Most have ensuite shower rooms with copper basins and unique, individually designed showers. More rooms are planned soon. The kitchen at Riad Cascades d’Ouzoud offers French and Moroccan cuisine prepared with local, fresh and, where possible, organic produce.

The sunny roof terrace has a view of the top of the falls and the Ouzoud River, the Berber village of Tanermit and the foothills of the Atlas mountains. Despite the (mostly local) tourist trade that is the life force of the village of Ouzoud, and even though so centrally located, the riad itself is cool, quiet and peaceful, with citrus trees growing in the centre. The only sound in the morning is that of the children setting off on their donkeys to collect water, while later in the day you can hear the grinding of the flourmill. Riad Cascades d’Ouzoud can organise trekking on foot or mule to the surrounding mountains and Berber villages, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking and paraponting as well as transfers from the airport. Ouzoud is an ideal base for 4WD trips across the region, to the Dades and Draa valleys or the dunes of Erg Chebbi, or as a stopover between the Imperial Cities. A simple place, well run, friendly and good for kids.