Kasbah Babourika

Kasbah Babourika is a hard place to describe. I know because none of the descriptions of it that I was given live up to the reality of this quietly spectacular place. It sits on the crest of a steep hill surrounded on all sides by dramatic cliffs of deep red soil. The distant views to the South East are of the snow clad peaks of the High Atlas.

But the setting is just part of the story. The friendly atmosphere combined with the excellent food and the quality of the service guarantee a memorable holiday. The traditional Moroccan combination of sunny courtyards and pillared passages create a quintessential Arabic atmosphere. The terraced gardens, the well ordered kitchen garden, the orange tree lined paths entice you into the quiet corners where a well positioned bench invites you to sit back and relax.

And the Bridge? It is hard, sitting on the dappled terrace with this backdrop of mountains not to be occasionally distracted. But Zeb' s enthusiastic and confident but sensitive tuition keep the grey cells hard at work. The combination of teaching, practising on prepared hands and finally 'free' play is instructive and enjoyable .

Claudia's planning leaves nothing to chance. Every detail is taken into account and nothing is too much trouble. The outings to the Berber village or the local market have a refreshing genuineness. The accompanied walks in the National park are pure pleasure.

Zeb and Claudia succeed in combining a restful and comfortable holiday with the stimulating addition of fun Bridge playing. This is a winning formula whichever way you look at it - doubled and redoubled!

Caroline Horsley, March 2015