At the foothills of the Atlas Mountains lies Kasbah Tamadot, an extraordinary luxury retreat owned by Sir Richard Branson. After his mother fell in love with the property, he fulfilled his promise to transform it from a traditional Kasbah into a luxury retreat.
Following a year of renovation after the 2023 earthquake, it's been restored to its former glory, reopening with the addition of six new luxurious Riad Villas. I was thrilled to be one of the first to visit, as the property had been on my bucket list for many years!
First Impressions
A grand entrance and warm welcome set the tone for my stay. And while the impressive building itself had even more character than I had expected, it was the views that really captured my heart - beautiful gardens are surrounded by mesmerising mountain vistas in every direction. The terrace is the perfect spot to savour the views over lunch, while the heated infinity edge pool and hot tub had prime position too.
![Infinity edge swimming pool surrounded by mountain views]()
The swimming pool with those very special views!
The Accommodation
Every room and suite is uniquely styled, but all offer a luxe, authentic Moroccan charm. The lavish Berber Tents would be perfect for a romantic break - they each have a private terrace overlooking the valley. Some even have a sunken hot tub too - bliss!
New this year, the riads are an amazing addition. With arguably the best position in the grounds, they boast spectacular views of Mount Toubkal. In true riad style, each opens into a courtyard with a water feature and rooms around it. There's a rooftop terrace on the top floor, whilst downstairs has a good-sized infinity edge swimming pool in the garden. An outdoor lounge and dining area allow you to relax and dine in the fresh mountain air. And I need to mention those views again! They completely took my breath away. The riads really are something special and an ideal option for families or groups of friends looking to combine privacy with shared spaces to enjoy together.
The People
More than just a luxury stay, the people at Kasbah Tamadot make your experience. All the staff are from the local area, which means the service feels more like 'authentic Moroccan hospitality' than the traditional 'white glove' style. From the friendly front desk welcome and the gentleman inviting you to join him for mint tea in the gardens, to the attentive restaurant staff and lady baking the daily bread in the traditional oven cabin, there's a natural warmth here that made me feel more like part of the family than a guest.
![Moroccan woman making bread in traditional clay ovens]()
Traditional Bread Making
A Steward of the Environment and Community
As I looked around Kasbah Tamadot, their commitment to sustainable tourism was obvious, with eco-initiatives such as solar heating for the main swimming pool. Community is key to the ethos of the hotel, and alongside its important role in local employment, the Eve Branson Foundation supports local villages through its charitable endeavours.
Experiences and Local Life
While it could be tempting to stay enveloped in the luxury of the hotel, it's well worth venturing out to discover more of the local area. From browsing the stalls at the bustling Saturday market to trekking the mountain landscape, excursions combine culture with adventure, offering you a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the region while taking in the breathtaking natural beauty all around.
![Sophie and her husband on donkeys in the mountain]()
Exploring the mountains on a donkey
During my time at the hotel, I spent time in traditional Berber villages, learning more about life in these rural communities. It was harrowing to hear about the impact of the 2023 earthquake and how people have suffered in the aftermath. My guide explained to me how much the locals rely on tourism for their livelihoods and how grateful they are that visitors are now returning. And if this alone isn't reason enough for you to visit this magical part of Morocco, allow the incredible luxury of Kasbah Tamadot to entice you!
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