Kasbah Tamadot

Kasbah Tamadot is Sir Richard Branson’s magical retreat in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. This 28 bedroom hotel is perched at the top of a valley with views up to Mount Toubkal and over to some of the traditional Berber villages that dot around the region. In fact, in the Berber language, Kasbah Tamadot means ‘soft breeze’.

Everywhere you look around Kasbah Tamadot you will be surprised and delighted! From the unique design of each of our bedrooms and Berber Tents, to the exceptional customer service of our local staff, be prepared for a holiday like you have never experienced before.

We’re delighted to announce that thanks to your votes Kasbah Tamadot has been named Best Resort Hotel, North Africa and the Middle East in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards in 2017 and 2019!

Kasbah Tamadot was the former home of Luciano Tempo, the renowned antiques dealer and interior designer. Luciano filled Kasbah Tamadot with a huge range of items – tables, sculptors and ornaments collected from India, Indonesia and North Africa.

When Sir Richard Branson bought Kasbah Tamadot in 1998, he also inherited Luciano’s 1000 square metre warehouse, filled to the brim with his treasures. As you wander around you will see pieces of Luciano’s collection that have been used to furnish the Kasbah today.

Sir Richard Branson discovered Kasbah Tamadot when he visited Morocco with the goal of circumnavigating the globe in a hot air balloon. It was in fact his parents Ted and Eve Branson that found the beautiful Kasbah and dreamed of turning it into a wonderful Moroccan retreat.

Richard didn’t quite manage to complete his hot air balloon mission but he did purchase that magnificent Kasbah and his parents’ dream became a reality when Kasbah Tamadot opened its doors to its first hotel guests in 2005.

When Sir Richard Branson purchased Kasbah Tamadot, we set up free English classes for the local population, irrespective of whether they wanted to ultimately apply for a job at the hotel.

Most had never been formally employed prior to joining the team, and so in many cases we had to start from scratch. We believed that in the long term we could only benefit from focusing on the resources on our doorstep.

Supporting the local community is strengthened even further through projects initiated by Kasbah Tamadot and other charitable projects such as the Eve Branson foundation and Virgin Unite.

Taking care of the environment is also high on our agenda. We’re committed to sustainable development of the local tourism industry and we recognise our responsibility towards the environment and the local community. Consequently, we are continually looking to identify new methods for waste disposal, recycling and energy saving.

Kasbah Tamadot is open year round and only closes for a brief period in mid-January for routine maintenance. Every season has so much to offer from snow-capped mountains, warm days by the pool and walking in the foothills of the Toubkal National Park.

Spring is when the region starts to warm up, the days are pleasantly warm with just a small amount of rainfall. In April the temperatures can range from 12°C up to 24°C, with the temperature dropping at night.

As we enter July the heat during the day continues to increase and by August we are very much a ‘hot sun’ destination, but a pleasant 10°C cooler than the high temperatures in Marrakech.

In the autumn months the evenings start to cool and the days become a little less intense heat-wise. Towards the end of September the snow on the tops of the Atlas Mountains starts to return.

December, January and February is the coolest time of year to visit, so get cosy in the library or Asmoun Lounge in front of the fire with a good book and a warm drink. With the average temperature at 13°C and the sun still shining, our heated pools are comfortable at 28°C, so a midday swim is still the norm!

The atmosphere at Kasbah Tamadot is relaxed and informal, so you can simply pack your suitcase for the season and the types of activities you plan on doing during your stay. Around the pool area, guests are welcome to wear shorts, t-shirts and swimwear. If you wish to go walking, don’t forget to pack a good pair of trainers (sneakers), sunhat and sunglasses.

When visiting areas outside our hotel it is helpful to be mindful of local customs. Morocco is a liberal Muslim country and locals are used to seeing tourists and are known for their welcoming and friendly attitude toward visitors to their country. We would recommend that women avoid revealing attire if they wish to observe local custom.

In the evening, you may choose to wear ‘smart-casual’ attire to dinner. A jacket and tie are never necessary in the restaurant, but feel free to dress up if you wish! Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains is filled with staircases, courtyards and gardens.

Getting yourself orientated may take a while but worth every step. A stay with us is like a stay in your very own Moroccan home and the feeling you get on arrival is hard to beat so you’ll just need to keep coming back.

Take a dip in the outdoor infinity pool whilst enjoying the stunning views of the Atlas Mountains. If outside is a little chilly, don’t worry we’ve got you covered with our heated indoor pool.

In the Berber language, Asmoun means ‘a place to get together or meet’, and the lounge is a great place to enjoy the beauty of the valleys below. We think it’s a perfect spot to spend the afternoon soaking up the Moroccan sunshine. Or fancy a cocktail? Soak up the afternoon views with a pre-dinner tipple.

We say forever views but our Roof Terrace really does show off the beauty of the Atlas Mountains. Hit the gym and work up an appetite. It’s equipped with a running machine, bike, multifunctional weight station and free weights.

No stay with us is complete without a little bit of extra pampering. “Asounfou” is the Berber word meaning relaxation. To make your experience with us even more tranquil indulge in one of our signature treatments.

We have 28 bedrooms and suites including ten luxury Berber Tents, some of which have private plunge pools. All are individually decorated using traditional Moroccan furnishings and antiques, as well as items from the vast collection of Luciano Tempo, Kasbah Tamadot’s former owner.

As a renowned antiques dealer and interior designer, Luciano brought together artefacts from all over the world, many of which feature in the bedrooms. Each room has a uniquely descriptive Berber name which tells you something about it.

DINING
With an intimate fireside bar for pre-dinner cocktails and a stunning dining area complete with wonderful views, Kanoun Restaurant serves delicious local and international cuisine.

The food we serve marries local produce and flavours and is served with a great selection of international and Moroccan wines. Kanoun is open for all hotel guests and casual lunch diners on request.

Breakfast is included within your accommodation rate and this is served in Kanoun Restaurant or on the terrace next to the pool bar (weather permitting). In addition to freshly baked bread and pastries, juices and fruit, you are welcome to order cooked dishes and Moroccan specialities from the à la carte menu. We can also arrange for breakfast to be brought to your room on request.

Lunch is usually a very casual affair served around the pool or at the pool bar (weather permitting). There are shaded areas available if you want to take a break from the sun and enjoy a light meal.

In the evening the menu and the setting will vary. Join fellow guests for pre-dinner drinks before dining in the main restaurant, on the roof terrace, by the pool terrace, or even around the reflecting pool. Our à la carte menu is always available, but we also serve traditional Berber feasts family style as well as multiple course tasting menus with Moroccan and international themes.

During your stay at Kasbah Tamadot dinner will be served in a variety of settings and locations. If the weather is right, dine al fresco next to the beautiful infinity pool bar, on the rooftop terrace underneath the stars, or somewhere private just for two!

For those guests not planning to travel from the hotel we recommend adding the cost of lunch and dinner to your stay with our ‘Full Board’ option (breakfast is included in all our rates). You’ll have the full range of choices from our à la carte menu including on selected themed evenings when traditional and international dishes are served buffet style.

Our full board option is MAD 970 per person, per night inclusive of an à la carte or picnic lunch and dinner from the à la carte menus but excluding drinks. Infants dine free of charge. Children are charged MAD 485 per child per night for lunch and dinner, including soft drinks.

Rooms: 28

Price: from 549 EUR per night

Website: www.virgin.com