Travel is often packaged in familiarity: Popular destinations are passed down as if they were religions, while itineraries function like scripture. Often, hotels on such trips offer nothing more than a roof over one’s head on vacation and leave almost no impression.
But none of this doubt exists at the Tamadot Kasbah in Morocco. Located just an hour’s drive from Marrakech, the Virgin Limited Edition property is a sanctuary in the famous Atlas Mountains. With no more than 28 rooms and suites in a building camouflaged by mud bricks that blend seamlessly into the mountainous terrain, this hotel affords ultimate privacy.
Kasbah Tamadot was discovered and purchased by Sir Richard Branson in 1998 when he visited Morocco with the intention of circling the world in a hot air balloon. The former home of renowned antiques dealer and interior designer Luciano Tempo, Branson also inherited a 1,000-square-metre warehouse full of tables, sculptors and ornaments collected from India, Indonesia and North Africa — which now grace the property.
No two rooms are the same, as each room at Kasbah Tamadot has a unique descriptive Berber name that has its own story to tell. Some rooms come in pastel colors; others with dark green or blue walls, with large round mirrors or deep velvet reliefs as upholstery. They are individually decorated using traditional Moroccan furniture and antiques, as well as items from the large collection of previous owner Luciano Tempo.
The selling point lies in its location which is ideal for thrill seekers and slow moving travelers, as it offers a variety of activities that are unique to the property. During the summer, these activities include cooking courses with a traditional Moroccan Kanoun (wood oven), day excursions around the hills, mule trips through eucalyptus and olive groves, and a golf master class at the Royal Golf Course — privately owned by King Mohamed VI.
Even so, the atmosphere at Kasbah Tamadot remains relaxed and informal. One can easily pack their suitcases for the seasons and the types of activities they plan to do during their stay. The hotel also emphasizes health and charity, where free English classes have been set up for local residents, as well as the presence of the Eve Branson Foundation and Virgin Unite in the vicinity.
Although the hotel only opened its doors to its first guests in 2005, the years since have made it a landmark in Morocco. It provides a package holiday which is different from its name, because no other hotel can provide the same. With countless awards and achievements, Kasbah Tamadot proves that a hotel is more than just a hotel place to stay.
