Many Moroccan trips will include a few days in Marrakech, a vibrant city where the air is alive with the sounds of street performers and calls to prayer, and is legitimately perfumed with orange blossoms. But its stimulation on all your senses may call for a few days of respite afterwards—and luckily, the nearest reaches of the High Atlas Mountains are only about an hour away.
A quick drive due south will put you in their foothills, and at one of the most celebrated hotels in the country, the Virgin Limited Edition property of Kasbah Tamadot. Perched at the top of a valley, the grounds unfurl as you approach the main gate: first, the striking terracotta colored kasbah (citadel), then the elegant, grass-tiered steps leading down to the expansive pool, and finally, the winding paths that lead to the newest accommodations, the riads. And all of the grounds, of course, are framed by the majestic Atlas mountains, a few of whose peaks—even when I visited in late March—were still dolloped by snow. I’ve visited a few other hotels whose sense of place is as striking and unique as this: not only is Kasbah Tamadot assuredly a Moroccan hotel, but an Atlas Mountain one at that.
And as this is a Sir Richard Branson property, you can expect a level of service and luxury that is commensurate with his other outposts, like the famed Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands. Of course, meticulous attention to detail is paid to the interior design (don’t forget to look up and admire the intricate ceiling designs), and a staff that embodies the deep hospitality that is a hallmark of Moroccan culture. But those are attributes that might be expected at any five-star retreat. What I loved here were the unexpected details: the beautiful Berber slippers or babouches that every guest gets to take home, or the unique present left on the bed at turndown every night, like a fragrant, travel-friendly pot of face moisturizer.
I was similarly spoiled by the spreads at meals, with breakfast being a particular highlight. Not only could I sample three different styles of Moroccan pancakes every morning, but there was also a full menu of entrees to explore, including a bubbling breakfast tagine and porridge studded with dried apricots. And dinner—held in the towering tented restaurant of Asayss—was a nightly celebration, especially as guests made friends across the tables. Perched on my cozy couch, with a fire crackling at the other end of the room, I’ve never felt more like royalty. And readers, I could get used to that.
While no one would fault you for staying on property for your whole visit, a large part of the allure of this region is the beautiful, otherworldly surroundings. To that end, the hotel offers a large selection of expeditions, both to explore the famed mountain range and the Ouirgane Valley, known as the Colorado of Morocco for its red-rocked, expansive vistas. We opted for a nearly all-day trek through the valley, which also wove through local Berber communities and Anraz, the burial site of several revered rabbis.
Any sore muscles post-hike can be swiftly relieved by a trip to the hotel’s serene Asounfou Spa, where services include Moroccan-style massages or, the crown jewel of the country’s wellness services, traditional hammam. The latter includes a full-body exfoliation, body mask, and even a crystal face massage.
But regardless of how you choose to explore this property, the sense of serenity that pervades every corner remains. This is a place to unplug, to recenter, and most of all, a place that urges you to appreciate the beauty of peace in all its many forms.
Top Takeaways
Location: Kasbah Tamadot is situated in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, in the town of Asni, approximately a 1-hour and 10-minute drive from Marrakech.
Rating: 5-star
The vibe: In a phrase, unplugged luxury. We’re talking manicured grounds and sumptuous long dinners, but all with the background of stunning mountain peaks and deep quiet.
Food + drink: A buffet breakfast is served in Kanoun Restaurant; guests can also order dishes à la carte. You’ll often be off-property for lunch, in which case the hotel can pack you a to-go brown bag (mine came with a full salad, sandwich, fresh fruit, and plenty of dates and nuts). If you do stick around, many opt to order salads, burgers, or pizza while lounging poolside. Dinner is served in the spectacular Asayss restaurant, a grand tented space that offers seating on plush sofas or communal tables. The move here is the Moroccan specialties, naturally: the seafood pastillas and traditional tagines were particular standouts.
Our favorite part of the hotel: The massive, private outdoor area at my riad pool suite. It was the backyard of my dreams, complete with a heated pool, multiple loungers, and an outdoor table.
What’s nearby: The Eve Branson Foundation, a local nonprofit that teaches area women how to embroider and weave, is a wonderful stop. Not only can you watch them create beautiful rugs, clothing, and table runners, but there’s also a full shop upstairs.
Any personal neighborhood recs? This is a true retreat, meaning you won’t be walking off property to find a local coffee shop. But you’d be remiss if you didn’t take at least one guided hike through the surrounding valley, which the hotel can help arrange.
Rooms: The hotel features 42 rooms, comprising a mix of riads, tents, and suites.
Pricing: Rates start at $835 a night in low season.
Closest Airport: Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), about an hour away.
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