Mary's new favorite hotel- Richard Branson's KASBAH TAMADOT in Morocco
While I have been lucky to have traveled a lot and to lovely places, I am a tough critic when it comes to hotels. I had high expectations for Richard Branson's mountain retreat in Morocco, Kasbah Tamadot, as everything he does he seems to do well and with style. Usually my hyperactive imagination will outshine a physical place-- oh, not so, not so, with Kasbah Tamadot! After ten days of fairly hectic adventures around southern Morocco (the full scoop will be delivered next Monday), arriving at the Kasbah at sunset was just what Napper and I needed to recover from camel rides, endless driving on twisty mountain roads and enough sand on us and everything we owned to recreate the sand dunes we'd been exploring. Mint tea (which you could get sick of in Morocco as it is consumed and offered at every turn) and rose scented towels upon check in eased us into the perfect little heaven that exists within the walls and on the grounds of the hotel. Everywhere you look there is something breathtaking- from the manmade mosaics, carvings, lanterns, painted ceilings, to the natural stunning mountain views, purple blooming jacaranda trees, citrus trees, hot pink rose petals floating in a blue tiled reflecting pool. 
It is a cornucopia of boundless beauty. I loved our room-- appropriately called Jacaranda for the tree that framed our view of the pool and mountains beyond from the room. We had a small terrace which was a perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine at sunset from our mini-bar. Let me comment on the mini-bar-- I appreciate when five star hotels don't gouge you on the small stuff-- I really felt the mini-bar prices were fair, frankly half of what other hotels in it's category would normally charge.
The buffet breakfast every morning is full of variety from the freshest fruit you've ever tasted (the fruit in Morocco for the most part was the most delicious and flavorful I've ever had), traditional yogurt, pastries, cereals, etc. We had lunch out by the pool one day-- you hang a little Berber slipper up on your umbrella and one of the well trained friendly local staff (the majority of the staff is from the local Berber community that Branson has educated and trained) come swiftly out to bring you an assortment of delectable items-- we loved the nicoise salad and watermelon/lemon granita in particular.
My only negative comment (besides the coffee not being good) is that the dining room is a little lackluster in ambiance which is surprising given all the beauty that abounds ever other part of the property. We had dinner there the first night which was delicious but the setting just wasn't very special considering where you are. The second night we opted for a "private dinner" which is a little more expensive but comes with champagne and a bottle of wine to accompany three courses. Champagne is served on the rooftop before a roaring fire overlooking the valley, mountains and the local Berber village which clings to the opposite hillside. Dinner is then served in a beautiful room also on the rooftop with another fireplace. They have thought of everything from rose petals strewn everywhere to candles and music. It was honestly the most romantic dinner of my life!
We also enjoyed many activities, from hiking to tennis, to visiting the local Berber people and buying some of their beautiful rugs, pillow covers or jewelry. There is also an indoor pool and spa in addition to the traditional Hammam-- a Moroccan experience where you are scrubbed with black olive soap and then rinsed with pails full of warm water, and then exfoliated with special cloths, and then covered in volcanic mud to draw out toxins. Your hair is washed and you are fully rinsed. We had had a semi-traumatic (perhaps too authentic and definitely too hot) Hammam in Marrakech so were wary but absolutely loved the Hammam at Kasbah Tamadot.
I am gushing. And trying to figure out when I can go back to explore some of the other unique and gorgeous suites... or maybe one of the luxury Berber tents with their own plunge pools! The Kasbah is also only 45 minutes from Marrakech and with under 30 accommodations, the intimacy will never be spoiled-- oh and children are only allowed certain weeks out of the year, so no cannonballs or games of Marco Polo will disturb you as you relax by the pristine pool.
Kasbah Tamadot
T: 877 577 8777
enquiriesusa@virginlimitededition.com
