HOTEL INSIDER: A Stay at Kasbah Tamadot, Morocco
Located in the High Atlas Mountains, Richard Branson’s retreat is far from ordinary. Stunning common spaces, mountain views, and ample areas to cozy up, paired with a range of activities from cooking classes and village hikes, Kasbah Tamadot shines as the ultimate Moroccan retreat.
DESTINATION: ASNI, MOROCCO
The High Atlas Mountains are down-right dreamy in their splendour; a contrast from Morocco’s vast desertscape and bustling medina in Marrakech. A place to be off-the-grid, Asni is a small town that’s part of the larger Atlas Mountain eco-system. Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot brings serious luxury explorer vibes to the region. Visitors still have access to hikes, village visits, and opportunities to be in touch with nature, while simultaneously nestling into every creature comfort available with luxe offerings and standout service.
Kasbah Tamadot truly is an experience; a little enclave within the stunning and rugged landscapes of the HIgh Atlas Mountains. I’d had this property on my radar for years so when it came time to book our one week in Morocco, I wasn’t going to let the opportunity slip away. Rooms range from superior and deluxe rooms in the main building (like what we had) up to the Berber suites which offer a tented camp feel for those looking for something a bit more intimate. With just 28 rooms in total, the property feels serenely boutique, with attentive service and beautiful corners to tuck into for moments of solace. Speaking of those moments, the common spaces at Kasbah Tamadot don’t fail to wow. Beyond the pool and deck, don’t miss the library (our nightly hangout) along with the cigar and game room. There’s a spa on-site for treatments, an indoor pool, and a small fitness center to help work off the nightly tagines.
We stayed in a picturesque Deluxe Room with a balcony and views overlooking the Atlas Mountains. Rooms at Kasbah Tamadot are spacious, beautifully and characterfully outfitted and offer bathtubs with locally-crafted bath products. Complimentary waters and minibar are restocked daily; a thoughtful touch. Nightly turndown never failed to surprise us with thoughtful gifts.
One of the ‘struggles’ that I perceive with visiting more remote locales like Kasbah Tamadot is that dining is usually more or less confined to the hotel. There are dining options elsewhere in Asni but realistically your dining for all meals will be on site. If that’s a question mark in your head, let me assuage your fears: the food here is fantastic. It’s on the pricier side but the food never failed to wow us and the menu changed regularly to allow us new options each night. While Morroco is arguably a destination where you’d sip tea over wine, Kasbah Tamadot offers a nice wine and cocktail list as well for pre-dinner drinks or wine at dinner.
For my travelers keen on cooking – or at least learning local recipes! – try out Kasbah Tamadot’s cooking class! We opted to do their bread baking class on site with Fatima, and then had a private cooking class with Kasbah’s chef, who taught us the art of tagine, Moroccan spices, and tricks of the trade. After class, you’ll get to enjoy your tagine at the restaurant.
Planning your getaway to North Africa? Here’s some inspiration for your Moroccan getaway (+ bonus Egypt inspo):
👉🏼 Interested in booking Kasbah Tamadot? Kasbah is a Virtuoso-affiliated property so say hello – or book through here – for Virtuoso perks and benefits!
Number of Rooms: 28 rooms and suites Cost Per Night: From €525 – €1500+ per night Must-Try Eats & Drinks: Cooking lovers, don’t miss the cooking class to learn how to make tagine at home! Hotel Highlights: Common spaces – every corner of this property makes you feel like you’re in the throes of discovery with thoughtful touches and tons of character around every corner. Worth the Investment? Absolutely – a can’t miss in Morocco! Points Perks: No points perks but reach out to me so we can talk about incorporating this hotel into a broader Morocco itinerary.
