Indulge in a super stylish Moroccan safari at Richard Branson’s luxe mountain resort situated in the Ouirgane Valley, an hour’s drive from Marrakech. Here you can sleep in palatial suites or fabulous Berber tents, play tennis in the beautiful gardens, lap the infinity pool, and explore the Atlas Mountains beyond.
Perched in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains overlooking the Ouirgane Valley, an hour’s drive south of Marrakech near the village of Asni. Although the property sits roadside, the lush gardens disguise the noise of traffic. As the property sits at 4,330ft (1,320m), remember to bring some warm layers in winter as it does get cold in the evenings. Airport transfers can be arranged.
Seven years of hard graft transformed this crumbling hillside fortress into one of the most spacious High Atlas addresses, with landscaped gardens, chiselled courtyards and opulent, mountain-view suites. Scheherazade herself would feel comfortable here, wafting kaftan-clad through the madly blooming gardens to spin her tales on the candlelit roof terrace while reclining on beautifully embroidered plump pouffes.
Inside, exotically styled salons are furnished with artefacts from the Arab Peninsula, India and the Far East. But the real action here is outside in the gorgeous landscaped gardens or on the spectacular Atlas-facing terrace. Go the whole hog and book one of the sumptuous Berber tents nestled amid the maquis where evenings end in your own hot tub beneath a sky of dazzling stars.
Tamadot’s facilities and service are second to none. Aside from the indoor (heated) and outdoor pools, there’s a four-room spa replete with hammam and Watsu pools, a fully equipped gym, two tennis courts (floodlit), a billiards room, library and a kids’ club in the school holidays. Beyond the ramparts, High Atlas trekking, camel riding, quad biking and paragliding await. In addition, the Kasbah’s shop showcases some delightful Moroccan craftwork, proceeds from which go to fund initiatives supporting local communities.
The 28 rooms and suites are scattered about the property amid the beautiful landscaping, ensuring a high degree of privacy. All of the suites have either a terrace or a balcony, one has a secluded pool, while the Master Suite is a mini-Kasbah set over two floors with three bedrooms. Also included are 10 Berber tents with secluded decks, some of which also have secluded outdoor whirlpool tubs.
Rooms are individually decorated with antiques and furnishings collected by former-owner and antiques dealer Luciano Tempo, giving them a rich exotic style. Without exception, all have king-sized beds, bathtubs with mountain views and split air conditioning units to ward off those bone chilling winter nights. Televisions are available on request if you ever tire of the stunning mountain and valley views.
Moroccan, African and international dishes are served in the Kanoun Restaurant with its awesome terrace overlooking the rust-coloured valley. Sometimes, in summer, tables are set up beside the Rooftop bar, or nestled in the garden greenery. There’s also pool service, and secluded dining can be arranged.
Not suitable.
A paradise for families. Children are warmly welcomed in the school holidays when a huge number of activities are laid on (think camel rides, treasure hunts, cooking classes, nature walks and even nail painting lessons in spa!). Children under 11 stay for free in their parents rooms and dinner is free for the under-sixes. Cots and high chairs should be requested in advance.
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