It was in 1998 that Richard Branson's mother Eve first came across this crenellated kasbah, perched dramatically on a hilltop and surrounded by the peaks of the High Atlas. At that time it belonged to an Italian antiques dealer who had opened it up to his friends. But she saw the potential of a luxury north African retreat and the Tamadot project was born.
After 7 years of labyrinthine negotiations and top-to-toe refurbs, it finally opened its carved and inlaid gates to guests seeking the ultimate luxury in the heart of Morocco's most spectacular mountains. Today, the extensive gardens are carefully landscaped with mature rose, fruit and cactus plants, the courtyards hold a 5-star spa with indoor pool, and the suites combine contemporary design with colourful Moroccan antiques. Outside lies a cluster of astonishing Berber-style tents, offering that north African luxe safari vibe, and half a dozen elegant riads. Children are welcome year round and the 'Kasbah Kids' programme provides heaps of fun activities. A destination in itself, we relished unwinding beside the stunning infinity pool, gazing over the snow-capped mountains and dining in the innovative restaurant. It was worth the wait.
Highs
- The most luxurious hotel in the Atlas Mountains, with amazing facilities and one of the finest mountain vistas in north Africa
- The interiors are just stunning – before Branson, the kasbah was home to Luciano Tempo, a world-renown antiques dealer and designer, so every room is filled with stunning pieces
- Superb cuisine and wines, overseen by an acclaimed chef - treat yourself to the tasting menu
- Initiate and support community projects, such as teaching local women crafts; some of their creations (rugs, cushions etc.) decorate the hotel; the team are 100% Moroccan too
- A heavenly retreat from the bustle of Marrakech – yet within a 45-minute drive
Lows
- The Berber Tented Suites are particularly pricey, but then they are staggeringly opulent – probably the comfiest tents in the world!
- This is a family friendly resort, so guests seeking a more adult experience may wish to avoid school holidays
- The Atlas can be surprisingly cold in winter – but rooms have heating, ponchos and heated blankets
Best time to go
The best period is March-early November. From June to August it can be pretty warm, though always about 10 degrees cooler than Marrakech and the plains. March-May and September-October are perhaps the best months for active types. From December to February, expect temperatures between 10-20 celsius, and the occasional dusting of snow on the peaks round about.
Our top tips
Don't worry about bringing your own entertainment - there's a well-stocked library, plus music and entertainment systems so that if the mountains turn cloudy and wet, you've got every excuse to snuggle in the bedroom.
Likewise they provide umbrellas, sun hats and ponchos, as well as babouches (slippers) which you can take home with you... so no need to haggle for those at great length in the souks (unless you enjoy it, of course).
Likewise they provide umbrellas, sun hats and ponchos, as well as babouches (slippers) which you can take home with you... so no need to haggle for those at great length in the souks (unless you enjoy it, of course).
- Luxury Hotel
- 46 rooms
- Restaurant and bar (open daily)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pools
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Tennis Court
Rooms
Scattered around various levels and buildings, the unique bedrooms and suites are all spacious, warm and filled with stunning pieces from around the world. Terracotta floor-tiles, patterned rugs and ochre hues keep the ambiance cosy, while carved wooden chests and fantastic mosaic ceilings lend some swagger. The chunky wooden kingsize and four-poster beds were made especially for the hotel - most Moroccan frames come too narrow.
Superior and Deluxe Rooms are spacious, but opt for a Superior or Deluxe Suite if you want a separate sitting room and guaranteed outside space. You get either a ‘Moroccan’ or a ‘contemporary’ bathroom. The former has an arched entrance into a polished-plaster sunken bath area, the latter features a freestanding bathtub with overhead shower. Powerful heating, electric blankets and (in some rooms) fireplaces help fend off the winter chill.
Just beyond the gardens are a collection of large, private and uber-opulent Berber Tented Suites; some also come with private Jacuzzis overlooking sensational views of Mount Toubkal. All have kingsize beds and luxurious extras, including split air-conditioning to keep you cool in summer and super-cosy in winter (plus heated rugs, if you need them).
Most recently, they've added six luxurious 3-bedroom riads to the collection. Each one is set in gorgeous gardens with mountain vistas, and contains one Riad Deluxe Room, one Riad Pool Suite and one Riad Rooftop Tented Suite. The Deluxe Rooms are spacious and romantic, while the Pool Suites feature a separate lounge and private heated pool. You'll feel like the king of the castle in the Rooftop Tented Suite, with two tented rooms (one ensuite bedroom, one lounge that can be used as a second bedroom) on either side of a large terrace with a hot tub. These rooms can be booked individually or take the whole riad for a house-party feel.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
With an intimate fireside bar for pre-dinner cocktails, and the option of terrace dining with breath-taking views, Kanoun restaurant is a match for the magnificent setting.
Then there's their new restaurant Asayss where you can enjoy Moroccan and international dishes made with local and seasonal ingredients. Lounge on cosy sofas, gather around communal tables or relax on the terrace surrounded by gardens. With crackling fireplaces, a pool table and a welcoming bar, it's a warm, casual setting for unwinding and sharing a delicious meal.
The cuisine is based on local produce - spices and dried fruit from Marrakech, fish from the Atlantic coast, vegetables from Asni - with a few international dishes thrown in for good measure. All the classics are there at dinner: spiced lamb tagine, vegetable couscous, traditional pigeon pastilla with roasted artichoke and spinach. The more unusual options like confit of wild Norwegian salmon and cheese plates with walnut bread might be a welcome sight for those who have had one tagine too many. Desserts include roasted pears with mascarpone or perhaps peanut mousse with raspberries. For a special evening, do as we did and indulge in the 5-course fine-dining extravaganza with accompanying wine flight - a real treat.
Come morning, breakfast includes freshly baked bread and pastries, plus juices, fruit and cooked options.
If you’re feeling lazy, order a light lunch by the pool. Perhaps a feta and chorizo tartlet or parma ham with figs and green beans? There’s no shortage of sorbets and ice creams to cool you down either.
Features include:
- Bar
- Kids' meals
- Organic produce
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Take a dip in the heated outdoor infinity pool, heated indoor pool or hot tub
- Practise your serve at one of the well-maintained tennis courts
- Listen to local musicians performing in the ampitheatre
- Enjoy a film under the stars on an open-air cinema night
- Arrange a trip to Marrakech for some serious souk shopping, as well as palace visits and even golf. It's a 45-minute drive each way - just ask the hotel for a taxi-transfer
- Spend an afternoon under the tutelage of one of the head chefs, learning Moroccan and Berber recipes, and ending with the chance to eat your creations
- Unwind in the Asounfou Spa's indoor pool, two treatment rooms, and a Moroccan hammam for traditional cleansing rituals
- Hike or take a mule-ride to the local Berber villages for some fresh mountain air and restorative mint tea
- Drive over the breathtaking Tizi'n'Test pass, stopping to visit the 12th-century mosque of Tin Mal
- Choose from a fantastic array of guided excursions, perhaps a mule trek down the river to Asni village, a gentle wander to waterfalls in the nearby Ourika Valley, a 4x4 trip across the desert or a fully-fledged multi-day hike
- Ascend north Africa's highest peak Jbel Toubkal, whose snowy 4,168m summit dominates the horizon; guides, baggage mules and simple refuges will be organised for you
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cooking classes
- Golf
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Private guided tours
- Table tennis
- Tennis
- Trekking
- Well being
- Yoga
Kids
Children are very welcome at Kasbah Tamadot! There is never a dull moment for kids: treasure hunts, cookery classes and table tennis tournaments are just some of the activities that can be organised on request.
Best for:
Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The Berber Tented Suites are not suitable for children. All other rooms can fit a baby cot and the suites have space for at least 1 rollaway bed; some also have a separate sitting area, which can be useful if you want to read after putting your child to bed. Larger families could book exclusive use of one of the riads, which has a private garden setting and it's own pool.
Children under 6 go free in their parents' room. Children occupying their own room without any adults will be charged the normal adult nightly rate.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available, Family Rooms
Babysitting:
Babysitting is available (see Rates), advance notice is required to guarantee availability
Baby equipment:
Baby cots are available on request
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Children's meals:
There's a young diners menu including some Moroccan-themed dishes so they can try something new. Special requests can be prepared with a little notice
Kids Activities on site:
- Children are welcome to participate in 'Kasbah Kids' (bespoke activities for all ages), which are generally free of charge
- Meet the resident mules (Parmesan and Paprika), camels (Pickle and Pumpkin) and 4 donkeys (Pudding, Plum, Peaches and Parsley)
- Indoor pool with inflatable toys
- Outdoor infinity pool
- Horse and cart rides
- Games, books, movies
- Tennis lessons, table tennis, football
- Moroccan treasure hunt
- Moroccan cookery lessons & tea parties
- Nail painting in the spa
Kids Activities nearby:
- Mule treks
- Treks (including a picnic lunch)
- Day trips to villages, nearby valleys, mosques
Families Should Know:
Small children riding a mule must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Children are not permitted in the Berber Tented Suites due to their mountain-edge location
Distances:
- Airport: 45 minutes
- Hospital: 45 minutes
- Market: 10 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Kasbah Tamadot is located in Asni, a little village and marketplace in the foothills of the stunning Atlas Mountains, a 45-minute drive from Marrakech Airport.
By Air
Marrakech Menara (65km) is a 45-minute taxi-ride away. Road transfers can be arranged by Kasbah Tamadot on request. Alternatively hire a car.
Detailed directions will be provided when you book through i-escape.com
More on getting to Morocco and getting around
Airports:
- Marrakesh Menara Airport 65.0 km RAK
Other:
- Beach 250.0 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km