The famed Moroccan retreat in the High Atlas Mountains re-opens in full, following post-earthquake restorations.
Kasbah Tamadot, Sir Richard’s Branson’s Moroccan retreat in the High Atlas Mountains has officially reopened, following a year-long restoration. The hotel that forms part of the exclusive collection of luxury properties from Virgin Limited Edition has been partially closed for the past year, while it was rebuilt following the devastating earthquake that occurred in the region.
Famed for its incredible Berber hospitality, with 100% of its staff Moroccan, the hotel re-opens with the main building fully restored, a brand-new second restaurant named Asayss and six brand-new unique and stunning Riads. A riad is a building with rooms and common areas around a central courtyard. Each built on a beautiful new landscaped open space with stunning views of the Atlas Mountains - increasing the size of the original property from 28 to 42 Rooms.
Sir Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group commented: “It was devastating to see the impact of the earthquake last year, when I visited just days after. Even in the face of adversity, it was inspiring to see the hospitality and the warmth of the Berber people, even when many of them had lost family members and homes.
“We always said we would bring back Kasbah Tamadot better than ever and I’m incredibly thankful to all of the wonderful people that made that happen. Without their tremendous resilience we wouldn’t be here today. I know Mum would be equally as proud and love our new Riads.”
The aftermath saw Kasbah Tamadot’s team and Berber communities – who are part of the fabric of the hotel - come together to support relief efforts alongside the hotel’s charitable association, The Eve Branson Foundation, raising a staggering £1 million in its Earthquake Emergency Relief Fund. The past year saw all of its staff continue to be employed while the Berber Tents remained open to support tourism and relief efforts in the surrounding areas. Now, the main Kasbah officially re-opens once more with 42 rooms and suites across the property - and all of its original staff.
David Redouane Assabbab, General Manager of Kasbah Tamadot delighted: “Kasbah Tamadot is synonymous with the High Atlas Mountains and surrounding Berber communities. I know I speak on behalf of the whole team to say how incredibly delighted we are to be re-opening the Kasbah in full and welcoming back past, present and future guests. We are so thankful for all the amazing guests that continued to support us and our communities over the past year and to those who kindly donated through the Eve Branson Foundation Earthquake Relief Fund, which has allowed the local communities to repair and rebuild.
“It looks like we have a busy few months ahead already and we can’t wait to share the magic we are so proud of."
The striking newly designed three-bedroom Riads sleep up to 10 guests with each bedroom featuring its own private bathroom, lounge area and terrace, with the unique addition of a showstopping Rooftop Tented Suite, featuring a hot tub on the spacious roof terrace – creating a spectacular and modern take on a traditional Riad rooftop. Each Riad will also provide guests with their own private pool area, with all the luxuries and renowned-Berber hospitality of the main hotel equally available on their doorstep. Individually decorated in traditional Moroccan style, the interiors feature soft-furnishings hand-made by artisans from the local Berber community supported by The Eve Branson Foundation.
The stunning new Riads will add a further room type to Kasbah Tamadot’s impressive accommodation, renowned for its iconic and luxury Berber Tents. Each tent has its own private terrace with space for outdoor dining, with some featuring private hot tubs. The main infinity pool area remains as one of the hotel’s most striking features surrounded by 360-degree views of the High Atlas Mountains and guests are able to make the most of the local spa treatments including a traditional Hammam.