Back in the late 1990s, Richard Branson and his parents came across a traditional kasbah in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and gradually transformed it into what is now Kasbah Tamadot, opening it as a retreat in 2005. Today, it feels like it has always belonged here.
Set above terraced valleys with Mount Toubkal rising in the distance, the property has earned recognition from Condé Nast Traveller as one of the finest kasbah stays in the region, and holds three MICHELIN Guide Keys. Courtyards open into gardens, interiors are layered with Berber craftsmanship and collected antiques, and the pace naturally slows. Wellness here isn’t structured—it unfolds through stillness, mountain air, and a sense of space that does most of the work for you. Here’s a look inside.
Location
Located just under an hour from Marrakech, Kasbah Tamadot sits near the Berber village of Asni, which is known for its spectacular views and weekly markets. Perched above a valley, the hotel looks out across layered hills and traditional Berber settlements, offering a vantage point that feels both expansive and grounding. It’s this interplay between remoteness and cultural proximity that defines the experience: you’re not removed from Morocco, but immersed in a quieter version of it.
Accommodation
Accommodation at Kasbah Tamadot is deliberately varied, yet unified by a strong sense of place. Across its 37 rooms, suites, riads and Berber tents, no two spaces feel the same.
Rooms and suites within the main kasbah lean into traditional Moroccan design, with intricate textiles, carved wood and antiques sourced from the collection of former owner Luciano Tempo. Many open onto terraces or balconies, framing views of gardens, courtyards or the mountains beyond.
For something more immersive, the Berber tents offer a softer, more elemental stay—canvas structures elevated by thoughtful detailing, private terraces and sweeping valley views. At the top end, multi-bedroom riads provide a more residential experience, complete with private pools and rooftop spaces, blending seclusion with the warmth of a lived-in home.
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Facilities
Despite its relatively intimate scale, the resort offers a considered range of facilities that encourage both activity and stillness. There are outdoor and indoor pools positioned to maximise the mountain views, as well as tennis courts and a range of guided experiences—from hiking in the Atlas foothills to cooking classes rooted in local tradition.
The property’s connection to the Eve Branson Foundation also underpins much of its ethos, supporting local employment, artisanal training and community development.
Wellness
Wellness at Kasbah Tamadot is anchored in both place and tradition. The Asounfou Spa—named after the Berber word for “relaxation”—centres around the idea of slowing down, offering treatments that draw on both Moroccan rituals and contemporary techniques. Treatments range from relaxing massages and a Moroccan aromatherapy experience to luxury facials and nail treatments.
At its heart is the hammam, a centuries-old cleansing practice rooted in purification and renewal. Here, the ritual unfolds gradually—heat, exfoliation, and rest—creating a deeply sensory experience that feels as cultural as it does restorative.
Beyond the spa, wellness extends into the wider stay. Morning mint tea ceremonies, time spent in the gardens, or simply sitting with the shifting light across the mountains all contribute to a more intuitive form of wellbeing—one that feels less structured, but no less impactful.
Dining
Dining at Kasbah Tamadot is quietly immersive, centred around seasonal ingredients and a strong sense of place. Much of the produce is sourced locally or grown in the hotel’s own kitchen garden.
At Kanoun, the main restaurant, traditional Moroccan dishes—rich tagines, freshly baked breads, fragrant salads—sit alongside international plates, all served against a backdrop of mountain views. For something more relaxed, Asayss offers a softer, more informal setting, with communal spaces.
Experiences extend beyond the table. Cooking classes and bread-making sessions offer a hands-on way to engage with local culinary traditions, while private dining can be arranged by the pool or beneath the stars.
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Overview
Kasbah Tamadot is less about polished perfection and more about atmosphere—an experience shaped by texture, landscape and a strong sense of cultural continuity. Its accolades, from the MICHELIN Guide to recognition by Condé Nast Traveller and TIME, speak to its global appeal, but the real draw lies in something more understated.
This is a place where wellness feels unforced. Where hospitality is warm but unobtrusive. And where the most memorable moments—whether in the hammam, over a shared meal, or watching the light shift across the Atlas Mountains—tend to happen quietly, and linger long after you leave.
