The return of the Kasbah

With far ranging views across the High Atlas Mountains, Sir Richard Branson’s Moroccan mountain Kasbah Tamadot had become a part of the local landscape and Morocco’s Berber community. However when an earthquake struck the region with devastating consequences for many, the hotel also fell victim.

“It was devastating to see the impact of the earthquake last year, when I visited just days after,” said Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson. However, it was the community’s warmth and continued hospitality in the face of such adversity that encouraged the Kasbah Tamadot staff team – made up 100 per cent by Moroccans – to come together with the Berber communities to support the relief efforts.

Alongside the efforts of the charitable association, The Eve Branson Foundation, a whopping £1 million was raised for the Earthquake Emergency Relief Fund. Branson added that it was the locals’ tremendous resilience and determination that drove his desire to “bring back the Kasbah Tamadot better then ever.”

Image credit: Virgin Limited Edition

Now, a year later, the mountain Kasbah has reopened with the main building fully restored, a brand-new second restaurant, the Asayss, and six brand-new unique and stunning Riads. The property has now grown in size and hosts 42 rooms and suites in its entirety.

Image credit: Virgin Limited Edition

The new three-bedroom Riads are individually decorated in a traditional Moroccan mountain style and sleep up to 10 guests in the lap of luxury, welcoming families or groups looking for a bit more privacy. Each of the bedrooms has its own bathroom, lounge area and terrace, while the Riad as a whole features a rooftop tented suite with a hot tub as well as a private pool area. Continuing to support the local community, the Riad’s interiors are home to soft-furnishings handmade by the Berber community.

Talking of the Kasbah Tamadot’s reopening, General Manager David Redouane Assabbab said: “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.”

“I know I speak on behalf of the whole team to say how incredibly delighted we are to be reopening 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.”

Main image credit: Virgin Limited Edition