Tag Archives: morocco travel

Kasbah Tamadot. Atlas Mountains, Morocco

Hotel of the Week, , , , , , , , ,

Walking into Kasbah Tamadot is like walking into Aladdin’s castle. Sir Richard Branson’s stunning retreat, originally a private residence, is nestled in the foot of the towering Atlas Mountains in the Berber region. 

As you are driving up to the retreat, the red clay and mud wall towns surrounding the Kasbah are reminiscent to the real ancient Morocco. This area dates back to the 16th century and any new buildings such as the Kasbah have stayed true to that century, most of them avoiding any kind of modernization.

The hotel was a private residence for an Italian merchant in the early 1980’s until it was sold to Sir Richard Branson in 1998 and opened as a hotel in 2005. His mother happened to stumble upon this magnificent home during one of her trips, before telling her son he needed to buy it and turn it into a luxury hotel. 

Since then, Virgin did a mayor renovation adding spectacular tents, upgrading the existing bedrooms and building a gigantic breathtaking pool.

The service from the moment you set foot in the hotel is superb. You have a delicious cold towel, delicious Moroccan tea and appetizers waiting for you while you check in. Then they swiftly take you to your uber chic room and drill you on the amazing activities during your stay. Make sure you request the Afulky Berber Tent during your stay if possible, the private jacuzzi overlooking the second highest peak in Africa is pretty amazing.

Your days will be filled with relaxing hours next to the spectacular pool, unforgettable hikes, traditional Moroccan delicatessens, dinners in the middle of olive tree gardens and outdoor screening of classical films like Casablanca. Dream come true!

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Royal Mansour. Marrakech, Morroco.

Hotel of the Week, , , , , ,

 

Bordering with the 11th century Medina, lies the most fantastic spot in Marrakech, The Royal Mansour Hotel. Walking into the hotel is to step into the vision of a grand Moroccan palace. And not just any vision, but the vision of the King of Morocco, who oversaw its construction over five years, completing it in 2009. The artisanal details are stunning; from the meticulously hand carved white plaster along the walls to the intricately laid marble and tile covering the floors.

With only 26 riads in total (mostly occupied at all times) the extensive grounds make you feel like you are the only guest in the hotel. The two and three bedroom riads are perfect for a family getaway, and the one bedroom riad is ideal for a romantic escape for two.

The spa is carefully decorated with white marble and white iron, transmitting a relaxing vibe. The deep tissue massage is second to none, be sure to ask for Nagiba for the best massage of your life. After the treatment, the relaxing room was the second best thing, comprised by little nooks with heavenly pillows, beds and treats.

They have three restaurants, La Grande Table Marocaine, La Grande Table Francais both for dinner and the main breakfast and lunch restaurant. The Moroccan restaurant is a must try the day you get there. The lamb shoulder with couscous will forever be in my list of what to order when in Royal Mansour.

Everything about the hotel is grandiose–the hallways and common areas are expansive, the rooms are all individual riads laid out on three stories, the palm trees rival the tallest buildings in the city. Every inch of the hotel is full of natural light, soothing fountains, and ever-attendant staff happily fulfilling ever request “with the pleasure”.

My stay was truly a regal one.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.