Kasbah Tamadot Welcomes Guests Back to the High Atlas

For many, Kasbah Tamadot’s reopening represents more than just the return of a luxury escape – it’s a symbol of hope and resilience for the High Atlas region.

Marrakech – Kasbah Tamadot, Virgin Limited Edition’s enchanting Moroccan retreat in the High Atlas Mountains, has reopened a year after a devastating earthquake shook the region in September 2023.

Nestled in Asni, near Marrakech, this stunning property has long been celebrated for its luxurious accommodations and its close connection to the local Berber community.

This bond proved especially meaningful as the staff, community members, and guests rallied together to bring the iconic kasbah back to life.

The 6.8 magnitude earthquake, which struck on September 8, claimed more than 2,900 lives and left many more injured or displaced across Morocco. Its impact on the region was profound, and the Kasbah Tamadot, like many local buildings, suffered significant damage.

Visiting the area just days after the earthquake, Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson said he was deeply moved by the resilience of the community and their unwavering hospitality despite the hardships they faced.

In collaboration with the charitable Eve Branson Foundation, the Virgin Limited Edition team quickly mobilized, raising £1 million (around 12.4 million MAD) for the Earthquake Emergency Relief Fund.

This fund provided crucial support to local families, helping them rebuild their lives and homes.

Driven by a mission to restore the kasbah to its former glory, Branson and the Virgin Limited Edition team didn’t just rebuild but reimagined the property with new spaces and offerings.

Today, the reopened Kasbah Tamadot boasts not only a fully restored main building but also a new restaurant and six unique, exquisitely designed Riads, bringing the total room count to 42.

These additions not only enhance the guest experience but also provide new opportunities for local artisans and workers, as many interiors feature handcrafted furnishings made by the Berber community.

The new restaurant, Asayss, draws on the flavors of Moroccan and international cuisine, adding a fresh culinary experience for guests who travel from around the world to dine in the heart of the Atlas Mountains.

With sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, Asayss invites visitors to enjoy a blend of traditional and contemporary flavors while immersing themselves in the region’s breathtaking scenery.

The six new Riads are the crown jewels of the expanded property. Designed in a traditional Moroccan mountain style, each Riad offers a private sanctuary that accommodates up to ten guests, making it ideal for families or groups seeking luxury with privacy.

Each bedroom has its own bathroom, lounge area, and terrace.

The jewel of each Riad is the rooftop tented suite, complete with a private hot tub and expansive views, ideal for stargazing or simply relaxing with loved ones.

A private pool area offers even more exclusivity, with soft furnishings and decor crafted by local artisans – showcasing the skill and heritage of the Berber community.

In an interview with Hotel Designs, General Manager David Redouane Assabbab expressed gratitude for the support from guests and donors alike. “We are incredibly delighted to reopen the Kasbah in full and welcome back past, present, and future guests,” he said.

“Thanks to the kindness of our guests and the funds raised through the Eve Branson Foundation, we’ve been able to assist our local communities in rebuilding their lives and their homes.”

For many, Kasbah Tamadot’s reopening represents more than just the return of a luxury escape – it’s a symbol of hope and resilience for the High Atlas region.

Kasbah Tamadot has long prided itself on its integration with and support for the Berber community, employing locals in every role, from the chefs who bring Moroccan flavors to life to the artisans who craft the interiors.

This ethos is amplified in the rebuilt property, which showcases Berber craftsmanship and supports local businesses, sustaining the community as they rebuild and recover.

The journey of Kasbah Tamadot from devastation to revitalization reflects the spirit of Morocco and the strength of its people.

Today, guests who stay at the kasbah contribute directly to the continued support and development of the region.

As they immerse themselves in the luxury of private pools, panoramic mountain views, and bespoke Moroccan decor, they’re also becoming part of a larger story—one of resilience, community, and hope.

Photo credits: Virgin Limited Edition