Kasbah Tamadot, Morocco
Where is it? An hour's drive south of Marrakesh, Kasbah Tamadot is the latest in Richard Branson's growing portfolio of former hideaway-turned-chic luxury hotels. Like his other upper-echelon sanctuaries (Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands, and Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, South Africa), it occupies a rarefied perch, in this case literally: Tamadot stands at 1,300 metres, alongside a couloir in the foothills of Morocco's saw-toothed High Atlas Mountains.
Contemporary or classic? Stocked with African artefacts, Indian and Far Eastern antiques, Murano chandeliers and hand-carved Indonesian sculptures and statues, the 18-room crenellated riad (traditional house) is decidedly classic. Behind its vast Moorish-style doors, which are flanked by two majestic stone lions, guests find a warren of mosaic-covered courtyards and canopied arcades, azure reflecting pools, intricately carved walls and bonsai-perfect terraced gardens, which cascade down to a cliff-side infinity pool encircled by rose and cactus plants and fruit trees.
Who should visit? Clued-up travellers and reticent holidaymakers seeking genuine rest and relaxation, as opposed to an escape where they want to see and be seen, plus couples and newlyweds looking for a bolt-hole that is unpretentious but exclusive.
What is there to do? Sporting activities include hiking, trekking, horse-riding, swimming and tennis in summer, and skiing and the use of the petite indoor pool and fitness centre in winter. But most guests are perfectly content to while away the hours poolside or in their antique-flavoured Frederic Scholl-designed quarters, which feature king-sized four-poster beds, balconies, gilt furniture and picture windows, to frame the panoramic mountain views. Rooms come without television sets, although they will be supplied, with DVD players, on request. Some guests head to the library for its selection of hardcover books and high-speed internet access; idlers may make for the hammam and small spa.
What's on the menu? South African chef and long-term Branson employee Jean Mundell-Murphy, the architect of the French-African cuisine served at Kanoun, Tamadot's restaurant, jumped at the chance to head to the highlands. Her dishes, served on a candle-lit rooftop terrace with views of the Ourika Valley and the hillside Berber village of Asni, do their best to eschew tajine but skilfully combine locally sourced produce and native flavours.
