Morocco / Kasbah Tamadot

With a name that means ‘soft breeze’ in Berber, Sir Richard Branson’s Moroccan retreat in the Atlas foothills transcends the merely luxurious.

Journeying up from Marrakech, passing Berber villages and people working the land that gets greener the higher you go, you’ll be forgiven for thinking the view couldn’t get any better. But then you arrive at Kasbah Tamadot and realise that this property has been perfectly positioned to take in the absolute splendour of its lush, undulating landscape and snow-capped mountains.

A tapestry of hidden staircases and tiled courtyards that appear at almost every turn, bright gardens brimming with cacti and rambling roses, and authentic hand-made touches are like an undiscovered secret perfectly wrapped up in nature’s arms. Inside, there are just 18 antique-adorned rooms and a scattering of decadent Berber tented suites perched on the hillside. There are no complaints of the lack of TVs here, as the relaxation choices are many. There’s a deep-blue reflecting pool and restful library; the smell of tagine spices lures foodies to Kanoun restaurant; and cooking lessons on the rooftop terrace are accompanied by the dramatic views. A meander through the pretty garden paths lead to tennis courts or the hammam at Asounfou Spa, but you’ll find most just can’t seem to leave their place by the infinity-edge pool at the heart of the retreat.

Travel notes:

• 18 rooms and suites; 10 luxury Berber tents individually decorated
• Guided tour of the rugged mountain terrain on foot or by mule, camel or horseback, visiting a village and taking mint tea with the locals along the way
• Eve Branson Foundation supports the surrounding Berber communities
• Open-air movie nights under the stars every Monday and Thursday evening
• The neighbouring eco-museum is just a 5 minute walk away on the edge of Toubkal National Park