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Richard Branson Rocking the Kasbah in Morocco

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: BP 67, Marrakech, Morocco, 042150

April 8, 2008 at 5:27 PM | 0 Comments

If you've seen Casablanca, you've dreamt of nights spent at the kasbah, no? Rest assured there are plenty of riad and kasbah accommodations throughout Morocco; some remain empty and some like the Kasbah Tamadot have been turned into luxury retreats.

At the bidding of his mother, Sir Richard Branson bought this property as he began a round the world hot-air balloon excursion from Marrakech. He renovated the magical walled-in building and, in 2005, it became the latest addition to his Virgin Limited Edition portfolio.

Amidst the fairy-tale setting, you'll find 18 individually designed guest rooms, each one offering some sort of outside space, be it a balcony, terrace or private rooftop area, with magnificent views.

There's no lacking for luxe in the rooms, with beautiful terracotta tile floors, carved wooden chests, and mosaic ceilings. Wooden king-size and four-poster beds were made special for the hotel, and a few can be unzipped to make twins.

You'll want to slip your feet into the Moroccan slippers and plush robe before you jump on the comfy bed with cool crisp cotton linen. And if the mood suits you, the hotel will even deliver a DVD player and CDs right to your room, choosing from the Top 50 titles at Virgin Megastores, of course.

On the kasbah's ground level you'll find the Virgin Touch Salon, the traditional Moroccan Hammam and spa, indoor pool and access to the outdoor pool and Master Suite ( a miniature kasbah of your own at the bottom of the garden). Spend your days getting pampered in the Salon and spa, enjoy the tennis courts, swim or explore the gardens.

When night falls the lure of the romantic Kanoun restaurant beckons, with haute cuisine, cozy fireside bar, stunning dining area with terrace and more breathtaking views of the old and pink city of Marrakech below. Just 45 minutes away, the city offers exotic shopping, palace visits, even golf. But if none of this grabs you, like the hotel's owner you can take a hot-air balloon ride, with sunrise trips that last an hour and include breakfast in a nearby Berber village.

All of this doesn't come cheap, but rates do include breakfast and taxes. During low season rates start at USD $455. Book the Master Suite with three bedrooms in high season and you'll shell out USD $2,400.

Mr. Branson's hotel collection includes other spectacular resorts including Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in South Africa, The Roof Gardens in Kensington, London, The Lodge in Verbier, Switzerland, and Sa Terra Rotja in Mallorca.

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Author Photo: mytwocents by mytwocents

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