In 2008, Kasbah Tamadot’s Berber Tented suites took glamping to new heights, for Virgin Limited Edition’s prize Moroccan retreat. Autumn 2011 sees these hugely popular outdoor boudoirs, with panoramic views onto the Atlas Mountains, expanded with four new Suites, again designed, furnished and styled by Yvonne Golds of Real Studios.
Like the original suites, these fabric-draped dwellings combine 21st century comforts with original artefacts, fabrics and furniture sourced from local markets or commissioned from local craftsman. Their textures, colours and feel evoke a heady ‘Midnight at the Oasis’ romance to the experience, but with a slightly cleaner, more contemporary feel.
The palette this time is inspired by either sunset pinks or the blue of the dawn sky. Either blue or pink is selected for the fabric lining that drapes the inside of the tent, supported by its wooden beam structure. These ethereal tones are picked out or complemented by dark, hand carved wooden furnishings, elaborate ceramics, vintage or handcrafted lamps, and lush piles of cushions and rugs.
Each tent has a sitting room, with a step up to the luxurious bedroom area, allowing both spaces generous views out through three sets of full-height doors and windows onto the private deck with loungers, and the valley and mountains beyond.
Bathrooms are tucked away behind the bed, but offer the same range of vintage opulence and contemporary facilities. Walk-in showers feature a glazed screen door to provide a continuous view into the bathroom. A roll-top bath, double hand basins and vanity units offer luxury and convenience, along with glittering glass mosaics.
Yvonne, as before, trawled the soukhs and bazaars of Morocco to find the right assortment of fine, richly detailed furnishings. She also discovered a series of exquisite 1920s photographs of Morocco’s landscape and people, and has had images from this collection reprinted onto fabric for large cushions that adorn the double beds.
Environmental awareness is a key aspect of Virgin Limited Edition’s properties, and Yvonne sourced recycled floor tiles from Italy for the bathrooms (70% recycled material) and uses recycled car tires in bathroom stools (spray painted silver, and topped with a fabric cushion). The vintage furnishings, mirrors, rugs and screens, all sourced locally, further reduce the Tents’ carbon footprint.
Following the rapturous response to the original Berber Tented Suites, Real Studios has also refurbished Kasbah Tamadot’s restaurant, library, spa pool, and several bedroom suites.
