Immersing oneself in local traditions and discovering community stories is an integral part of the experience at Kasbah. The same year Sir Richard Branson acquired Kasbah, his late mother, Eve Branson, launched the Eve Branson Foundation, which focuses on enhancing the lives of the local populace. There are three craft centers where local women develop and hone their artisan skills, including weaving, woodworking, and embroidery. I visited one such center, where artisans worked at their looms, and I bought a fringed chocolate-brown rug adorned with a lozenge motif, symbolizing femininity and strength.
The next day, I went hiking with a local guide and explored a nearby village. The remnants of the earthquake are still deeply felt, yet a local family graciously invited us into their home for tea, warm round bread, fresh apricots, and soft j’ben cheese. It was a moving experience, despite our attempts to communicate through limited French and English.
Meanwhile, the spa at Kasbah is named “Asounfou,” the Berber term for relaxation. I indulged in a traditional Hammam experience, a revered practice for centuries, featuring purifying black beldi soap and argan oil to cleanse the skin and hair, a complete body exfoliation, and a soothing quartz crystal massage. I left feeling rejuvenated, and the sight of a magenta sunset over the mountains, with nearby donkeys braying, made me a bit emotional.
Photo: Jack Brockway
