Les Borjs de la Kasbah, a Hotel de Charme in Marrakech, and one of our clients, has been rightly recognised for its high levels of customer satisfaction and selected as the No. 1 Hotel in Africa and No. 22 in the world in the latest Expedia Insiders’ Select Survey (http://www.lesborjsdelakasbah.com/news.php).

At different times over the past two years, five of us from Travel PR have stayed at Les Borjs de la Kasbah (plus one staff member’s lucky mum and brother) and we all agree that owners Mike and Francoise Bruce-Mitford’s (founders of VFB Holidays) responsible approach to running this hotel sets it apart from the rest. Through our work with AITO and its responsible tourism credentials, we can spot greenwash a mile off and there is plenty of it around, but not in this instance. This unusual cross between a contemporary hotel and traditional riad was created following the guidance of RT consultancy Dick Sisman & Associates to ensure best practice with regards to the local environment, something that is typically overlooked in Morocco.

Only local craftsmen were employed to renovate the former buildings and all the knowledgable hotel staff are local too. The Front Desk Manager, Mohammed is fondly remembered for his helpful manner and dry wit and we ladies will always remember our satisfaction at the amount of dead and dirty skin scrubbed from our bodies by the therapists Hasna Moutih and Fatiha Akhmassi during a two hour hammam in the hotel’s spa. The hotel staff receive regular English lessons, ongoing hospitality training and also, uncommonly in Morocco, the tips are shared fair and square amongst each and every member of staff.

Clearly, the dedication of the team and the pride they take in their work has played a major part in being awarded this latest gong, and long may it continue. Mika Bishop.