USP Forget fancy treatments - just breathing in the air and view will knock years off your life. A secluded location with wonderful vistas down the valley to the snow-capped High Atlas mountains.

AMBIENCE Eden-like gardens and "fruit-salad" orchards literally adorn an infinity-edge pool. The petal-strewn spa has a smaller (and warmer) pool with loungers and a screened section for manicures.

There is no chic reception, just three treatment rooms - one in a plant-clad "cottage" in the courtyard. Staff is three therapists from the Virgin team, who do three-month stints before returning to Virgin's in-flight spa service, and two local Berber women who work in the dome-shaped hammam.

Dark wooden furniture, moroccan lanterns and bright cushioned beds line the pool. Hot basalt stones lie on the step outside the pool after cleaning, soaking up the sun's energy ready for treatments.

Related Internet Links

• For more than 270 spa reviews

BACKGROUND

• Palais Rhoul and Spa, Marrakesh, Morocco

• One big party in Morocco

• Top 10 breaks to get you out of a rut

10 classic lifestyle holidays

We've sifted through our archive to dig out the most spiritually uplifting breaks to help you feel good

• The Good Spa Guide: Budget

Related Links

• Maison MK Spa, Marrakech

EXPERIENCE For more than half an hour I was doused in buckets of barely bearable hot water, cleaned with rich argan and eucalyptus oil soap, runny mud and scrubbed all over with an abrasive mitt. Then I was doused some more - prone on a wet towel, sat upright and standing. My hair was washed and conditioned with strong hands working the nape of my neck and the back of my head.

I had my treatment mirrored by a friend sitting opposite - so we shared the winces and stings of hot water in the rawly open pores. Not exactly laid-back pampering but invigorating nonetheless and - I would spare you the detail - the dry skin and dirt just rolls off.

FOOD AND DRINK Tchaba teas that come in handcrafted, bio-degradable sachets - serve yourself from the silver tea urn.

The restaurant above the spa has a tempting range of tagines, including a breakfast one of baked eggs, tomatoes, bacon and roasted apple. Home-made yoghurt, an impressive selection of dried fruits, breads and cakes - including wheat-free options - and freshly-squeezed OJ make breakfast on the terrace a treat.

IN CROWD Sir Richard Branson's global "family": there are only 18 guest rooms and I counted German, French, American, Russian, Australian and English (from essex and Putney). Well-off 30-somethings upwards.

WALLET WATCH Individual treatments are quite expensive by Moroccan prices, poised just above the UK's going rate. The Moroccan Experience hammam lasts for 45 minutes and costs 450dh (£31); a 30-minute back, neck and scalp massage costs 550dh (£38). A two-hour Asounfou full-body massage with a Yon Ka facial costs 1,700dh (£117).

The three-night High Atlas Spa Package starts from €940 (£742) per person based on two people sharing a double room and includes: daily breakfast; return transfers; 3 dinners; the Moroccan Experience - a traditional deep cleansing & purifying Hammam followed by a 60-minute full body massage; a Yon Ka facial chosen by your therapist especially for your skin followed by an express manicure and pedicure.

The four "Heaven's Angels" treatments start from 900dh for a 60-minute foot, face, neck and scalp treatment and 15 per cent of the cost goes to the Virgin Unite charity.

For more details call: 0800 716 919 or visit www.virginlimitededition.com

NEED TO KNOW Kasbah Tamadot, Asni, Marrakech, Morocco (212 (0) 24 82 00; www.kasbahtamadot.virgin.com)

Times recommends

• Oasis of the Seas: the Times review
• The 20 best new year party places to stay
• Green Spaces 2009: are you the winning writer?