Rock the Kasbah
Richard Branson is adding to his collection of exclusive retreats with the opening of Kasbah Tamadot, an 18-room riad an hour's drive from the centre of Marrakech. Intricate stonework, pretty courtyards, an antique-filled interior and stunning views of the Atlas mountains are some of the features while luxury mod cons include outdoor and indoor pools, a restaurant, tennis court, spa, Turkish hamman, beauty salon and gym. It opens in December.
· From £150 per room per night, B&B; virginlimitededition.co.uk.

New star
Attractive accommodation in Florence doesn't usually come cheap, so Casabartolini, just a few minutes outside the city, is a real find. Artist owners Dario and Lucia have turned their stylish modern 1970s home into a three-bedroom B&B. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, its bright and breezy rooms and laid back atmosphere offer respite from a day's sightseeing. An old Parisian telescope allows for some star-gazing at night. Lucia is also an "incredible cook" according to Ruth Rogers of the River Cafe, one of the first to stay there.
· €75 double (€45, single use), suites from €120; 0039 055 2047493, casabartolini.it.