Riding freely down the beach, with the sun setting over the sand ahead and the sound of the Atlantic Ocean filing my ears, was a pinch me moment to savour and remember from a trip to Morocco, staying at the award-winning Mazagan Beach Resort.
If you love to get active and try new experiences on holiday, alongside opportunities to relax, then the Mazagan Beach Resort will be your kind of place. Situated on the Atlantic coast, nestled in sand dunes on a 7km stretch of beach, an hour south of the Moroccan city of Casablanca in the Doukkala region, it’s a dramatic setting and a destination that offers plenty of action. From zip lining to surfing and quad biking to golfing, plus the large Magazan Spa, there really is something to occupy everyone, and with so much fun to be had, I literally defy anyone to get bored at Mazagan!
With so much on offer, the hotel caters for pretty much everyone, from couples or friends looking to have fun and relax or families wanting to celebrate or make special memories together. And with an array of accommodation from garden rooms to royal suites, there's an option to fit every budget.
The main attractions here include the spa and gym, with 19 treatment rooms featuring a traditional Moroccan hamman, the 18-hole golf course and driving range, and North Africa's largest casino, open 24 hours.
Kids can find their own space and activities at the Kidz Club, with activities like archery and forest riding, there's also a kids pool and water slide, and teens can hang out at the Rush Club. There's also a petting farm on the site.
With 15 restaurants and bars to choose from, foodies are well catered for. The choice includes the signature seafood restaurant, a French-style brasserie, the lobby bar Studio 42, inspired by film studios where Hollywood's golden age film Casablanca was shot. There's also a Beach Barbecue with a view over the Atlantic, and Bushra by Buddha Bar. This was our favourite dinner spot, serving delicious Lebanese Meze, perfect for sharing, alongside a DJ playing the signature chilled Buddha Bar vibes.
There's also a large suite of conference rooms for functions, if you can swing Mazagan as a work or mega wedding destination!
What is the vibe of the hotel?On arrival the hotel feels grand and sweeping in size, set in 250 acres bordering the Atlantic coastline, and with 492 rooms it is big. At the entrance you step through Moroccan arches into a lush courtyard and on into the large, polished lobby. It's the level of grandeur and luxe you would expect from the hotel group behind the Atlantis Resorts in Dubai.
I have to confess, the size and scale makes for grand first impressions, but initially it felt like it might be a little impersonal. However, we quickly figured our way around and realised the main facilities were all close by. Despite it's size, and maybe because of it, there's plenty of space so it felt surprisingly quiet, which made for a relaxing atmosphere. We found the staff were all super welcoming and helpful, which made light work of holidaying here and the tough decisions of what to do next.
The hotel layout mirrors the style of a traditional riad (Moroccan house) albeit on a larger scale, with a large, picturesque central courtyard and pool.
Rooms face in over the impressive hotel pool in the centre, bordered by majestic palm trees, or look out over the lush gardens or towards the beach for an ocean view. Interiors are comfortable and inviting, in white and neutral tones and dark woods, giving a spacious and contemporary Moroccan feel. With 492 rooms and suites, there’s plenty of different types of accommodation on offer, and 80% of the hotel's rooms are adjoining, so they are perfect for families or friends wanting to share, but also have their own space.
We stayed in adjoining ground floor patio rooms, with terraces and looking out over the pool. It was perfect spot for nipping in and out while chilling by the pool and also only a short stroll from the beach, gym or lobby restaurants.
The business of pleasure is taken seriously at Mazagan and relaxation and entertainment are offered in in equal measure. We spent our days snoozing in the sunshine by the pool, interspersed with mini adventures trying out the activities. Our highlights included the riding at sunset on the beach, quad biking on the dunes, body boarding in the enormous and surprisingly warm Atlantic waves, a relaxing massage for two in one of the double treatment rooms and plenty of family discussions during leisurely mealtimes.
If you want to head off site and discover more of Morocco, you can head into the walled town and port of El Jadida, a UNESCO heritage site just 15 minutes away. Or the hotel can arrange trips further afield to Casablanca or Marrakech (3.5 hours away).
When is the best time to go?The season runs from March to October, with warm sunny days and cooler evenings in the Spring and Autumn. We stayed for three nights in October and it was the perfect pre winter sunny escape.
We happily settled into our daily routine with breakfast at Olives buffet, a sunny stint by the pool and the afternoon trying out the activities, so we were sad to be leaving so soon. We felt there was plenty to occupy us for a week, or even a return trip. Here's hoping!
Prices start from £126 per room per night for up to 2 people, excluding the daily tourist tax. Offers include the Moroccan Coastal Getaway, with a 20% discount on the room rate and spa treatments. Activities start from £10 person.
For more from GLAMOUR's Deputy Editor, follow her on Instagram @camilla.kay
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