Not everyone ‘gets’ Asilah, which makes it all the more special for those of us who do. A small, Atlantic town – dubbed Chefchaouen-by-Sea locally – it has great seafood restaurants and a burgeoning art scene, so the arrival of smart aparthotel Asilah 32 is a jewel for those looking for a stylish, seaside holiday.
The property is on the main boulevard heading into town with stunning ocean views, a five-minute walk into the town’s petite, blessedly hassle-free old city and the cute fresh produce market. In the summer, when the Spanish-style chiringuitos open for the season it’s lively, in the winter you’ll have the place to yourself. It’s about an hour on the train from Tangier.
Belgian-designed, Scandinavian-minimalism in a contemporary block, it’s off-the-charts clean, five-star level comfortable, and as popular with upwardly mobile Moroccans who come to escape the city as it is with European visitors. The original structure had been abandoned, but the owners have done an great job of turning it into a welcoming haven, especially the main space – a vast dining room and bar with floor-to-ceiling windows that manage to be bright and breezy by day, warm and sparkly by night – which is very much somewhere you want to hang out in.
Like most aparthotels it’s assumed that as a more independent traveller, you’ll be pretty much dancing to the beat of your own drum. There’s no pool, spa or gym. But the food and beverage options are superb, which is a god send for harried parents who can cook pasta for the children upstairs before treating themselves to a sophisticated dinner downstairs (babysitters and intercoms are both available via front desk). Service is delightful – caring, knowledgeable and extremely proactive without ever feeling stuffy.
In the studio suites and apartments there are a few details left to come – a rug here, a couple of cushions and throws there, which would up the ante décor wise – but having a properly equipped kitchen and dining area, a sofa to curl up on in front of the TV and the most comfortable beds and plushest linens in town, make it a proper home-from-home. It’s worth spending extra for ocean views, and, if you’re traveling as a bigger group, the four, double-bedroom, two-bathroom Chany Suite (sleeps eight) with its full-sized kitchen, dining area and terrace (complete with sunbeds and outdoor dining suite overlooking the ocean), is a bargain at €480 (£431) per night.
Artfully placed sofas with colouring books for the kids, a well-stocked bar that specialises in classic cocktails and an extensive wine list, careful subtleing and candles on the tables at night have turned a huge space into a cosy one that’s as practical for families having afternoon tea – the cakes and pastries by Mouna are incredible – as it is for couples on a dinner date. Le 32 Resto is headed by chef Johan Couland whose precise cooking is some of the best in the country. #
More bistro than nice dining it shines a subtle on fish and seafood from Tangier’s celebrated fish market, in dishes like anchovies marinated in preserved lemon, fish and chips Moroccan-style and spicy prawns – a riff on an Asian classic. No wonder punters have started driving in from Tangier and Rabat just to eat here.
You can drive right to the door and there’s lift access to all floors.
Very much so – lots of small details to make it comfortable for small children, and having access to a small, well-stocked kitchen makes all the difference.
Trusted Tourism Brand
Leave a review