Agadir has long been overshadowed by Morocco’s imperial cities, but to pass up the opportunity to spend a little time at the Fairmont Taghazout would be to miss out not only on one of Morocco’s hottest new openings, but also one of its brightest new destinations.
About 45 minutes’ drive from Agadir airport – and from the city itself – so car hire, or transfer arranged by the hotel, is essential. Once ensconced prepare to feel less then inclined to leave this sprawling, sand-toned resort that wraps itself along Taghazout Bay offering grand Atlantic views from every angle.
Hewn of local stone and wood that blends seamlessly with the desert-like environment, the resort tumbles in a series of shallow terraces and low-rise buildings down to one of Morocco’s most pristine coastlines. Long beloved by the surf and yoga set, its arrival brings a more grown-up cool to the area.
Gleaming floor-to-ceiling windows bring the intensely blue outside into pared-back communal spaces featuring contemporary Moroccan handcrafts and furniture. All doors seem to open onto smart, shaded terraces, or sunken gardens discreetly scented by the herbs and flowers that will eventually make their way into your cocktail.
It is the epitome of bright and breezy, with a hefty sprinkling of serene and soothing thrown in – the kind of place where, by the time you’ve walked from the front desk to your room, your cares and worries will have drifted away like the early morning mist.
In a country known for its hospitality, the team here are particularly bright and cheery, eagerly helpful and infectiously enthusiastic about both the hotel and the region. They ooze pride and it’s impossible not to be charmed from the outset.
Sprawling gardens burst with endemic species and are intersected by stone paths that wind their way always to the beach. You could take the golf cart, but it’s so much nicer to stroll and happen upon the surprises as you go. Two granite-lined pools – one for families, the other adults-only complete with swim-up bar and four-poster day beds discreetly veiled by purple-tinged elephant grasses and lavender – form the nucleus of the property. A spa spread over two levels offers classic Moroccan beauty rituals, several massage rooms, a yoga studio, hammam and salt-water pools.
Directly in front of the property a boardwalk runs from an iconic surf break at Devils Point along the length of the beach, and a carefully curated programme of locally immersive activities ranges from surf and yoga workshops to visits to Argan oil co-operatives, hiking in the Anti-Atlas’ hidden valleys and sunset fishing trips (take your catch to the Reef and Beef and they’ll be happy to cook it for you).
Sleek, minimal and supremely comfortable with king-sized or twin beds piled high with snowy linens, deep bathtubs and rain showers. There’s plenty of storage space, minibars stocked with gourmet treats and a generously proportioned desk, but the place to be is on your balcony – all rooms have them – drink in hand, watching the sun set over the Atlantic.
Start the day at The Commons where you can feast on the likes of m’semen (a tender Moroccan breakfast pancake folded into handkerchief-like squares and topped with butter and local honey), wood-fired focaccia and perfectly poached eggs and smoked salmon.
Tuck into Dahkla oysters, tasty grilled chicken and Tomahawk steaks at Beef and Reef then head down to the beach terrace for a glass of fizz from the champagne cart. Time it for late afternoon and you’ll see horses gallop through the surf, youngsters playing football, and the odd camel lolloping lazily by.
Dress for dinner at the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Morimoto, where the lauded chef has put together an intriguing Japanese menu with Moroccan accents including a superlative locally caught toro with preserved lemon. Finish the night at Nola, serenaded by a jazz duo and a marvellously decadent Taghazout Old Fashioned – bourbon with date syrup and cardamom bitters.
Paths and entryways are broad, there are lifts to different levels and there are plenty of staff on hand to help with anything you might need.
Yes, with kids’ and teens’ clubs as well as child-friendly menus in all the restaurants and plenty of space to let off steam on the beach.
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