My Stay at Mazagan Beach and Spa Hotel Morocco

I was lucky enough to be invited to stay at the Mazagan Beach and Spa Hotel at the beginning of June 2017. I wasn’t really sure what to expect as I have never visited Morocco before however some of my colleagues had visited this hotel previously and had said how wonderful it was, so it had a lot to live up too.

We arrived into Casablanca airport on the Saturday evening and we were whisked away by the meet and greet staff from the hotel. We were taken to a private lounge to freshen up and then through the fast track of the airport – I would so recommend this to anyone as the queues were very long.

It was then just over an hours transfer to the Mazagan Beach and Spa Hotel, by the time we arrived it was dark so we couldn’t see too much of the grounds however on walking into the hotel I fell in love with it straight away. It looked typically Moroccan with the vibrant colours and fabrics and the extremely warm welcome from the staff.

We went straight for dinner to the Olives buffet restaurant which is open for breakfast and dinner and where we had breakfast on the terrace every morning. The choice was fantastic, something for everyone including Indian and Sushi, we were all spoilt for choice. After dinner we retired outside on to the terrace where we had more drinks and sampled the local Shisha pipes where it is literally flavoured nicotine free tobacco that was great fun.

The next morning we did a site inspection of the hotel and looked at various different room types of which there are over 500.  The hotel is huge and each floor has sections of Riads where the rooms are. The standards in the hotel are very high and this follows through with the staff too.  I have stayed in hotels in the Indian Ocean that are renowned for having great service, I would say from my experience this hotel is as good as any of those hotels and probably one of the best if not the best I have stayed in Europe/North Africa, nothing is too much trouble and you are made to feel very special.

There is so much to do while you are staying here from Go Karting, horse riding on the beach, quad bikes, cooking lessons to name but a few.

I was particularly impressed with the kids club as it has water slides and a sunbathing area for the parents so that they can stay with their children if they want too. They also take infants from a very young age which is great as a lot of hotels don’t do this.

After the site inspection we headed over to the Golf Club for lunch on the terrace where we served a wonderful selection of food, the dessert stood out for me as it was a chocolate brownie and it was huge!! I am sure my slice could have fed all of us.

It was then time for me to show my skills as a golfer or not as the case may be. Although the golf pro did say I had a natural swing. Craig who was leading the FAM trip was a bit of a golf hustler, made out that he wasn’t really any good and then hit all of the balls at great distance! It was really good fun on the golf range and some of the group went out onto the 18 holes to show off their skills.

That evening we ate in the Moroccan restaurant Mojarna which looks how you would imagine a Moroccan restaurant to look, opulent colours and lots of satin drapes and dark wood. I loved it I felt like I was in some exotic place in the Middle East, it didn’t feel like a typical hotel restaurant. The food was a mixture of different authentic dishes and was extremely tasty.

The following day we had day excursion into Casablanca which I was really looking forward too. The first stop was the Hassan II Mosque which is built over the waterfront. Females have to cover up to enter this mosque so I had to wear a Mazagan Hotel kaftan which was very fetching.

Inside the mosque takes your breath away with the architectural detail of the walls and ceilings all created by hand.

A bit about the mosque:
The Casablanca Hassan II Mosque is located on the Corniche waterfront. It is one of the few mosques that is open to non-Muslims, the only one in Morocco, and he must go in with a tour guide, otherwise we can only see from the doors open a few views from inside, outside of prayer times
The Hassan II Mosque or Grande Mosquée Hassan II It is the largest mosque in Morocco and the 2nd largest in the world of Mecca. Its minaret is the world’s tallest at 210 metres Completed in 1993, it was designed by Michel Pinseau and built by Bouygues. The minaret is 60 stories high topped by a laser, the light from which is directed towards Mecca. The mosque stands on a promontory looking out to the Atlantic Ocean, worshippers can pray over the sea but there is no glass floor looking into the sea. The walls are of hand-crafted marble and the roof is retractable. If you’re considering a roof replacement and the addition of a retractable roof, there are skilled roofing professionals who can provide guidance and assistance in realizing this combination. A maximum of 105,000 worshippers can gather together for prayer: 25,000 inside the mosque hall and another 80,000 on the mosque’s outside grounds.

From here we than went for lunch in a Casablanca brasserie which was exceptionally nice, we were in Morocco during Ramadan so a lot of places are closed or don’t serve alcohol but our guide found one for us that did. Although it did feel a bit strange with the guide sat at the table with us but not eating or drinking.

I was slightly disappointed with Casablanca as I was expecting cobbled streets and lovely architectural buildings but it wa nothing like that really. Was surprised to see a McDonald’s there! they just get everywhere. It isn’t a pretty city apart from the mosque, it looks like a very functional city that is extremely busy with traffic and people.

In the evening we ate in the French Restaurant Sal de Mer which translates to Food of the Sea. The food was so nice and I had my favourite dessert of the whole trip which tasted like chocolate orange!! Amazing..it was then time to head to the casino for a spot of black jack. I was hopeless but some of the gang – Mazagang as we were fondly known as were very good. Wouldn’t want to be playing for real money with them as I would come away broke.

Tuesday was the day of horse riding on the beach which I had really been looking forward too. Hmmm not sure why as it really was not for me. I started to feel nervous in the stables and they brought out a huge horse that I assumed was for Craig who is 6′ 7″ Nope! this was my horse..oh dear. I managed to get on the horse surprisingly but that is when it all went down hill for me, as soon as I was sat upright I could feel myself wobbling around and just kept thinking how on earth am I going to stay on! We walked down to the beach and I was talking to myself to try to calm myself down as I was a bit freaked out. The others were loving it but somehow for me the height coupled with the constant movement made me feel very unsafe and I just kept thinking what if I fall off and my feet don’t come out of the stirrups as I had rammed them in that far. So after doing a length of the beach and then halfway back I decided to throw in my horse riding days and walk the rest of it. Lesson learnt for me. However if you love horse riding then this really is a magnificent experience as you get to ride along the beach and in the water so it is a must.

Lunch today was at the Beach Bar and Grill and we had barbecue food which was OMG!! amazing. A big massive plate full of chicken (try this web-site for restaurant franchises) , lamb, beef, prawns, vegetables. It looked and tasted amazing.

After lunch we were taken in to the nearest town El Jadida where we did a treasure hunt in the old fort. It was a great way to see the town and learn about the history of the fort. We were split into two teams and had clues to work through. Unfortunately I was in the losing team but we still had great fun.

The hotel put a surprise party on in the Royal Suite in the evening just for us which was such a fabulous thing to do. So we spent the night drinking flowing champagne, sambucca shots and dancing to the DJ tracks. It was such a fantastic night and one that I will never forget. It just added to the already amazing trip that we were on with such a great group of people and where we were being treated like royalty.

Our last day was truly memorable we did Go Karting in the morning which I had never done before but I loved it and would definitely try that again unlike the horse riding fiasco. Then we had lunch at CHIRINGUITO BEACH CLUB where we had a meze of dishes including squid, octopus and paella. The food in this hotel is outstanding and one of the best hotels I have experienced for truly world-class dining.

In the afternoon we were taken to the Al Firma which is an outside area with little workshops and a Moroccan tent for eating dinner. We tried our hand at pottery classes, calligraphy and then we cooked the dinner that we would eat in the evening. Learning about the different spices and how to cook the chicken in the tagines was great and very enjoyable, perfect end to a perfect few days.

We then ate in the tent and had fire eaters and dancers to entertain us with the wine and food flowing, it was with sadness that we had to leave as we knew that this was the end of one of the most amazing FAM trips I have ever been on.

Summary:

Mazagan Beach Hotel and Spa is a truly fabulous hotel with amazing service and world-class food. There is something for every one of all ages to do including just lying by the pool soaking up the sun. I would go back in a heartbeat and I am already planning an organised retreat out there next year. So watch this space…

For more details or to book call 0114 3273436 or jackief@travel-pa.com

 You can see more photos in my album on my Facebook Page

Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort Morocco

Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort is a truly unique coastal family destination, less than an hours drive south of Casablanca and in a region rich in contrasts that has preserved its authenticity. Here, you will experience the most fascinating and intense of Morocco, where tradition and modernity go hand in hand and where the history and culture of the kingdom are in full swing. Situated in 250 acres of undeveloped land, it is a magnificent property inspired by Morocco, whose green tile roof installed by a reputable company, blends into luxurious vegetation. Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort is located in the heart of a green oasis and is a fun family destination. The hotel has five hundred rooms and suites with a view of the lagoon, the golf course, the swimming pool and the terrace, from the terraces down to the sea, offering a 180-degree view over the Atlantic Ocean. The view will take your breath away. The colors of the Moroccan gastronomy mix with the “kitchens of sunny areas” in the twelve restaurants and bars that make up the resort. Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort also offers a wide range of leisure activities, including a fabulous spa setting of palm trees and orange trees

Rooms in Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort

In the heart of this leafy oasis, Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, inspired by Morocco, reveals all its charm. The Grand Riad, with its ochre walls and green tiled roofs, borders a stunning swimming pool, surrounded by date palms. Covering four floors, the hotel’s five hundred rooms and suites offer spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean, the lagoons, the golf course, as well as the patio, swimming pool and gardens.

All rooms include: 

Balcony/Terrace
Air Conditioning
Television
Satellite TV
Radio
Telephone
MiniBar
Hair Dryer
Shower
Bath
Room Service
Safety Deposit Box

Activities & Facilities

Baby Sitting
Beauty Salon
Boutique/Shop
Casino
Golf
Gym
Internet Access
Kids Club
Laundry Service
Spa
Teen Club

Food and Restaurants

Al Firma

Step into Arabian Nights and dine in a fairytale setting A typical Berber tent under a beautiful starlit sky, Al Firma welcomes you. Savour authentic Moroccan cuisine, brought to you via traditional Moroccan farming heritage. A typical Moroccan decor, an ambiance worthy of Arabian Nights you’ll be transported into the magical world of Moroccan countryside. The rich menu is made up of traditional Moroccan dishes: a large selection of mezze, Moroccan salads, couscous and tagines It’s enough to make your mouth water! All our dishes are carefully prepared using organic, seasonal produce from the Al Firma garden.

Reservation is essential.

Fauchon

French food ambassador Fauchon Cafe is continuing its international expansion and opening at the heart of Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort. Fauchon Cafe invites you to discover the diversity and richness of France’s culinary heritage across a range of products and star specialisms: patisserie, baking, confectionery, savoury delicatessen and recipes from its restaurant,Fauchon Paris, Le Cafe.

Patisserie:

More than just cakes, these desserts are works of art. They combine exquisite decoration with universal flavours. As for the great classics of French patisserie, their flavours follow the seasons: an ever-changing selection of gourmet treats.

Bakery:

Elegant, warm, and very Parisian. A range of viennoiserie that combines French classics with new creations completes Fauchon’s offering.

Confectionery:

Fauchon offers a range of confectionery elevated in flavour and in colour. The finest quality, hand-picked ingredients and traditional production methods make these products truly exceptional.

Morjana

Located on the first floor of the Grand Riad, enjoy the refinement of traditional oriental decor in the Morjana restaurant. The restaurant is a subtle blend of tradition and innovation in both cuisine and presentation. From famous tajines and seafood pastillas to couscous royal and kebabs, or delicious pastries, every dish is a delight. The impressive variety of fruits, vegetables and spices which accompany the dishes all reflect the various regions of Morocco.

To bring a real oriental touch to your night, our belly dancer and live band will perform for you.

Olives

The Olive’s Mediterranean cuisine buffet restaurant is located in the heart of the resort, near the garden and swimming pool. Lunch or dinner may be served inside, in chic and elegant surroundings or on the terrace, in the shade during the hottest parts of the day. Olive’s can be either a buffet restaurant or la carte restaurant for some special events. Either way, our Mediterranean cuisine is sure to enchant. Italy and the Mediterranean are represented in all their glory here. Antipasti, salads, pasta, home-made lasagnas and pizzas are a sample of the large selection of dishes available, rounded off by a selection of traditional cheeses.

Wellness and Wellbeing

The Mazagan Spa

The Mazagan Spa, surrounded by palm and orange trees, is a genuine Moroccan spa dedicated to the pleasures of sight, touch and smell. On one side, sample the East and its ancestral beauty secrets: scrub with black soap and kiss (the traditional Moroccan glove), Argan oil massage on a hot marble table or in one of the eight private steam room cubicles, steam baths fragrant with eucalyptus etc. Enjoy relaxation together with a genuine sensorial journey. On the Western side, the prestigious range products brings together modern techniques and ancestral therapies. A savoir-faire based around natural ingredients for a fully personalised experience. Treatments are delivered by expert hands in one of the spa’s twelve cubicles. Finally, for fitness enthusiasts, gentle gymnastics, yoga or Pilates, a personalised programme with a private coach.

The Mazagan Golf Club

The Mazagan Golf Club was designed by Gary Player, the South African golfer considered one of the greatest the game has ever seen. His biggest titles were won on links courses, a major source of inspiration for creating and designing the Mazagan Golf Club. The Mazagan Golf Club is a par 72, 18-hole links course alongside the beach, following the contours of the dunes and natural features of the land. The focus was on respecting this environment, conserving its natural character and wonderful sea views. Golfers of all levels of ability are drawn to its ‘heroic shots’ and its broadened fairways are very forgiving for the less audacious player. The Mazagan Golf Club is run by Troon Golf, a company with a worldwide reputation, ensuring a personal welcome and made-to-measure service. After an invigorating round next to the sea, the Club House welcomes you to its restaurant or terrace overlooking the ocean. A bar and pro shop are also available.

My opinion of the Mazagan Beach Resort and Spa

I was lucky enough to stay at this hotel in June 2017 and was bowled over by the outstanding service and the food. It is a fabulous hotel with lots going on for all ages.

Read about my stay at the Mazagan Beach Hotel and Spa

You can read my blog post about it here:

To Book Call Jackie 0114 3273436 email: jackief@travel-pa.com 

Why visit Morocco?

Are you looking for culture, history, sun, shopping, tantalising cuisine and stunning scenery wrapped up with a touch of adventure and mystery? Look no further for this is Morocco. So near yet so far, in just over three hours from London you can find yourself immersed in an exotic world of palaces, mosques, snake charmers and story tellers.

This North African country has been influenced over the centuries by Berbers, the Roman Empire, French and Spanish. All have left their mark. Morocco has four Imperial Cities, which have been the Capitol at some point in her fascinating history. Our tour of the month, Highlights of Morocco, visits three of them, Marrakech, Rabat and Meknes.

These vibrant cities boast palaces, museums and exciting souks. The Labyrinth of streets showcase vendors offering everything from jewellery, to leather goods, musical instruments to metal work and spices to medicines for every ailment. Bargaining, of course, is all part of the fun!

Whilst western food is available Moroccan cuisine offers delicious stews, couscous and tagines. Lamb, chicken, fish or perhaps a pigeon or camel dish awaits to tantalize your gastronomic senses. Vegetarian dishes are easy to find as many speciality dishes are cooked without meat. Moroccan’s do have a sweet tooth! Sweet pastries and mint tea are not to be missed. Big on flavour and rich on colour you will not go hungry here!

The scenery is stunning as you climb in to the Atlas Mountains. Its snow-capped peaks and lush valleys peppered with mud built villages locked in time adds dimension to this intriguing landscape.

Morocco is all about experience and this is one place you will not be disappointed and at a very affordable price!

Marrakech

Years ago when I lived in Morocco I spent a fascinating ten days in Marrakech working at Hotel La Mamounia – which is still there and still fabulous.

Back then Marrakech was a colourful, lively, pink-tinged town with wide roads, horse-drawn carriages and a view of the snow-tipped Atlas Mountains in the distance. The central point was Djemm-el-Fna square where stalls selling all kinds of under-priced hand-crafted clothes and artefacts lined one side of the square and jugglers and entertainers performed in the middle. The entrance to the main souk was at the far end and snack tents served kefta and harira on the side nearest to the road and cafes.

What’s changed? Nothing! It’s as vibrant and exciting as it was in the 70s. The only difference that I could see was in the accommodation. Riads didn’t exist then. Now we have delightful small refuges, opulently furnished, in the heart of the medina so that you step out into narrow, cool, shady streets lit sporadically by the occasional shafts of sunshine that find their way in. There are also some breathtakingly fabulous new luxury hotels outside Marrakech such as Beachcomber’s Royal Palm Resort.

Prices vary wildly according to the deals we can get on flights so as with most destinations booking early can save you a lot of money. I can do a quick sweep for you to see when would be the best time to go. As always, just give me a call. No obligation.

MAZAGAN BEACH RESORT – easter offer

MAZAGAN BEACH RESORT – easter offer

MAZAGAN BEACH RESORT – summer offer

MAZAGAN BEACH RESORT – summer offer

Highlights of Morocco

Discover the imperial cities of Morocco and immerse yourself in it’s beauty, from enchanting cities of exotic Moorish architecture, bustling souks and aromatic spices, to stunning desert landscapes of golden dunes, kasbahs and oases.

Itinerary:

DAY 1: UK – Marrakech.
Fly to Marrakech where you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel for one night.

DAY 2: Marrakech – Casablanca.
Drive to Casablanca this morning and enjoy the city’s highlights on an afternoon included city sightseeing tour with a local guide.

DAY 3: Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes – Fez.
Journey along the coast road to Rabat, Morocco’s historic capital, and enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city with a local guide, including the Royal Palace, Hassan’s Tower, the Kasbah of Ouidais and the magnificent Chellah Gardens. Later, continue to Meknes, where you can enjoy this fascinating city, famous for its 16 miles of protective wall, on a sightseeing tour of the Moulay Ismail Mosque and the former royal stables and granaries. Next stop is the ancient city of Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s four splendid Imperial Cities, where you will stay for two nights.

DAY 4: Fez.
The day is yours to explore this ancient city, which occupies a position of outstanding scenic beauty. Why not join the optional city sightseeing tour to visit the huge ornate arch of Bab Boujeloud and the maze of colourful souks and spice stalls in the bustling streets and atmospheric alleyways of the old medina?

DAY 5: Fez – Atlas Mountains – Ziz Valley – Erfoud.
Today’s journey will include a scenic Middle Atlas Mountains drive with a visit to the picturesque mountain resort of Ifrane and later, a chance to view the spectacular Ziz Valley. You will stay for two nights in Erfoud, part of the oasis of Tafilalt on the edge of the mighty Sahara Desert. Explore breathtaking landscapes on Morocco desert tours, a journey unparalleled.

DAY 6: Erfoud – Rissani – Erfoud.
Today, enjoy an included visit to the fortified village of Rissani in the Tafilalt region. Nestled at the edge of the Ziz Valley, Rissani is a traditional desert village yet houses the impressive Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Sharif, the first ruler of the Alawite dynasty, which thrived here in the 17th century.

DAY 7: Erfoud – Road of 1000 Kasbahs – Ouarzazate.
Journey through the impressive Todra Gorges and past the eastern slopes of the Atlas Mountains to Tinerhir Oasis, with its green valley of palms and local villages, before continuing on a scenic drive through the Dades Valley, also known as the ‘Valley of 1000 Kasbahs’, to Ouarzazate where you’ll stay for one night. A charming oasis resort with an exotic Kasbah, Ouarzazate has been featured in several films including ‘The Sheltering Sky’.

DAY 8: Ouarzazate – Ait-Benhaddou – Marrakech.
This morning, enjoy an orientation drive of Ouarzazate and a visit to the Kasbah de Tourirt before today’s highlight: a visit to beautiful Ait-Benhaddou, the setting of many films including ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ and ‘Gladiator’. Later, continue through picturesque villages and rugged mountain scenery to the 7,414 foot high Tizi-n-Tichkas Pass, in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains, before arriving in the imperial city of Marrakech, for two nights. An optional evening excursion will be a fitting choice to end the day.

DAY 9: Marrakech.
The snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains rise majestically above Morocco’s enchanting ‘pink city’. You’ll enjoy a city sightseeing tour with a local guide this morning.

DAY 10: Marrakech – UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in either Agadir or Marrakech.

Accommodation on Tour

Marrakech: Zalagh Kasbah & Spa Hotel (4*); Casablanca: Ibis or Prince de Paris (4*); Fez: Menzeh Zalagh (3*); Erfoud: Kasbah Tizimi (3*); Ouarzazate: Ibis Moussafir (3*)

Morocco

Morocco is a country filled with natural beauty, tradition, fascinating culture and exceptional historical places to explore. The landscape is astounding and varies from the Sahara desert, mountain ranges and seaside towns.

The first thought that comes to mind when thinking about Morocco, is that this is a country living in an age long forgotten, with absolutely no freedom, or rights to women. Sadly, being a majority of Islam does mean females have virtually no rights. If you can get past this prejudice there is a country and culture filled with history, inspiration and contrasts waiting to be discovered.

People and culture

The people of Morocco are as previously mentioned a majority of Islam religion. They are hard working people with little to none earthly possessions. The rural population is very poor, planting crops or keeping livestock just to keep them from starvation.

The people are generally friendly and hospitable, unless confronted with hostility or anger. It is advised not to take any pictures of them without asking for permission before the time. Being surrounded by these uncomplicated people gives you a sense of timelessness, of being captured in history.

Accommodation

Although filled with old time charm and a poor community, Morocco has very good five star accommodations that can compete with the best in the world.

If you however like to feel more in touch with your surroundings, like to live closer to the heart beat of the country, opt for a Riadss

This is a traditional house that is converted to a small hotel or guesthouse. It is mostly situated in the older districts that are saturated with culture and history.

Attractions

The mountain ranges offer a variety of snow skiing, hiking, climbing or adventure travel. Ouka’meden resort is a casual resort that is open between February and April for skiing. It offers a variety of courses, from classes for beginners to the more advanced. You can also discover what Rincon de La Vieja National Park can offer here.

The coastal towns and their beaches bring to mind careless holidays as a child, living each day as if it is the last and enjoying every moment. It looks like the typical seaside holiday with whitewashed houses set against the blue ocean.

Assilah is an ideal little village for fishing, while Plage Quemada and Lalla Fatma have beautiful beaches for swimming and enjoying the tranquil serenity of a small town.

Windsurfing is another sport that can be enjoyed by adventure seekers. Conditions at Agadir and Esaouire are ideal for this extreme sport.

A great way to explore the natural beauty of Morocco, especially the mountain ranges, is to join an organized trek. If you have courage, a camel trek is recommended. It is great fun to see the world from a different angle, but I would not advise a trek longer than a day if camel riding is not something that you are used to.

Morocco’s cultural side is well covered by art galleries, heritage sites, mosques, museums and palaces. Visit the ancient cities of Assilah, Arottoes of Hercules and El Bahia Palace.

The museums have artefacts such as ancient manuscripts, gorgeous carpets and rugs similar to those vintage turkish rugs, extraordinary jewels and intricate pottery.

No visit to Morocco will be complete without a visit to the souks. These are little markets found all over Morocco with colourful exhibitions of hand made goods at reasonable prices. These are great for souvenirs or just to experience the true Morocco and its people. A market like this is Djemoa el fna in Marrakesh. You will be entertained and delighted by storytellers, musicians, snake charmers and acrobats while you mingle with the locals.

Conclusion

These are just a few highlights to mention. The true spirit of Morocco can only be experienced and enjoyed when you breathe the air, touch the beauty, enjoy the people, the food, and their culture. All of these are possible thanks to affordable packages like those Morocco Tours.

Palais Namaskar, Morocco

Wow….

This has to be one of my all-time favourite hotels. Set in the upmarket Palmeraie area of Marrakech, this simply stunning resort oozes luxury. Feng Shui has influenced every detail of the Palais Namaskar making it relaxing and uplifting. The grounds are well established and dotted with ornamental lakes and ponds.

The restaurant here is wonderful and if you do not see anything you like on the menu (highly unlikely) then the chef will do his utmost to accommodate your requests. The hotel will even arrange a picnic in the gardens or a romantic candle-lit dinner by the lake.

There is a very chic rooftop bar which in the evening is lit by lots of candles. I enjoyed many a well-made cocktail here.

It’s approximately a 25 minute drive from the centre of Marrakech so well situated for bagging a bargain or two.

Do not delay booking this outstanding hotel, if you are looking for stunning surroundings coupled with exceptional service then this is the place for you.

Get in touch, we have many offers here !