Stay Here: Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, MoroccoBy Katrina Mirpuri

There are very few moments in my life when I remember feeling euphoric in the morning, as I’m simply not a morning person.

Picture this: I clambered out of bed, opened my curtains and I was met with a scene which I thought only belonged in films or dreams – a troop of horses galloping on Casablanca’s scenic sandy shoreline. After a stay at Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort, you’ll probably feel like you’ve starred in a film too. Here’s what you need to know about this 5* hotel:

Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort: The Location

Mazagan Resort is ideal for people that want to escape the madness of city life. It’s an hour and a half from the airport by car meaning its far out enough for peace, calm surroundings and stunning untouched views. Located on the beautiful coast of Casablanca, Mazagan is perfect for beach lovers as its sandy white strip looks out over the vast Atlantic.

It’s location is ideal for a relaxing stay, but also in close enough proximity to the old town of El Jadida for those who want to explore of the authentic Moroccan spice markets and historic landmarks. Just a 20 minute drive from the resort, El Jadida offers honest market prices without the worry of being overcharged. Stalls selling fruit, nuts and olives thrive as locals buy these on a regular basis. The small and charming clothes market sells colourful Moroccan kaftans and hand sewn materials that match the city’s colourful palette. While there, a visit to the 16th century cistern is a must  – its stunning symmetrical architecture was excavated for the public to see its natural form in an underground chamber.

Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort: The Resort

The spacious resort spans a whopping 250 hectares, making it feel less like a hotel and more like a small town. Despite so many guests staying at the huge complex, it rarely feels like the resort is busy. Staff are attentive and there’s always a place to enjoy your own privacy. The ground floor has its own bar and seating area which hosts live music in the evenings making good use of the lobby piano that stands as a centrepiece. Guests can enjoy nibbles and cocktails in the open plan flower-filled bar before heading to one of the many on-site restaurants.

Shopping can be a stressful task for some on holiday as it requires you to leave the hotel and browse various outlets for the perfect purchase or gift. As someone who doesn’t have the attention span to shop for more than an hour, I found the shops in the resort extremely useful as I was able to buy bespoke Moroccan products without straying too far. Elegant shops surround the ground floor selling Moroccan perfume, clothes and locally sourced products. 

Visiting the spa almost feels like you’ve left the resort and walked into a private quarter. Its lounge chairs and water features are enticing and encourage maximum zen. Massages, facials and beauty treatments are available to book during the day in addition to the impressive hammam and hot and cold saunas.

Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort: The Rooms

Views of the ocean steal the eye becoming the centrepiece of the room and a charming fragrant smell fills the air. I soon learnt that the fresh smell is orange blossom which is famously known to be used as an aphrodisiac (I’m not sure if this was intentional or not). Rooms are in the style of traditional Moroccan suites – think grand features with homely touches. 

Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort: The Food

With 7 restaurants on-site and 5 outdoor beach eateries, guests are spoilt for choice. The Market Place buffet restaurant is a culinary spectacle which serves food from across the globe whilst the Sel De Mer restaurant boasts a much more luxury dining experience with a fresh seafood bar and a fantastic selection of wines.

Formal and casual dining is available however; a stay at Mazagan is not complete without dining at the hotel’s authentic Moroccan restaurant Morjana. With tajines, couscous and pastry present in many dishes, Morjana expresses the savoury and sweet flavours of Moroccan cuisine in a beautifully traditional setting.

Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort: The Activities

Mazagan’s impressive 18 hole golf course is named after top golfer Gary Player who designed the course with the intention of it being a unique challenge. The course snakes along the stunning coast up hills and valleys offering golfers a sparkly view whilst playing. At 6,885 yards the course easily wins the spot as Morocco’s finest course and is considered as one of Africa’s best golf academies for beginners.

As a lover of the outdoors, I was able to make the most of Mazagan’s activities; Horse riding on the beach was a particular highlight as I was matched with a horse from the stables and guided by a more experienced rider. The long strip of private beach means galloping away into the sunset can be made into a reality. If animals aren’t your thing, then quad bikes are available to rent to take out onto the beach.

Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort: The Verdict

A stay at Mazagan is unforgettable as life suddenly becomes stress-free and surreal. With great food and culture at your fingertips, Mazagan leaves you feeling pampered and refreshed whilst surrounded by friendly staff and glorious gardens.

For more information on Mazagan –  visit the website here. 

Km 10, Route de Casablanca، El Jadida 24000, Morocco