Bargain five-star resort just three hours from the UK with seafront quad-biking, a huge beach and famous golf-course
FANCY some five-star luxury in an exotic location at an affordable price – oh, and just a short flight from the UK?
Try the Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, a one-hour drive from Casablanca.
Set in its own four-mile stretch of stunning white sands, it offers relaxation and adventure in equal measures.
Everything on this incredible 250-hectare estate exudes luxury — from the many restaurants, cafes and bars to the biggest casino in North Africa.
The two jewels in the crown are the huge beach and the 18-hole golf course designed by nine-time major champion Gary Player.
A round on the beautiful course, which hugs the coastline, is about £50 during the summer months but falls to about £41 in the winter.
I was given an hour’s lesson by the club professional, who tried and failed to correct my wayward swing, before a tour of the course, which is Morocco’s longest and offers breathtaking views.
Other activities include exhilarating quad bike rides, which I did on my first day, cutting through the fresh sea air.
On my second day, I visited the hotel’s stables, which are home to ten horses and some donkeys.
The experience of horse-back riding on the beach as the sun set was unforgettable — although I’m not sure my trusty steed enjoyed it as much as I did.
Other activities include archery and mini golf, both of which are complimentary for all guests.
For holidaymakers who enjoy a little bit more adrenaline, you can try paintballing and go-karting.
Parents who want time to themselves can also take advantage of the kids’ club.
It runs until 8pm and includes a swimming pool with a flume and a play park.
There is also a spa where guests can enjoy the usual mix of massages, facials and other relaxing treatments.
The resort has a traditional Moroccan hammam too, where guests can drift into a slumber while being bathed and scrubbed in a lavish marble and mosaic steam room.
In the high season, there are 1,800 staff working at the 500-room resort.
And you will see why when you sit down to dine or drink at any of the hotel’s restaurants and bars.
Complimentary breakfast at the Olives restaurant includes cooked-to-order omelettes and a vast array of cold and hot buffet dishes such as yoghurts and pastries, delicious beef sausages and sauteed potatoes.
Standout for an al-fresco lunch or dinner has to be the Buddha Bar beach restaurant
Standout for an al-fresco lunch or dinner has to be the Buddha Bar beach restaurant.
There’s a serious beach club vibe here along with Asian-influenced food, including fresh sushi platters, superb salads and freshly-shaken cocktails.
A three-course lunch will set you back around £40pp, excluding drinks.
And by night, dinner at the resort’s Bushra restaurant promises Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine alongside traditional entertainment.
There was a band playing Middle Eastern-inspired music when I tucked into a feast of chicken tagines and barbecued meatballs with roasted vegetables.
A three-course dinner is around £35 per person, excluding drinks.
After dinner, I explored the hotel’s casino, which is the largest in the region and is open for 23 hours a day.
Be warned, there is a dress code and holidaymakers in flip flops will be turned away.
The casino serves drinks and snacks round the clock and offers a variety of games including blackjack, roulette and poker.
If you are looking for further late-night refreshments, the Mazagan’s cocktail bar, which is inspired by 1942 film Casablanca, serves classic drinks along with a few of the hotel’s own creations.
Guests can enjoy live jazz bar-style music while staff serve cocktails straight to your table.
Heading back to your room could also be just as tempting.
There’s a modern take on Moroccan style with subtle geometric patterns, carved wood, intricate metal lamps and plush upholstery.
There is a range of room types, from family rooms featuring two queen-size beds right up to opulent suites.
Buzzing markets
If you’re looking for culture outside the Mazagan, you can venture into the city of El Jadida, a ten-minute drive away.
The vibrant town is full of buzzing markets selling fresh food and colourful ceramic pots.
A chicken tagine meal, packed with meat, potato and veggies, costs £2 — and that’s with a pitta bread.
Within El Jadida is a fortified city, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, also named Mazagan, which is now a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Its streets contain stunning graffiti art as well as shops selling pottery, original paintings and prints.
For guaranteed sunshine and warmth year-round with great service and a huge number of activities, this Moroccan coastal resort has it all.
GO: MOROCCO
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ B&B at the 5H Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort is from £795pp including flights from London with Royal Air Maroc.
See kenwoodtravel.co.uk.
MORE INFO: The Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort has rooms this winter from £150, while the high-end suites start at £400.
Families of four can also get 15 per cent off room rates and spa treatments, while golfers can buy special packages including complimentary rounds and lessons.