The Ultimate Luxury Getaway on the Moroccan Coast

Casablanca is the heart of the Maghreb region in western Morocco. The coastal city has a refreshing Atlantic feel making it popular with swimmers and surfers alike. The climate is more manageable here due to the ocean, so when Marrakech is hitting record highs in the summer you can always escape the heat by taking a 3 hour train ride to the coast.

If you’re flying in then Mohamed V airport is a modern, tourist-friendly entry point which is an excellent gateway to the country. I arrived here late on a Friday night via a direct flight from London – and was whisked through the intermittent fog that was rolling in from the sea – to my home for the weekend.

At first light the next morning, I could fully appreciate Magazan Beach & Golf Resort in all its expansive glory. Located 90 km south of Casablanca, in El Jadida, capital of the Doukkala region, this previously unexplored region of Morocco benefits from year-round temperate weather and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The resort covers 250 acres boarding a 7 km stretch of white sandy beach. With its ochre walls and green tiled roofs, the resort is designed to resemble an authentic “medina”. You can peer through ornate openings along the corridors and vestibules to your room and feel like you are in an ancient fairytale, albeit with a large pool glistening in inviting tones.

492 rooms and suites, 15 bars and restaurants, an award-winning spa, a nightclub, the biggest casino in North Africa, one of the largest conference centres in the region, 67 private villas and an 18 holes golf course, designed by the legendary Gary Player, make this one of the most sought after places to stay in the world.

Seasonal restaurants make the most of the outdoor space with beach club style dining on offer in the summer and more traditional options available throughout the year. The spa combines Moroccan hammam treatments and interiors with private cabins. The relaxation area has some of the best views I’ve ever experienced, and the same can be said of the fully-equipped gym too.

For golfers the course here is regarded as one of the best in the region. It sits far enough away to never feel intrusive for other guests, but close enough to be a short walk from the hotel lobby to the first tee for those looking to play a round. I was more interested in heading to the beach, which was a pleasant swim at dusk and in the day the perfect spot for horse riding through gentle waves. I took an additional few hours to ride a quad bike through the undulating dunes that separate part of the hotel grounds from the sea, and was able to explore the entire length of the property.

Prices start from £138 per room per night for up to 2 people, excluding the daily tourist tax. Offers include the Moroccan Shoreline Retreat with a 25% discount on the room rate and up to 20% discount on spa treatments. Activities start from £10 person.

Before making an excursion to the iconic port city, you’ll want to take some time to visit the ancient Portuguese port of El Jadida, now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The impressive fortified towns and their walls have stood above their inhabitants for hundreds of years, and have witnessed different cultures and powers come and go through the years. The town hosts many festivals and colourful souks while the centre of the Citadelle is home to a large underground arms room that was converted into a water cistern in 1941 to provide water in the event of a siege. The legendary film director Orson Wells used the site to film the scenes in his iconic film Othello in 1952. Once known as ‘Magazan’, El Jadida actually means ‘The New One’.

Onto Casablanca, considered as the beating heart of Morocco’s economy and business. The Port of Casablanca is one of the largest artificial ports in the world, and the largest port of North Africa. Aside from business, Casablanca is home to the Hassan II mosque, designed by French architect Michel Pinseau. It’s the largest mosque in North Africa and one of the grandest in the world. An intricate mix of local wood carving, marble sourced from various parts of the country and handmade fabrics, the mosque welcomes tours which can be booked on arrival. Just be wary of prayer times, as this is primarily still a functioning place of worship.

The Arab League Park is the city’s largest public park. On the edge of the garden is Casablanca’s Sacré-Coeur Cathedral, a splendid example of Moorish architecture. The Old Medina (predating the French protectorate) is also great to shop for souvenirs, leatherwork and spices. You’ll notice a shift from the touristy part of the Medina to the areas used by locals, and this is where you’ll find the best bargains. Haggling is part of the purchasing process here, but never be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t take your fancy.

Real-life Rick’s Cafe is a popular spot for dining and drinks. Its worth booking in advance via their online portal and the food is decent. Drinks might be above the average price for Casablanca, but let’s be honest you’re only really going to spend time here to pay homage to the famous gin joint from the 1942 movie. The dress code is supposed to be quite strict, but when I dropped by people were rocking up in flip flops, swimwear and baseball caps. Humphrey Bogart would never have allowed that!

You can cram a lot in, just as I did, over the course of a weekend. Magazan Beach & Golf Resort is a superb escape for a decadent Moroccan weekend, especially if you want more space than the typical city property can offer. Casablanca is just a short drive away if you are craving the buzz of North African cities, and then the relaxing nature of Magazan is a welcome contrast.