StyleNest head to warmer climates this summer to visit the five star, family friendly Mazagan Beach Resort, Morocco.
If the unpredictability of the UK weather puts you off a staycation but the thought of flying long-haul with little ones in tow leaves you with cold feet, then StyleNest have found the answer. We visited Morocco in search of a luxury, family friendly resort and found that it is possible to have a holiday that appeals to both big kids and small, in the shape of the five-star Mazagan Beach Resort.
We arrive at night and as we approach, are met with what appears to be a small city ablaze with hundreds of twinkling lights. In fact this is not a city but the impressive Mazagan Resort. Set over 617 acres, it is designed to mimic the traditional Moroccan ‘Grand Rhiad’ turreted building and the effect is breathtaking. Once inside, we are greeted by the opulent main atrium organised around a central communal area and home to the reception area, souvenir shops, several restaurants and a casino.
Off the main atrium are the corridors leading to the hotel’s 500 rooms. Connected by spacious open-air corridors decorated with pretty mosaic tiles, Moroccan lamps and soothing water features, each area is slightly different to another making navigation a breeze. The rooms are effortlessly tasteful – furnished with traditional dark wood and a balcony boasting impressive views of either the pool or the Atlantic Ocean.
The hotel pool is rather impressive in scale so there’s no need to worry about fighting over a sun lounger here, with each side abundantly flanked with comfortable sun-loungers, parasols and curtained off day-beds, should you want to escape the midday sun. There’s even a handy cafe/bar where you can grab a post-swim snack for the little ones.
Although the main pool is more than child-friendly, boasting a lifeguard and plenty of room for a proper swim, there is a smaller secluded baby pool en route to the resort’s private beach. With its own waterfall and slide it’s perfect for smaller children to splash about in and the loungers are within a stone’s throw of the pools edge, leaving you free to relax in full view of the water.
If the pool doesn’t take your fancy then the resort’s very own impressive 7km stretch of white sandy beach might do. Home to the surf school, riding stables and brand new, ‘Ibiza-style’ Chiringuito beach club restaurant, you can happily fill your afternoon with a trek along the water’s edge, learning to windsurf or taking part in any number of activities on offer. Though if adrenaline isn’t really your thing, then Chiringuito’s is the perfect place to take in the atmosphere with a cool drink and some delicious tapas.
The Mazagan Beach Resort is home to an impressive choice of nine restaurants and two bars, so there really is something for every mood and palate. Morjana and Sel de Mer are the resort’s dedicated fine dining experiences, offering a wide range of delicious, seasonal a la carte cuisine. Olive’s and Market Place are excellent child-friendly buffet options and for quick-eats; Oasis, Palm Grill and Club House are perfect for a drink and some pre-dinner nibbles. If you are in search of traditional Moroccan fare, then we can recommend Morjana, where the tagines are among the best we’ve ever tasted.
The resort is also home to an impressive spa. With an extensive treatment list on offer, we opted for a deep all over body massage and a traditional Hammam scrub. The latter of which should come with the warning: not for the faint hearted. You will be pummeled and scrubbed within an inch of your life but left feeling cleaner and more relaxed than ever before. To finish you are left to unwind in the spa’s relaxation room where traditional mint tea is available to sup whilst you recline on one of the squashy beds and take in the sea view. The spa also boasts a salon where you can opt for a pre-dinner blow dry and a fully equipped gym to work off all those indulgent meals.
To the right of the spa complex sits the resort’s remarkable 18-hole links golf course, designed by the legendary South African golfer, Gary Player. The course, with its own clubhouse, restaurant and spacious drinks terrace, is worth a visit even if only for the views alone.
The Mazagan offer a variety of childcare options for all ages. The Baby Club, which takes little ones aged 4mths to 4yrs, is open from 9am-6pm and offers out-of-hours babysitting from 5pm-5am should you want to enjoy a romantic late night dinner. Kidz Club caters for aged 4-12yrs with a wide range of organised activities and Club Rush is the perfect place for any 12-17yrs olds to blow off some steam, with organised activities like paintballing.You can leave your brood at any club for as little or as long as you wish, signing them securely in and out, safe in the knowledge they will be well looked after.
Should you feel the need to leave the resort to explore then El Jadida, home of the Unesco World Heritage Site, is a short 15 minute drive away. Be sure to leave a little extra space in your suitcases for your visit to the town’s souk as you will inevitably want to bring some of the beautiful trinkets, leather produce and traditional argan oil home as souvenirs.
If you’re looking for a short haul, luxury holiday with guaranteed sunshine, then look no further. The Mazagan Beach Resort is the perfect option for all the family.
Need to Know
Number of rooms: 468 guest rooms, 20 Mazagan Suites, two Executive Suites, 8 Ambassador Suites and two Royal Suites. 80% of all the rooms are connecting, making them perfect for families.
Check out time: 11am
Facilities: 9 restaurants, 2 bars, a nightclub, a casino, two pools, three kids clubs, a spa, a golf course, horse riding stables, surf club, paintballing arena and free Wifi.
How to get there: The resort is just over an hour’s drive from Casablanca Airport. Direct flights from London Gatwick to Casablanca take approx 3 hours.
Rates: Standard room rates start at 150 Euros for a Double Room. Special offers available on the website.
For more information please visit: www.mazaganbeachresort.com. The Mazagan Beach Resort, 24000, El Jadida (Casablanca) Morocco