Mazagan Beach Resort, El Jadida (Spring Break part 3)...

Oualidia to El Jadida... Just 70 kilometers and we would be to our next destination, Mazagan Beach Resort.  

Mazagan Beach Resort is part of the Kerzner International (One & Only Resorts and the Atlantis Properties). It is a large resort directly on El Jadida Beach with 18 Holes of Golf, Spa, 2 Pools, Kids Clubs, Tennis, 6 Restaurants and a Casino.  We visited back in October for a quick weekend, and were looking forward to a longer stay this time.

Arriving just before sundown, we were warmly welcomed and escorted to our suite.

Lucky us! Champagne, cakes, cookies and raspberries!!!

The resort is perfect for families and had everything we needed to relax and recharge. The boys enjoyed the kids club while we adults enjoyed the spa, golf ,

and quiet time enjoying the view, 

In the afternoon together as a family we would take a quick swim in the family pool then walk to the beach to fly the kite,

wiggle our toes in the sand,

and of course slide down the sand dunes.

But all too soon our 5 nights were up and it was time to pack our bags and return to Marrakech for week 2 of our Spring Break.

Lunch at the beach...

At first glance there are no signs that a meal at one of Oualida's finest restaurants awaits you.

 

Instead of valet,  boats are parked haphazardly around the beach.  The very boats that have been working all morning to catch the days specials.

Instead of professionally placed decor and piped in Muzak, the view is the vast Atlantic and the background music is waves crashing onto the beach.

Bright plastic tapis in place of starched white linen.

That's right, no printed menus with listed prices here... instead you are welcomed to check the nets yourself and negotiate a fair price.

On the beach of Oualidia, the fishermen eagerly await to show you the days catches, bargain a price with you, grill and serve you with a smile.

We couldn't pass a chance to have a lunch on the beach al a marocaine. Crabs, langostine and sole were washed, grilled and served with nothing more than lemons. Wine and Beer not included in the meal, but available to purchase around the corner or BYOB.  If listed on Tripadvisor we would give them 5 stars.  

Many thanks to Tanja, Eben, Barnaby and Inigo for showing us a wonderful time in Oualidia.  Looking forward to many more trips back! 

Oualidia Plage (spring break part 1)...

L' Hippocampe in Oualidia had been recommended as a great beach getaway many times. It seemed to be the perfect place to start our Spring Break.  So... we made reservations, packed the car and followed our friends to the coast.

It was an easy two and a half hour drive from our home in Marrakech.

 Buildings of white wash with blue trim are a welcome clue that you are close to the coast.

 The hotel is cheap and cheerful with an amazing location,

 delicious fresh seafood,

 colorful gardens and a welcoming staff.

The pièce de résistance of L' Hippocampe is the access to what seemed to be our own private island just across the lagoon by way of a five minute boat ride.

L' Hippocampe boat returning to the island to pick us up

We spent three days there and only saw two other people the entire time. We chased seagulls, ran in the waves, flew the kite, built tunnels to China and gathered special treasures.

I would love to return for my birthday weekend next month. Maybe someone else will like the idea and make the reservation...

The beach feeds my soul...

Is it the salty breeze, the crashing waves, gritty sand in my toes, running in waves with the boys, fresh seafood or sun on the top of my head? I don't know, just know that it makes everything ok and centers me.

Oualidia Beach, Morocco

We are in the middle of our spring break vacation on the beaches of Morocco and will share more with you when we return home. Hope you are enjoying the start of spring as much as we are! xx

Oualidia Oysters

Hotel l'Hippocampe, Oualidia, Morocco

El Jadida Beach, Morocco

Marrakech

So it begins... one year after our arrival, finally some thoughts and notes of our new life in the far away land of Morocco. We will do our best to update you often and share our life with you. Please read, share and comment along the way.

 Essaouira, Morroco