Perfect experiences in Morocco

Play in Agadir
Few other places in the world are as committed to the beach resort lifestyle as Agadir. The city was actually built specifically for the purpose of attracting well-heeled visitors to its gorgeous beaches and offering them upscale accommodations and activities during their stay. Agadir was essentially leveled by a 196o earthquake, and, with most of its historic structures gone, the city decided to rebuild as a luxurious haven for Moroccan visitors. With 300 days of sunshine a year, loads of white sandy beaches for lounging or playing in the water, and popular leisure destinations like the Agadir Royal Golf Club, every day offers a new way to unwind and enjoy oneself. Agadir is also Morocco’s main western seaport, so sport fishers will enjoy the opportunity to reel in a big one, and gourmet restaurants serving the freshest seafood abound.

Get a Bird’s Eye View of Morocco
Imagine viewing the Atlas Mountains, glorious stretches of rippling desert, charming Berber villages, or the Lalla Takerkoust dam from an ultra-light aircraft. ULM Marrakech offers these two-seater pendular aircraft, allowing visitors to experience both the exhilerating feeling of flying while also seeing sights that simply aren’t possible from the ground. The two professional ULM instructor-pilots accommodate the individual preferences of their clients, whether that’s a 25-minute discovery flight or a thrilling 60-minute journey through the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Of course, the ultimate rush for adventure seekers is learning how to pilot an ultra-light aircraft yourself, an option that ULM Marrakech provides to its elite clients.

Snow Ski in the Desert
Most people probably don’t think about snow skiing during a trip to northern Africa, but the facility at Oakaimeden—around 75 km from Marrakech—is the largest in Morocco and among the most popular ski destination on the continent. During peak season, from late December through early April, skiers will find thick snow covering the Jebal Oukaimeden mountain peak, a vertical drop of 3,325 feet, and seven ski lifts, as well as donkeys and camels for purists who want to ascend the mountain the old-fashioned way. Two nice hotels, interesting restaurants, and a variety of top-notch ski rental shops also dot the town. In the off season, Oakaimeden is a great base for trekking the beautiful slopes.

Stay in a Hotel Carved from the Earth
The Octogone Earth Terre Resort and Spa outside of Marrakech is perfectly named: not only are the structures contained in this 12-acre property carved from the earth, but almost everything is shaped like an octagon. Instead of the square riads for which the country is famous, guests stay in one of 18 individual eight-sided villas. The traditional and contemporary Moroccan décor also incorporates this “eight-ness” in the form of octagon-shaped artwork and an eight-sided hammam, while even the spa gets in on the act via its eight-handed massage. The Octogone Earth, which rises like an oasis in the Palmeraie Desert, is not only visually stunning and environmentally harmonious, but it’s also supremely luxurious. Opulent appointments, gourmet dining, exquisite spa, infinity-edge pool, and variety of fitness pursuits complete the eye-catching package. 

Visit the Octogone Earth Terre Resort and Spa web site for more information »

Kiteboard the African Waters
Waves aren’t the first things that come to mind when thinking about Morocco, but the city of Essaouira is an ideal place to indulge your interest in kiteboarding and windboarding. In fact, the area hosts part of the Kiteboard Pro World Cup every year. Essaouira is known as the “Windy City” because it receives gusts of up to 35 knots, and with no reef to trip up wave riders, the coastal city is perfect for beginners and experts alike. Two nearby beaches that appeal to experienced wave sailors are Moulay Berzouktoune, about 15 minutes north of Essaouira, and Sidi Kaouki, about five minutes south of town. Beginners may want to look into kitesurfing and windsurfing classes at Club Mistral-Skyriders and Magic Fun Afrika in Essaouira—both of which are also great sources of rental equipment.