Equal parts relaxing and
exhilarating, exotic Morocco is an ideal getaway destination. Penny Carroll
goes in search of surf and soul
On a sizzling stretch of sand on a bright,
sunny morning, I’m lying face-down on a surfboard, pretending to paddle.
“Stabilise, stabilise…Now jump!” calls the instructor as I shakily attempt a
surfer’s pose. I’m tentatively wading into the ocean.
The
Kingdom of Morocco is a peaceful constitutional monarchy
It’s barely 12 hours since I arrived in
Morocco, but I already feel a world away from city life. I’ve come to Mazagan
Beach Resort, an hour’s drive out of Casablanca, to soak up some sunshine,
rest, recuperate- and try my luck surfing Morocco’s famous waves.
It turns out I couldn’t have picked a
better location for my first surfing lesson. The stretch of beach adjoining the
resort is breathtaking, but the waves aren’t intimidating, and my
instructors-an enthusiastic young girl and an older surfing pro- are determined
to see me standing up on the board. Each attempt sees me promptly dive into the
sandbank, but I’m flooded with adrenaline and excitement and head straight back
into the waves for another go. And just like that, my worries are wiped out- I
have a new obsession!
Saddle
up for a romantic ride on the beach
The art of relaxation
The fine balance of action and relaxation
is expertly executed at Mazagan. The luxury resort near the town of EL Jadida,
a UNESCO World Heritage centre, offers plenty of activities, from horse riding
on the beach to quad-biking. But in true Moroccan style, there’s also a
beautiful spa where you can indulge in treatments or a traditional hammam. When
I emerged- exhausted but triumphant- from the waves, I headed straight to the
spa Where my surfing –sore muscles were treated to an amazing full – body
massage using local argan oil. The chill out session continued as I relocated
to the terrace to watch the Atlantic ocean and sip sweet mint tea. Bliss!
Mazagan’s
pool is the perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon
Out of town
Although it’s tempting to stay resort-
bound, it’s worth venturing further afield to the old Portuguese port of EL
Jadida. The ethereal EI Jadida cistern is a must-see, and the shops around the
ancient ramparts are the perfect place to hunt for treasures, while the town’s
bustling souk filled with spices and fabrics is a feast for the senses.
It’s easy to eat well in Morocco and the
local seafood is a standout. Snack on fresh dates as you wander the markets,
then head to Mazagan’s Chiringuito Beach Club for tapas with a view, or indulge
in a traditional Moroccan tagine and couscous at the resort’s Morjana
restaurant.
Head
to the Jewish quarter in nearby Azemmour for a taste of Moroccan style
Smooth finish
After a packed few days of sightseeing,
sunbathing, surfing and house riding, I headed back to the spa for one last
treat: a rejuvenating hammam. The traditional exfoliation started with a stint
in the luxe mosaic steam room before the therapist scrubbed my entire body and
smothered me in a fresh, eucalyptus-scented lotion.
Utterly relaxed and with silky smooth skin,
I felt ready to head back to the real world. I left reluctantly, but with two
valuable souvenirs: the memory of standing- albeit briefly – on surfboard, and
a promise to return.
Make it happen
Double rooms at Mazagan Resort start at
$180 and include transfers from Casablanca airport, www.mazaganbeachresort.com
Royal Air Maroc flies daily from London
Heathrow to Casablanca from $266 return, www.royalairmaroc.com
