We decided to take a week’s relaxing holiday to a brand new 5* Riu hotel opened in Agadir, something very rare for us. As normally we like to escape the tourist traps and package holidays in busy sea resorts and head for the quiet, secret retreats in the hills. Booking every think independently just the way we like it. Normally we opt to climb mountains or explore buzzing cities, a little off the beaten track.
I had always wanted to travel to Morocco, since I was young and had a picture in my mind of what to expect. Being very dry and hot, Hustle and bustle of busy Medina’s, colourful clothes and fabrics, Strong smell of spices and street seller’s food.
We decided to head to Agadir a major city in the southwest. As there was a beach and also Medina’s and cultural sights close by. Whereas Marrakesh didn’t have a beach, but was close to the Atlas Mountains. We flew with Thomson return this was alright, nothing special but we arrived on time and in one piece. No extra special touches or complimentary snacks and drinks. The flight was very quick being three and a half hours. We took a coach taking thirty minutes transferring to our hotel taking in lots of great information from a representative for the resort. To my shock there was no time difference from The UK.
The front of the hotel was not that impressive, but as you step into the lobby area – ‘Wow’. The decor from floor to ceiling is stunning and represents a true 5* hotel. The reception staffs on check in were very helpful and we received a welcome drink on arrival too, which was a nice touch.
As we arrived late to the hotel, the all-inclusive was still available for us with a selection of cold dishes – this was much appreciated as I was starving.
Arriving at our standard room on the 4th floor in the right wing of the hotel, bags had already been delivered. Very impressed to be fair. It was spacious, clean and very luxurious. Having two large twin beds pushed together, very comfy. A free mini bar stocked daily, safe, his & hers wardrobes and sinks. Amazing shower in the bath. Flat screen TV, with one English Channel. A small lounge area with sofa and table and chairs. We had a large balcony looking out on to the tennis courts and the beach. Maids cleaned the room daily & changed your towels once you left your old ones on the floor. No plug sockets near mirrors though – This was important to me and my only complaint regarding the room. My husband’s room complaint was the toilet roll was cheap, thin and rubbish, ha.
Moroccan food was really good, lots of hot & cold choices of food – You can’t get bored! My favourite was the fish tagine. Seafood was really good in Agadir being on the coast. Meatballs and couscous was delicious too
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The pool area was stunning, very modern looking. The pool water was very cold though. We were lucky when we arrived that this wasn’t very busy, but as we got a few days in it became increasingly busy and you struggled to find a sun lounger without a towel on after 9am. This is exactly what I hate about hotels like this. Too busy for us really, it’s like everyone is watching your every move as you wander around the pool area.
The Beach on the other hand was huge, 12km to be precise. You could walk to one end and you came to the marina and lots of little shops and cafes, the other way was nothing but sand dunes. This end was very popular with surfers. I loved just sitting on the dunes, watching them. The beach was very busy with locals on the weekend working out or playing football, they were very friendly and approachable. My husband played football with them all one day and really enjoyed the banter about football. We spent most days relaxing on the beach watching the world go by.
We did venture out to a Berber village to learn about their way of live and there culture. We also went shopping in the souk, this was fabulous. The shopkeepers were constantly trying to sell you anything and everything. There shops were like Aladdin’s cave top to bottom mainly flocking pottery, lamps and clothing. We saw how argon oil is made, out of the nuts a grounded down.
Whilst heading back to the hotel, we saw something that caught my eye in the tree. I asked our guide what was this? Climbing goats he replied and stopped the bus to point some out. This was the craziest, yet coolest thing I have ever seen. It took all words away as you can understand from the pic below….
A nice beach holiday, but not much to do. The resort is very commercial and I could not wait to get out and do our own thing….
Mrs P Travels 