The French magazine “AD,” which specializes in real estate and architecture, has highlighted in Monday’s feature the beauty of Moroccan architecture in a select few of Morocco’s hotels–notably in Tangier and Dakhla–that are surrounded by Atlantic coastal waters and sand dunes.
The article recommends La Fiermontina Ocean, 45 minutes from Tangier, which stretches between traditional North Moroccan towns and the vast beaches of the Atlantic Ocean.
The owners of this inn embarked on the task of supplying running water, constructing access roads, restoring the neighboring villages and traditional buildings, and educating people in the hotel industry, the majority of whom now work at the resort.
Fiermontina is growing with this new estate, offering breathtaking views and nestled in the heart of the Khemis Sahel Dunes Regional Natural Park. On the ocean side, there are 11 large villas accommodating two to six guests.
The interior design includes art and antiquities from the Rabat medina. Berber poufs, Atlas rugs, painted furniture, modern Tata, and Taza stone floors decorate the villas, which follow oriental norms with a contemporary twist.
From the villas that surround the restaurant and bar, one may take a stroll among lemon, pistachio, argan, mandarin, olive, and cactus trees before heading to the beach for a picnic or lunch at the restaurant.
During the hammam session, the traveler’s ritual is performed on a heated marble bed. This relaxing body treatment begins with exfoliation, followed by a massage with argan oil, along with essential oils of mint and wild myrtle from the vegetable garden, followed by clay compresses to stimulate circulation.
On the other side of the country is Habitas Caravan Dakhla, founded in 2016. The common thread running through their addresses around the world encompasses a light, nomadic architecture and a community spirit that can be found in every “agora” on the large wooded terrace surrounding the outdoor swimming pool, where yoga classes, Sahrawi tea ceremonies, concerts, and oyster tastings take place.
The property is comprised of 24 villas and riads with a minimalist spirit, tadelakt-coated walls, and soberly sprinkled Moroccan connotations (i.e., terracotta jars, bronze tables, Berber rugs, etc.).
The Naish Kite House school, run by American windsurfing champion Robbie Naish, attracts sports enthusiasts from all over the world who try their hand at speed lagoon tricks in kitesurfing, surfing, windsurfing, and foiling. Don’t worry, though; the courses are designed for both beginners and advanced riders. This peninsula, which divides the Sahara Desert from the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the world’s most popular surfing destinations.
Life at the hotel is as “outdoorsy” as possible: open-air movies in the evening, treks to the Dune Blanche or La Pointe D’Or on Dragon Island, flamingo and migratory birdwatching in the summer, crabs at low tide, mountain biking, or a cool plunge. Even the bedrooms’ baths are located outside.
The view of the lagoon from the Levante bar and restaurant–which features Moroccan and Mexican tapas to share on the patio or behind the bay windows–is spectacular…not to mention the serenity.