Just north of Agadir along Morocco’s Atlantic coast sits the laid-back Berber fishing village and former hippy hangout of Taghazout. Home to world-class waves – surfers have been coming here since the 1970s – it’s easygoing vibe makes it an idyllic (and still somewhat under the radar spot) to unplug. Perched above the famous right-hand break, Anchor Point, when in town breezy boutique hotel meets designer guesthouse Amouage by Surf Maroc, is the perfect place to call home.
CHECK-IN EXPERIENCE
Front desk staff are warm and welcoming. If arriving early and your room isn’t ready, you’re welcome to head downstairs to the infinity pool or sunset terrace where Moroccan rugs, poufs, hammocks and day beds provide a range of comfortable seating options. With fast and reliable WiFi it’s easy to catch up on a few emails or enjoy a leisurely swim and a sunbathe before heading upstairs to unpack and settle in.
ROOMS WITH A VIEW
Without a doubt, the pick of Amouage’s 20 rooms is the suitably titled Best Room, which sleeps two, enjoys uninterrupted ocean and pool views, and has a lovely walk-in rain shower. The Ocean Room boasts a separate living/seating area while the Ocean Balcony has outdoor seating. Décor is stylish Berber meets boho-industrial – and immensely Instagrammable.
Much of the furniture is locally made with potted palms and cacti dotted throughout. An eclectic assortment of artwork, photographs and paintings, including several portraits of King Mohammed VI, adorn the walls. Bathrooms are minimalist affairs in polished concrete, with fluffy white towels and locally made organic toiletries. For larger groups or more privacy, book the Amouage Apartment next door, which enjoys access to all the hotel amenities.
FACILITIES
Amouage offers week-long surf packages, however, a more a la carte type of stay is also possible, whereby you make a room-only reservation but can add on things like board and wetsuit rental. Yoga sessions are available for drop-in, too. Just ask for a token from the front desk an hour or so before class – open to all levels, nothing beats starting or ending a day on the rooftop studio listening to the rhythmic sound of the ocean below. For a little post-surf or just because pampering, get a massage on the books at A SPA.
FOOD AND DRINK
While service is currently limited, during regular operations, in addition to a continental style breakfast buffet of fresh fruits, bread, juices and coffee, Amouage offers a lunch menu of salads, skewers and wraps that can be enjoyed poolside. The daily happy hour is a wonderful time to kick back with a cocktail or glass of Moroccan wine and watch the sunset. A nightly communal dinner, plus speciality evenings, including Moroccan and barbecue nights, have also featured.
If you feel like venturing out from the hotel, there are a handful of great local restaurants just a short stroll into town. For light and healthy fare, there’s Café Mouja, for a tagine with ocean views try Café KR. Lively lobby bar Munga’s Kitchen is great for pizzas and cocktails, while sister concept, Favela Restaurant, is a jewel box-sized rooftop patio (call ahead for reservations) specializing in Moroccan, Mediterranean and tapas style dishes.
VERDICT
It’s easy to while away an entire day around the photogenic infinity pool, while the overwhelming sense of calm after a sunrise or sunset yoga session on the rooftop studio stays with you long after departure. Whether making Taghazout the main focus of a trip to Morocco or adding a few days here at the end of a longer itinerary, Amouage is equally lovely both for a standalone weekend getaway or place to pause after spending time in the souks and squares of busier cities like Casablanca and Marrakech.
GETTING THERE & AWAY
Amouage is currently open to anyone in Morocco able to make it to the hotel. While borders are not open for tourism, the Moroccan Government’s extension to the State of Health Emergency expires on September 10th. When travel resumes, major carriers including easyJet, Royal Air Maroc and British Airways operate direct daily flights from the UK to Agadir Al Massira Airport. From there, Amouage is happy to arrange complimentary shuttle transfers for guests.
COVID-19
For optimum guest safety and peace of mind, Amouage has partnered with global safety and hygiene consultancy firm Cristal, on enhanced cleaning protocols in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Book a stay at Amouage by Surf Maroc
Keri Bridgwater is a freelance writer based in San Diego, California. Her bylines have featured in the London Evening Standard and Roam Magazine, among other international outlets. She covers travel, lifestyle, culture, art and design related stories for AGLAIA Magazine. Follow her on Instagram
