The Telegraph
An upscale resort with 252 rooms, three pools and an artificial lake surrounded by 42 acres (17 hectares) of gardens, olive groves and palms. Tennis, golf and a Nuxe wellness spa keep adults happy, while children are entertained in an open-all-day Kids’ Village.
Location
Just north east of the Medina in the Palmeraie. From here it’s a 25-minute drive to the Djemaa el-Fna. Transfers are provided and a free daily shuttle bus runs to the Medina.
Style & character
Accor maintain high standards at this contemporary Moroccan resort which is housed is a series of low-lying ‘pavilions’ sporting an Arabo-Andalucian look with arched windows, domed roofs, interlinking shaded walkways and courtyard fountains. White sunbeds and parasols line up in chic rows beside the oversized swimming pools and are framed by neatly clipped rosemary hedges and grassy lawns. With 42 acres of landscaped garden there’s oodles of space although when conferences are in session there’s a slightly jarring overlap between be-suited business men and sandal-toting tourists.
Service & facilities
The impressive facilities include a full-service spa, a gym, a heated family pool and a ‘Zen’ pool for adults only, tennis courts, football, karting, quad biking and bicycle hire. In addition, there are various watersports options on the artificial lake and easy access to the 18-hole Al Maaden Golf Club. The Kids’ Club is a world of its own with diverse activities and classes. An army of multilingual staff work tremendously hard to keep the show on the road although some guests grumble that they are less attentive to all-inclusive guests who are required to wear wris-bands during their stay.
Rooms
There are 252 rooms and suites with tiny terraces or balconies. They have a contemporary look with cream-coloured tiled floors, king-sized divan beds, grey and chocolate-coloured decorative accents and tiled modern bathrooms with baths or walk-in showers. Superior family rooms come with a double bed and sofabed and are small for four people, making the Deluxe suite the better option for families with older kids. Amenities like LCD satellite TVs, Nespresso machines and minibars come as standard.
Food & drink
There are three restaurants and two bars, one of which is open 24 hours. The main restaurant, L’Oliveraie, serves a standard international buffet. There’s plenty of choice to keep everyone happy but it won’t win any culinary awards. The Moroccan restaurant, Le Ryad, needs to be reserved in advance. Breakfast is an all-you-can-eat affair with mountains of fresh fruit, freshly baked breads, cereals, pancakes and a variety of cooked options.
Value for money
Double rooms from 1950 Dirhams (£156) in low season; and from 2750 Dirhams (£220) in high, including breakfast. Free Wi-Fi.
