Beachfront Bliss: 5-Star Excellence at The View Hotel Agadir in Morocco

The View Hotel in Agadir is a newly launched 5-star luxury hotel that opened in March 2024. Situated just south of Essaouira, it overlooks a pristine, expansive beach on the Atlantic coast. Guests are greeted with freshly squeezed lemon juice, Moroccan teas, desserts, and macarons as part of the traditional welcome. Located only 35 minutes from Agadir airport, the journey is convenient and quick. Check-in is seamlessly handled while guests enjoy their refreshments, taking in views of the vast, oasis-shaped pool winding around beautiful palm trees and adjacent to the beach.

The lobby is a cool, inviting space with abundant marble, plush sofas, and chairs. Giant windows let in ample sunshine and offer stunning views of the pool and beach. A special mention goes to the attentive concierge team, dedicated to fulfilling your every wish. A personal butler is also available 24 hours a day, ensuring exceptional service throughout your stay.

The View boasts 272 rooms, including 59 suites, all spacious and well-appointed. The bright and cheerful halls are filled with light, showcasing a blend of modern and traditional Moroccan architecture and interiors. Inspired by nomadic designs, the textile patterns throughout the hotel reflect themes of friendship, family happiness, and hospitality.

Agadir has truly emerged as one of the premier luxury destinations to visit. With its stunning beaches, luxurious accommodations, and world-class hospitality, it offers unparalleled opulence for travellers seeking indulgence and relaxation. Whether you're lounging on its pristine shores, exploring its vibrant markets, or savouring exquisite culinary delights, Agadir offers a perfect blend of sophistication and leisure. It's no wonder it's increasingly becoming a top choice for discerning travellers seeking a luxurious getaway.

Shortly after my arrival, no rest for the wicked— I found myself being pampered from head to toe with aromatic oils. The AMAYA Spa is a 1500m2 wellness and fitness sanctuary that celebrates the ancient Moroccan Hammam ritual. Guests can personalise their sensory journey with natural ingredients for a holistic rejuvenation of body, face, and hair.

Try the Ceremonial Hammam, combining therapist expertise with premium local elements, or The View Oriental Massage, using ancestral techniques and 100% natural oils for deep relaxation and rejuvenation. Advanced skincare treatments with Natura Bisse products ensure revitalised skin, while specialised facials like Hydrates-Firms-Antioxidant and Calms-Firms-Anti-inflammatory target specific skin concerns. They also offer personalised fitness and dietary programs, including hydrotherapy, quartz massages, thalassotherapy, and more.

Designed by renowned interior designer Imaad Rahmouni, the spa blends traditional Moroccan elements with contemporary fixtures and high-tech equipment. Rahmouni’s design respects Morocco's ethos and culture while creating a state-of-the-art spa experience. The spacious layout ensures guests can enjoy uninterrupted privacy, giving the impression of having the spa entirely to themselves. 

Plus there is a state-of-the-art gymnasium complete with a professional consultant available to assist you with your fitness goals!

After weeks of constant travel, the masseuse lulled me into a trance-like state. Neither fully awake nor asleep, drifting in the clouds. But emerging from the bed, I felt like a new man—refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to embrace everything Agadir had to offer. Undoubtedly, it was the perfect way to kickstart a holiday. After enjoying an aniseed tea, I took a revitalising dip in the stunning spa pool, finally feeling restored enough to stand. I made my way to the outdoor pool to replenish my energy before dinner.

We indulged in a marvellous four-course meal at The View's Italian restaurant, Le Sensya, under the guidance of Michelin-starred Chef Francesco Franzese. With a prestigious culinary background including training at The Four Seasons in Florence, Locanda Locatelli in London, Capri Palace, and L'Atelier in Paris under the mentorship of the renowned Michelin 3-star chef Joel Robuchon, Chef Franzese delivered a gastronomic masterpiece. The ingredients were sourced from local fishermen, markets, and Agadir's gardens, ensuring freshness and quality. The restaurant itself was bathed in light, offering picturesque views of the pool and gardens. Its airy atmosphere, framed by ornately patterned tiled columns, added to the dining room's elegance.

Picture a Fresella De Mare crafted from the catch of the day, a vibrant fresh fish salad bursting with flavours. Accompanying it, a Tonno Agli Agrumi, featuring marinated tuna infused with ginger and black garlic, offers a delightful tanginess. Next, savour a divine grilled blue lobster served alongside a luxurious truffle purée, a symphony of indulgent tastes. Finally, conclude the culinary journey with a Crostata Al Cioccolato E Sale Maldon—a cocoa shortbread adorned with cooked chocolate ganache, chocolate soufflé, and a refreshing raspberry sorbet. Each dish, while rich in flavour, is meticulously prepared to ensure it is both fresh and healthy—well, apart from the chocolate soufflé, but then you have to live a little.

Breakfast takes place at Le V with Chef Mohamed, who is passionate about starting your day right. The spread boasts a diverse array of fresh and authentic stations, each catering to a range of preferences. From freshly baked pastry delights to a curated selection of pure honey and homemade jams, from premium meats and cheeses to wholesome cereals and refreshing fresh juices. Their commitment to local sourcing ensures that every bite is infused with the true essence of the region.

Beyond its gastronomic delights, The View offers a plethora of activities to explore in Agadir. During our stay, we were fortunate to have Samir, a knowledgeable Berber travel expert, as our tour guide for the day. With an intimate understanding of the region, Samir's passion for Agadir was palpable. Charming, multilingual, and a true ambassador of traditional Moroccan hospitality, he led us on a captivating tour with boundless charm and enthusiasm.

First up was Aghroud, a stunning beachside village once destined for destruction to make way for a new resort. In a brilliant stroke of creativity, the local villagers painted the town in a myriad of vibrant colours, transforming it into a protected tourist destination. Located just a 15-minute drive north of Agadir on the road to Essaouira, Aghroud is a chromatic paradise not to be missed. As you explore, take a closer look at the vegetable gardens lining the scenic sandy beach below—you might even spot a wild boar foraging, just as we did.

This entire coastline is dotted with amazing long sandy beaches, making it a surfer's paradise. With endless rolling waves and miles of beach, it's easy to find your own private spot to enjoy.

Our next stop was a quaint village in the Atlas Mountains, nestled in the lee of a small valley. Here, we enjoyed tea in a Berber garden opposite a mosque. Berber women and children played around us as we dined on traditional Berber dishes. Seated on ornately embroidered cushions, we savoured local honey, olives, argan oil and creamy chickpea hummus with homemade pita bread from colourful bowls, surrounded by olive trees. The walls, adorned with countless traditional Moroccan symbols, added to the authentic nomadic atmosphere.

Our drive over the mountains took us past charming villages and small, man-made aqueducts that channelled water from the peaks down to the olive and fruit fields below. A highlight of the tour was the picturesque oasis known as Secret Paradise, hidden from view from the road. This spectacular pool of clear, fresh water, surrounded by steep, rocky cliffs, was perfect for a refreshing swim or a BBQ. The water depth varies from ankle-deep to two metres, allowing for both toe-dipping and diving from the nearby rocks. Imane and I swam in this gorgeous and refreshing haven, admiring the stunning view of the Atlas Mountains around us.

We enjoyed lunch in Samir's hometown of Tamri, right in his mother's home, where she prepared her celebrated authentic Tagine. The Tagine featured tender chicken, carrots, potatoes, and herbs atop a light, lush bed of couscous with pumpkin. Tradition dictates that you eat with your right hand, using pita bread or khubz, as it's known locally, to scoop up the flavourful Tagine chicken and vegetables. Somehow, this seemed to enhance the flavours even more, accentuated by the use of fresh ingredients sourced directly from the morning market. Satisfied and filled with Moroccan tea, we strolled back to the cars, exchanging high fives with some incredibly cute local kids who eagerly rushed up to greet us with big smiles on their faces.

The fun was just beginning as Samir drove us over to Timlalin Dunes, a breathtaking sandy desert right on the beach, boasting tall, gently sloping dunes ideal for sandboarding. Sandboarding uses the same boards as snowboarding but is much easier. The soft, warm sand feels like a cosy duvet as you glide down the dunes, with the crashing waves just a few metres away. The only challenge is climbing back up the dune each time, but the excitement fuels plenty of energy. Plus, we had camels to ride around on, offering a unique two-in-one adventure of surfing down the dunes and riding back up on a camel. The Berber camel owner resembled a character straight out of Lawrence Of Arabia. Additionally, quad biking is also available for those seeking even more adventure. Another highlight is the magnificent Ibis birds that gracefully fly around, adorned with large black feathers and long, red pointy beaks, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the desert.

Reluctantly torn away from the exhilarating sandboarding, we visited one of the most enchanting little shack cafes, Chez Momo. Perched on rocks overlooking the premier surfing point in the area, just north of Tiguert Beach, it offers a panoramic view of the waves. This spot is a true point break, boasting a northwest swell that delivers up to two minutes of sublime surfing. In the winter months, waves can soar to staggering heights of six metres. However, this is strictly for seasoned surfers—the rocky reef bottom and challenging entry and exit points demand exceptional skill and athleticism. But fear not, there are countless other beach spots suitable for beginners; this one is reserved for the pros, where you can witness the best surfers showcase their prowess. It's even more thrilling than Killer Point a few miles south. As we enjoyed a cold drink, we were fortunate enough to witness around ten surfers, all of Olympic calibre, expertly navigating the tubes and barrels of the waves.

The tour with Samir was truly exceptional, and the four of us couldn't stop reminiscing about it as we watched the glorious sunset from The View's Le Dielli bar, sipping on a few cocktails.

That evening, we had the pleasure of dining at Mima Kitchen, an eagerly anticipated Moroccan fusion restaurant that seamlessly blends modern and traditional ancestral cuisine, showcasing the rich tapestry of Moroccan heritage. While we appreciated the diverse range of dining options available, there's something special about indulging in the very best of local culinary arts. Many of the dishes at Mima Kitchen incorporate over 25 spices, adding depth and complexity to each bite.

Imagine this gastronomic journey: starting with Croustillant de Feuilletés, a tantalising mix of M'hencha with smoked salmon, meat Briouates, minced meat, and goat cheese cigar, all complemented by D'amlou sauce. Followed by Noix de Saint Jacques façon Tanjia, a delightful rendition of coquilles St Jacques Tanija. Then, savour the flavours of Tajine de bœuf charolais façon berbère, a Berber beef Tagine infused with aromatic spices. Next, indulge in Karan de langouste, a succulent lobster confit paired with prickly pear oil and mixed greens drizzled with fig vinegar. Lastly, enjoy the Médaillon de filet de bœuf façon Boulfafe, a tender beef fillet medallion with bird tongue Tuile infused with natural cumin. For dessert, relish the Macaron à la crème de safran, croustillant de datte et gingembre, featuring macarons filled with saffron cream, crispy dates, and ginger, as well as the Assortiment de pâtisseries marocaines, an assortment of Moroccan pastries.

The attentive, warm, and friendly service perfectly complemented the modern Moroccan palace decor, creating an unforgettable evening.

That night, we ventured to Wine O'Clock, a bar and club featuring live music, set amidst a charming Moroccan garden with a lively and entertaining atmosphere, just a short 5-minute drive from the hotel. The dress code exuded a red carpet vibe with a hint of Kardashian glamour, setting the stage for a night of dancing and excitement.  Owned and operated by brothers Ayoub and Anass, the latter also boasting the title of a world go-karting champion, Wine O'Clock promised a blend of sophistication and thrill that we couldn't resist.

The following day, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant hustle and bustle of Souk El Had, the largest souk in Morocco located in the heart of Agadir town centre. Here, we discovered a treasure trove of Moroccan delights, from vibrant textiles and aromatic spices to intricate artisanal crafts, each reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region. The market also boasted fresh local produce alongside a diverse array of goods including clothing, accessories, household items, and technological gadgets. Shoppers could indulge in renowned specialities such as the Amlou spread, unique local honey, oils, and cosmetic products, all adding to the souk's charm—a harmonious blend of old-world allure and modern-day convenience.

My friends and I managed to persuade a colleague, Jonny, who stands at a towering 6.4" to purchase a cream djellaba, a traditional Moroccan gown, and a fez. He wore them with such flair and confidence. Meanwhile, another friend, Sally, couldn't resist buying two enormous Berber palm leaf lampshades, which provided quite a comical challenge as we made our way through the airport on our return journey.

Another market worth visiting is the Bab Taghzout Souk in Taghzout, just 15 km from Agadir. This market offers an arts and crafts experience, featuring the highest quality items at the best prices. Unlike its larger counterpart, Bab Taghzout Souk is smaller and less chaotic, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. Even small children can enjoy watching local craftsmen sculpt clay and wood into beautiful pieces of furniture and objets d'art. Additionally, Taghzout is renowned for its sumptuous Tangines, adding another layer of cultural richness.

Then lunch at Le Dielli which is delightful and relaxed - sit back and enjoy the tranquil scene of the beach and swaying palm trees overlooking the pool. The menu offers a range of options from comforting classics like cheeseburgers to healthier choices like the superb Poke Bowl. This refreshing dish features a mixture of either beef or smoked salmon with wheat, cucumber, carrot, broccoli, tangy lime, whipped cream, wholemeal toast, and candied ginger—a fresh, delicious, and healthy delight for the palate.

In the afternoon, we embarked on a serene journey up the mountain in a cable car to visit the hilltop Kasbah of Agadir Oufla. The name "Agadir" actually means fort, and this was the original town, although now it remains unoccupied except for a charming little cafe and camels available for rides. Feeling like an old hand, I opted for another camel ride around the fort, soaking in the breathtaking views of the coast, marina, and distant mountains. There's truly nothing quite like a camel ride atop a mountain. Just a word of caution: be mindful of the wind, especially on the north side of the fort, as it can be quite ferocious.

After enjoying a quick swim in the sea followed by a leisurely dip in the pool, we wrapped up our day back at Le Dielli for sunset drinks—a newfound ritual where we reminisced about our favourite moments exploring the area. Later, we gathered at Le Cedar lounge, which seamlessly transforms from a tranquil daytime retreat to a vibrant evening bar. Live music filled the air as we savoured a fine selection of wines, whiskies, gins, cognacs, and cocktails. The highlight of the evening was the talented singer, Ramos, who doubled as a DJ, effortlessly spinning nearly any song requested by the guests. I decided to put him to the test by requesting a track from MC Solaar, a French rapper from the 80s, which he promised to do on our last night.

On our final day, we were fortunate to partake in a cooking lesson led by the celebrated Polish chef Agnieska Jasińka and Moroccan chef Assia Manar, utilising the fantastic kitchen at Le V typically reserved for breakfast service. Together, we learned to prepare an array of dishes, including dumplings with yoghurt and Moroccan meat stuffing, followed by baked chicken and cod rolled up with cheese and parsley pesto. The fusion of Polish and Moroccan cooking techniques and flavours was truly sublime, with each chef bringing their unique expertise and character to the table. It was particularly inspiring to witness the combination of ingredients from both culinary traditions, such as Moroccan cheese paired with Polish parsley pesto—a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the chefs.

« Food without cheese is not the food. » Agnieska Jasińka

While I may not be the most skilled cook, the cooking lesson turned out to be incredibly fun. The chefs' contagious humour and genuine enthusiasm for teaching made the session immensely engaging. They were patient and eager to impart their knowledge, even to those of us with limited culinary skills. It was particularly amusing to watch my friend Raj, who happened to be quite knowledgeable about dumplings.

On our final night, we decided to unwind with a fine Macallan at Le Cedar lounge, serenaded by the tunes of MC Solaar expertly provided by the talented singer/DJ who had been delighting us throughout our evenings.

The View Hotel Agadir is a beacon of luxury and hospitality on Morocco's Atlantic coast. With its stunning private beach, inviting pool, indulgent spa treatments, and delectable dining options, it offers comprehensive relaxation and enjoyment. The hotel's prime location, just a short drive from Agadir airport, makes it a convenient getaway. 

While the breathtaking views, inviting pool, indulgent spa treatments, succulent dining, exciting activities and prime beachfront location are all compelling reasons to visit, it's the hotel staff that truly elevates The View Hotel to spectacular heights. Their unwavering dedication to hospitality creates an atmosphere of extreme luxury that remains relaxed and informal. Here, Moroccan hospitality, already renowned worldwide, shines at its finest. 

For discerning travellers seeking a sophisticated and welcoming retreat from which to explore Agadir’s vibrant culture, The View Hotel is the ultimate destination.