“Breathe in… and breathe out like a whisper,” our yoga instructor chants softly, her soothing French accent melting into the warm Moroccan breeze. We sit cross-legged listening to the gentle trickle of the outdoor pool, beneath lofty palm fronds stretching towards a cloudless blue sky. Lauranne, the resident yogi at The View Agadir, is a part of the growing wave of wellness seekers drawn to this emerging Moroccan coastal city, and it’s easy to see why. With its zen-inducing blend of yoga, kitesurfing, surfing, and centuries-old spa rituals, Agadir is a cradle of holistic bliss, nestled between the soaring Atlas Mountains and the swell of the Atlantic Ocean. Boasting up to 300 sun-drenched days per year, direct flight routes from London, and a wave of new luxury hotels launching ahead of hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2030, Agadir is a mood-boosting elixir for anyone seeking relaxation, revitalisation and a healthy dose of vitamin D nearly all year round.
Opened in March 2024, The View Agadir’s palatial white cubic design is a striking landmark along the golden coastline, and true to its name, its most breathtaking feature is its view, which is dramatically unveiled through a gigantic window in the lobby and in the 272 rooms and suites. Almost all of the balconies, like private royal boxes in a U-shaped amphitheatre, peer out over the sprawling heated and non-heated lagoon complex, interwoven with daybeds, palm gardens and boardwalks that lead out to the beachfront beyond. Architectural Designer Imaad Rahmouni’s interiors seamlessly blend coastal chic with the vibrant spirit of Berber culture. My stay in a Prestige Suite is a spacious sea-gazing sanctuary where the fresh white panelling is accented by a signature blue stripe and pops of cerulean furnishings. The inviting living area sets the tone with a marble-topped dining table, a sleek minibar cabinet, and a cosy lounge area that opens onto the outdoor terrace. Sliding doors open into the airy double bedroom, where a plush king-size bed with a cushioned headboard takes centre stage.
A wall of bespoke wardrobes leads to the en suite, stocked with fragrant Hendiya toiletries that offer a duo of shower gels to revive you in the morning and soothe at night. My favourite detail is the wooden doors next to the bath, enabling you to soak without forgoing the natural sunlight and serene balcony vistas. But for the ultimate bathing parlour, the crowning Royal Suite has unparalleled sea views. Here, arched hallways glide effortlessly between the two bedrooms, bathrooms and living space, while a separate kitchen area and exclusive 24-hour butler service add an extra layer of indulgence.
In this part of the world, trying a time-honoured spa treatment is an experience not to be missed. Nestled on the lower ground floor, The View’s Amaya Spa lives up to its translation, meaning ‘beauty and serenity’. The 1500m² wellness oasis offers an array of rejuvenating spaces, including multiple massage rooms, a hair salon, a jacuzzi and a bath-warm swimming pool with a sculptural back wall designed to echo the ripples of a water droplet. I could float here for hours basking in the calming ambience if not for the irresistible allure of my first Moroccan Hammam.
This ancestral beauty tradition unfolds on a raised stone slab in a marbled chamber, hidden behind a grand wooden door that adds to the mystique and splendour. Lying there, breathing in the hot steaming swirls, I feel fully present as peeling gels and nourishing oils are slathered on layer by layer. Between each application, the therapist moves in and out of the room, allowing the ingredients to sink in and work their magic before massaging and rinsing them away. The pinnacle of the practice is the vigorous exfoliation with a Kessa mitt, which scrubs away a layer of dead skin cells. After an hour of cleansing, I step out into the cooler air with freshly washed hair, super soft skin and a pampered spirit, appreciating why this restorative ritual is a regular custom for locals.
When guests aren’t relaxing at the spa, working out in the gym or hopping between the outdoor pools, a tour of the surrounding area immerses you in life beyond the resort. Founded in the mid-12th century, Agadir carries a rich history, but few historic buildings remain in the wake of the devastating earthquake in 1960. As a result, much of the city’s marina and seaside promenade has been rebuilt for tourists, but the hilltop fortress gives a glimpse into the past, with its original ramparts rising from the argan tree-speckled landscape. Another unique activity is exploring the 13-hectare El Had souk — the largest in Africa — where sunlit courtyards and lanes laden with towering fruit carts, colourful spices, and symmetrical woven rugs offer every souvenir imaginable.
Nutritious gastronomy is key to fuelling fun-filled days in the sun, and The View Agadir’s restaurant selection has all the variety you could hope for. Start the morning with breakfast at Le V, where the bountiful buffet is one of the best I’ve seen. From a cheese station and made-to-order smoothies to eggs of any style, each surface is brimming with international and Moroccan delicacies. Come lunchtime, Le Dielli is the go-to casual poolside bistro, where poke bowls, pasta and burgers pair perfectly with a crisp glass of the house rosé. Afternoon snacks don’t come better than at the chic, light-filled Chay Lounge, where a tiered smorgasbord of delectable mini scones, cakes and savoury bites is laid out alongside a selection of teas, including the Moroccan blend poured theatrically from arm’s height.
As night falls, more culinary adventures await. At La Sensya, Italian fine dining meets Moroccan flair in a stylish eatery embellished with jazzy geometric tiles and an electric violinist who floats between the tables. The Capelli d’Angelo is Michelin-starred Chef Francesco Franzese’s speciality, a deliciously delicate angel hair pasta infused with a silky emulsion of garlic, chilli, caviar and anchovy. For an authentic Moroccan meal, Mima Kitchen serves regional staples in an ambient low-lit restaurant, also enhanced by the rhythms of live music. My visit here coincides with Ramadan when the fast-breaking ‘Iftar Experience’ is prepared daily, featuring a lavish spread of fresh juices, hearty soups, Mejhoul dates and sweet and savoury pastries, followed by vegetarian and meaty mains. To close the evening, unwind with a sophisticated nightcap at The Cedar or turn up the energy at Buddha Bar, the globally renowned hotspot.
From sunrise to starlight, The View Agadir offers a holistic escape that reignites a deep sense of wellbeing as boundless as the horizon.
Book your stay at https://theviewhotels.com/en/our-views/hotel-agadir
