Hotel of the week: Sofitel Tamouda Bay in Morocco

On the Mediterranean coast, a hundred kilometers from Tangier and a stone’s throw from Tetouan, the Moroccan Riviera is taking shape. The sand is clear, the water turquoise and the climate particularly mild. In the distance, mountains greened by spring rains are populated by shepherds accompanying their herds of goats. On the bay, a marina and a few blue and white fishermen’s huts punctuate the landscape. This idyllic setting, long preserved from construction, has for several years been the vacation spot of the Moroccan gentry. Why the sudden interest? Because Mohamed VI, the king of Morocco, has been spending all his vacations there for six years. And it is precisely to receive his friends that “his Majesty” had the brand new Sofitel Tamouda Bay built on land adjoining his summer residence.

The new “arty-chic” address

With your feet in the water, the Franco-Lebanese architect Galal Mahmoud has imagined a set of minimalist cubes that are very Californian at heart. A few moucharabieh friezes nevertheless bring a welcome Arab touch to the ultra-contemporary building. The ensemble, surrounded by multiple infinity pools, overlooking the beach, offers a gradient of blue that extends as far as the eye can see. The rooms facing the sea and particularly spacious (40 square meters minimum) play the “arty-chic” seaside design card. The colorful shapes and patterns pay homage to 20th century artists who lived in Morocco. Frescoes or rugs freely inspired by the works of Braque or by Matisse thus adorn interior spaces. But absolute luxury is found just a few meters from the first waves. There, around ten light wooden villas, equipped with private swimming pools and protected from prying eyes by lush vegetation, give the stay an intimate character, precious in high season. Because with its success, the seaside resort dreams of itself as Saint-Tropez to the south of Gibraltar: pool parties, lounges, DJ sets and vintage bottle competitions… At this rate, the Sofitel will be to this small fishing port what the Byblos is to Saint-Tropez: a party mecca.

Source: lepoint.fr