Feeling uninspired for the holidays? What if you ditched the south of Morocco and other ski resorts to be surprised by the charm of the Moroccan Riviera? From November 20th to February 10th, 2024, Sofitel Tamuda Bay Beach & Spa is dressed to the nines to celebrate its traditional Holiday Season. Fireside chats, long walks on the deserted beaches of the Mediterranean, and visits to Tetouan and its Arab-Andalusian heritage… Yes, the north of Morocco is also worth a visit in winter! 

For over three months, Sofitel Tamuda Bay Beach & Spa embraces enchantment. Everything is designed by the hotel’s teams to delight its guests. This year, the Holiday Season takes inspiration from the famous candle ritual of the Sofitel brand. In addition to a “French touch,” the ambiance will be about light, sparkle, joy, and warmth. There couldn’t be a better way to  celebrate Christmas, New Year’s Day, or even the Chinese New Year, which falls on February 10th.

“A nod to the lamplighters of the 18th century in Paris,” details Idriss Saoudi, general manager of Sofitel Tamuda Bay Beach & Spa. In the 1860s, Paris became the first city to light  its streets after sunset with over 56,000 gas lamps. The French capital became known as “The City of Light,” a symbol of safety, warmth, and humanity, also in reference to the role of French philosophers during the Enlightenment. This tradition inspired Sofitel’s Candle Ritual, a unique experience that highlights the brand. The warm glow of the candles creates a welcoming and magical atmosphere, illustrating the transition from day to night every day at dusk.

Gourmet surprises:                                               Sofitel Tamuda Bay

On the menu for Sofitel Tamuda Bay Beach & Spa’s Festive Season: the famous aperitifs or private dinners by Chef El Mehdi on the beach and under the starry sky of M’Diq. Respectively named “Bouchées complices” and “Confidences gastronomiques,” these gourmet, intimate, and friendly moments are to be experienced as a couple, with friends, or with family, in a natural setting — slll enhanced by the glow of candles.

Special mention for the cocktails created for this occasion, which have  notes of chocolate, orange, and cinnamon, and also for the “Instant Tea Time,” designed by pastry chef Ayoub, featuring our favorite: the vanilla-passion scone.

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Bonus: New wellness rituals

Also, as part of the Holiday Season, Sofitel Tamuda Bay Beach & Spa has introduced two new wellness experiences. At the editorial office, we vote for the candle massage, performed on the entire body — atimeless moment with many benefits. In addition to releasing muscle tension and stress, it nourishes and restores elasticity to the skin. 

Another highlight: the ritual of the in-room bath special for the Holiday Season. In the intimacy of their own space, the guest can immerse themselves in a relaxing bath, enhanced with bath salts, essential oils, and fragrant essences. Could there be a better way  to start the year off well?

Sofitel Tamuda Bay Beach & Spa:
Route de Ceuta M’diq Tetouan
Tel.: 05 39 71 62 00Room prices, starting from 2000 DH/night.

Picture (c) : Sofitel Tamuda Bay

The editorial team wanted to test The Saint Regis La Bahia Blanca, a brand-new hotel in Tamuda Bay. This luxury resort is the first of its kind opened by Marriott International in the Maghreb, choosing the Moroccan Riviera. In total, 35,000 square meters along the Mediterranean, 83 rooms, and 17 suites create  “havens of serenity.” 

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Double panoramic view

Most importantly, it boasts  a breathtaking geographical location. It is a  beachfront hotel on the white sands  of Tamuda Bay (one of the most beautiful in the region) surrounded by lush gardens, while also offering a double panoramic view of Cabo Negro on one side, and Ceuta and Spain on the other. If you dream of an escape, you’re in the right place. From the hotel, you can enjoy a long walk along the water (about an hour) to the Al Andalus complex (for those familiar with the region). Thenyou can continue to Marina Smir, its bay, and various water activities.

The taste of authenticity

In terms of architecture, this hotel in Tamuda Bay draws inspiration from Hispano-Moorish architecture, with Tetouan, “the daughter of Granada,” being a perfect setting. The Saint Regis is particularly inspired by the most luxurious riads and palaces in Morocco, incorporating historical  elements characteristic of the north. For the sake of authenticity, The Saint Regis La Bahia Blanca has collaborated with local artists and artisans from the Royal Artisanal School and the National Institute of Fine Arts in Tetouan. Among them is Amine Asselman, a multidisciplinary Tetouani artist, who has created several exclusive and high-design pieces of zellige.

The Hollywood Regency Style

Inside, the decoration is inspired by American bourgeois interiors, also known as Hollywood Regency style:, opulent, very bright, and at the same time, incredibly cozy. It contributes to a bubble of comfort that is perfect for an off-season “wellness” stay, whether with a partner, family, or friends. This hotel in Tamuda Bay is also a great option for the holiday season, as it offers a fitness center with a spa, pools, and massages. And don’t forget the ultra-comforting “tea time” at the Library, inspired by the American Café Society, for a journey into the past. Be sure to also stop for drinks at the St Regis Bar, inspired by the iconic King Cole Bar at the St Regis New York, where champagne is popped  every evening at 7 p.m., preserving a sacred ritual, inspired by the Napoleonic wars, to celebrate the transition from day to night. Another must-try? The Bloody Mary cocktail, unique and specific to each St Regis hotel worldwide.

Fine Dining

On the dining side, the editorial team particularly enjoyed La Baie Blanche, the brasserie of this hotel in Tamuda Bay, which combines French craftsmanship with Moroccan influences — and where seafood reigns supreme.

At the Bahia Vista Beach Bar & Grill, an intimate and casual beach restaurant, Shoelifer enjoyed succulent lamb chops and ceviches, all skillfully led by executive chef Salim Aït Ezzine, a graduate of the Hotel School of Marrakech. Having worked in the kitchens of the Relais Château Ksar Chagh-Bagh and the Fairmont Royal Palm, located in the Red City, Salim Aït Ezzine has notably collaborated with world-renowned chefs: Yannick Alléno, Jean-François Piège, Philippe Jourdain, and Giancarlo Morelli. That’s quite a pedigree.

One small, but important detail: this hotel in Tamuda Bay likes to highlight seasonal products. We stayed there during the clementine season, which was featured in chocolates, macarons, and gazelle horns. Yum. Open to the public since the fall (after a soft opening on July 15), the establishment could become one of your favorite spots — ummer or winter.

The Saint Regis La Playa Blanca Resort
267 Route Fnideq, Restinga El Manzah, 93200 Fnideq, Morocco
Tel.: +212 5396-66060
Special holiday prices: starting from 2500 Dhs per room with breakfast included.

Picture (c) : The Saint Regis