KCR Spring 2025 Magazine - Flipbook - Page 52
A Holistic Haven at The View, Agadir
“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, sur昀椀ng, 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
昀氀ight 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 o昀昀er 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 e昀昀ortlessly 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 昀氀oor, The View’s
Amaya Spa lives up to its translation, meaning ‘beauty and serenity’. The
1500m² wellness oasis o昀昀ers 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 昀氀oat here for hours basking in the calming ambience if not for the irresistible allure of my 昀椀rst 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, that 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 o昀昀er every souvenir imaginable.
Nutritious gastronomy is key to fuelling fun-昀椀lled days in the sun, and
The View Agadir’s restaurant selection o昀昀ers all the variety you could
hope for. Start the morning with breakfast at Le V, where the bountiful
bu昀昀et is one of the best I’ve seen. From a cheese station and made-toorder 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-昀椀lled Chay Lounge, where a tiered
smorgasbord of delectable mini scones, cakes and savoury bites are 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 昀椀ne
dining meets Moroccan 昀氀air in a stylish eatery embellished with jazzy
geometric tiles and an electric violinist who 昀氀oats 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 o昀昀ers 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
By Emily Cotterhill
