Last month I visited Morocco for the first time in my life and although I had been to Spain and Africa already this country is such a different blend! A special mixture of both, but with a whole different culture, a big diversity of colors, decorations and architecture and with a unique variety of old customs and quaint elements. In just 1 week we crossed the continent from Marrakech to the desert, through the Atlas mountains and all the way up to the north passing by Fes and the Blue Pearl of Morocco.
More about this later, but first I want to tell you about the most beautiful, luxurious and rejuvenating resort stay I experienced so far, which says a lot, having stayed in 200 different accommodations around the world.
I’m talking about the brand new 5 star all-villa resort and the newest addition to the Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts collection:
Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay in north west Morocco
Driving towards the north coast of Morocco and seeing the Mediterranean Sea glistening down the road, we were amazed when we reached the coastal town Tetouan with its chique white washed buildings, Unesco-listed medina and classy appearance. This town faces the sea on the north coast of Morocco. Our destination Tamouda Bay, renowned for having the longest unspoiled beach in Northern Morocco only 20 minutes away.
After a scenic drive along the sea we reached our resort and couldn’t be more surprised by the gorgeous wide entrance way and the palace-like hotel buildings dooming up in front of us, surrounded by palm-and olive trees, set on beautiful, spacious and well kept grounds.
Here we were welcomed in one of the most opulent and stunning receptions, surrounded by an atmosphere of class, luxury and air of relaxation, while being pampered by different staff members, one even more friendly and interested as the other.
Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay has just been opened a few months ago and is the newest location of the Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts collection, which has become one of the world’s leading international operators in the hospitality and Spa industry over the past 20 years. Currently offering more than 30 resorts and hotels, 70 Spa’s and more, spread out over 28 countries.
For me their resorts and villas represent ultimate luxury in complete privacy, located in relaxing spacious surroundings that exude quality combined with authenticity. This of course matches perfectly with my taste and made me feel completely ‘Zen’ during our stay. Furthermore Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay has the most exceptional service and friendliest staff I experienced till date, a highly valued feature to me! Nothing is too much here as they are always alert and looking after your every need!
The resort’s staff is so friendly, always around for a nice talk, interested in how they can help you with your questions about their country, or anything else you might need. Always ready to assist, with golf carts to drive you around the premises, or walk with you when you are looking for directions to one of hotel’s restaurants or the reception, spread out over the large resort grounds.
Quick to bring you a bench for your bag, to prevent it from touching the ground while seated in one of their luxurious restaurants. Turn down service every night, fresh fruit in your room, a different scent for your bedroom every day, a 3 course breakfast served to your table on trolleys, and offering to serve you breakfast in your private villa, even if it’s very early because you have to leave before the general breakfast time to catch your morning flight. These are just a few examples of why the service at this resort is one of the best we ever experienced, and will make your stay here a relaxing and ultimate luxury experience without exaggeration.
Next to that I really adored the look and design of the resort and private villas. With its fresh and crisp exterior and Moorish styled architecture this brand new resort truly pays homage to the region’s Andalusian-Moorish legacy and Moroccan heritage. The luxury all-pool villas are the perfect combination of Moroccan charm and Mediterranean spirit, as they feature classic Moroccan-style architecture and décor, with an all white look combined with neutral colors, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and positioned in a unique location facing the waterfront of the Mediterranean Sea.
As a professional hotel tester and enthusiastic world traveler I am not easily impressed, but 5 stars certainly don’t do justice and I would easily grant this resort 7 stars if possible! A lot of praise I know, but I will try to convince you through my personal and a few of the resort’s pictures, and by highlighting its exceptional features, so you can see for yourself why I can highly recommend it!
(Remember to click on the pictures to see the full version and description)
Unique features Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay
The resort is perfectly located in Northern Morocco: a 20-minute drive from Tetouan, well-known for its medina which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
Only a 60 minutes drive from Tanger and its airport with 60 weekly international flights and over 10 domestic flights, 3,5 hours from Rabat‘s international airport, 5 hours from Casablanca international airport and with close access to the south of Spain,
The resort offers excellent service with its wonderful staff and many excursion options such as golf, dolphin safari’s and much more,
Has the perfect setting by the sea, with 2 swimming pools, set on elaborate well kept hotel grounds with unique architectural features combining Moroccan and Mediterranean culture perfectly,
It’s the first all-pool villa resort in Morocco with a variety of villas of 200 to 400 m2,
All villas are extremely comfortable with a private pool set in a large tropical garden with lots of privacy, sunloungers and many seating options, a king-size bed, stunning bathroom including ceramic bath, rain shower and a fully equipped kitchen,
There are plenty of amenities in the villa; free coffee and tea facilities, free WIFI, safe, air-conditioning and your own living room with flat-screen TV and surround sound system,
Banyan Tree resorts are certified by ‘Earthcheck’ and big on sustainable development and supporting local projects regarding the environment and responsible tourism, which is unique for a luxury hotel chain,
It’s the first Spa destination in Northern Morocco, with a spacious and fully equipped Spa including excellent treatment facilities,
And naturally the resort offers an excellent breakfast and splendid dinner and drink options in various restaurants, which means you don’t even have to leave the premises during your stay!
About the Spa facilities
The Banyan Tree Spa is a renowned and award-winning concept. The extensive Spa of Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay will make you feel completely rejuvenated after a few hours in this oasis of luxury and serenity. Offering 6 Deluxe Treatment Rooms, 2 Royal Treatment Rooms, their signature and unique Rainforest Experience with hydrothermal circuit including a large Vitality Pool with Jacuzzi, a Hydro, Hammam, Yoga Pavilion and its own Spa Gallery.
Next to that it was hard to choose between the large variety of traditional treatments, all performed by Thai masseuses who are skilled to perfection and are highly recommended!
About dinner
The resort offers 3 different restaurants and a special bar Volubilis, with a big offering of alcoholic drinks, also serving an extensive selection of coffee and teas, with Arabic light pastries during the day.
Saffron, the signature fine dining Thai restaurant of Banyan Tree offers innovative Thai cuisine using traditional ingredients.
Tingitana has an eclectic combination of eastern Mediterranean cuisines and traditional spiced stews and local tagines, open all day.
And the unique seaside grill Azzura Beach Club offers seafood, barbecued meats and freshly baked flat bread throughout the day, served on the beach or by the pool.
Private dining experiences are offered as well; a relaxed dinner on the beach, a Moroccan feast in a traditional tent, or in-villa barbecues. At Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay they will do everything to make your stay and dinner as memorable as possible!
About the area
The resort is located in a rich area surrounded by extraordinary landscapes and unique cultural destinations; very close to Tetouan, Tanger, Chefchaouen, Marbella and also near Europe with easy access by car and ferry from Ceuta.
Because we saw so much of Morocco already and were reluctant to leave the resort, as we wanted to enjoy our stay and our comfortable villa to the fullest, we chose only to visit Chefchaouen while there, the renowned Blue Pearl of Morocco. After a scenic 90 minutes to 2 hours drive through the Rif Mountains we arrived at the charming blue washed town listed as World Heritage Site by Unesco.
I just had to see it for myself as The Lonely Planet claimed it’s; “…one of the prettiest towns in Morocco, an artsy, blue-washed mountain village that feels like its own world” And I must agree with that, such a unique vibe and wonderful atmosphere here, but you can be the judge of that as well:
Of course there’s much more to explore in this region, and we found the north of Morocco the classiest and most beautiful area of the country. Next to that Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay truly is one of the best resorts we’ve experienced, so we will definitely be back for more soon!
I hope my blog showed you why and could convince you of that as well! If you have any more questions about this resort or area feel free to contact me by mail at:
Contact@authenticchica.com
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Would you choose to stay in this unique luxury resort while visiting Morocco or the south of Spain? Always love to hear your opinion, just leave a comment below!
