Fairmont may be an international brand, but Fairmont Taghazout Bay – which opened in 2021 – is a truly local resort. And it’s an ideal place for a family holiday to Morocco.
This stunning, five-star beach resort is as child-friendly as it is parent-pleasing. Just a short flight from London, it’s the ideal place for an easy, long-weekend getaway, with sun all but guaranteed.
Citizen Enfants checked in to find out more.
THE LOWDOWN
Less than an hour from Agadir airport and set in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Fairmont Taghazout Bay overlooks the Atlantic ocean, giving guests a breathtaking view in every direction.
This 18-hectre resort is packed with activities for all ages. From a state-of-the-art spa and world-class golf course, to a dreamy stretch of secluded private beach and seemingly-endless water sports, here, there’s plenty for families who want an active break, but it’s also ideal for those who want to relax. No matter which you choose, it comes with stunning Atlantic views set agains the chic, modern design of the hotel.
THE VIBE
Fairmont Taghazout Bay ticks all the design boxes; locally-inspired elements such as earthy-walls and a natural landscape are contrasted with modern details such as contemporary Moroccan furniture and art, creating a wonderful blend of old and new. This is a stylish but relaxing space.
Fusing adult-only spaces such as a serene pool, heavenly spa and golf-course-with-a-view alongside all-ages-welcome events and activities, this is a spot that not only adults will love, but children will too. Those travelling with children benefit from the best of both worlds; places to escape to solo, but also plentiful amenities and activities for little ones, including babysitting services.
The sunset here is something to write home about, especially in the summer months when it puts on the perfect show for a dinner where all ages are welcomed; even in the most glam dining destination, Morimoto.
THE ROOMS
There are 146 rooms, suites and villas, and all overlook the seafront – which has a small, private beach club carved out on the sand for hotel guests. Sleek and minimalistic, they are not remotely fussy yet offer everything you could need from a hotel room – including plenty of storage – which is great when travelling with little ones. There’s also ample crawling space so you won’t feel you are climbing over a cot to reach the bathroom.
Guests will love the stunning sea views, generously-sized, glass-fronted balconies (a lovely spot for a sundowner once little ones are tucked up in bed) and seriously-chic Le Labo bath products. Ground floor rooms with terraces and a patch of lush lawn are perfect for younger children, while the villas with private pools are just the ticket for bigger groups. Despite the sun drenched landscape, there is plenty of green to be found at the Fairmont; beautiful gardens surround the property and prove great spaces for children to run around in, and burn off some energy.
THE CHILD’S PLAY
The hotel has Le Hangout space for teens who will love its computer games and chill out area, complete with over-sized bean bags and foosball table. Then there is the Fun4Kidz club with an indoor playroom and two outdoor playgrounds, where parents can drop kids over the age of four, or pop in to stay and play with younger ones: a great option to have for escaping the midday sun.
There is a huge family pool staffed by lifeguards, and a smaller wading pool for younger children, with plenty of spare armbands and rubber rings to borrow. This is a hotel that thinks about the details parents need to make their stay more enjoyable. Expect plenty of splashing – in both the sea and the pool – until well gone 9PM on balmy summer evenings.
There are also plenty of outdoor activities for kids to enjoy too, from water sports to tennis. No-one is getting bored here.
THE FOOD + DRINK
The dining options are all excellent, but be prepared to embrace the laissez-faire Mediterranean approach to dining avec enfants: restaurants open from 8PM for dinner. If this is too late for your little ones to eat, room service is always available.
If you do opt for table service with all the trimmings, then the standout eatery is Morimoto, serving Japanese cuisine, and a destination in itself. The chef mixes Japanese with a hint of traditional Moroccan which makes for a wonderfully different menu. Despite giving Park Lane Nobu vibes (and food that is equally good), it’s incredibly welcoming of young children and babies. Or, book a babysitter and head for drinks at Nola, the hotel’s chic bar where you can kick back with a cocktail to the sound of jazz, alongside that of lapping waves.
Elsewhere, Beef and Reef, the poolside surf and turf is the place for lunchtime feasting and, again, is perfect for little ones. This relaxed spot has highchairs on stand by and its kid’s menu makes lunching with little ones easy. Be sure to catch the champagne cart as it passes, en route to the beach.
THE LITTLE EXTRAS
For families it’s the thoughtful gestures: having the mini bar pre-stocked with milk or purée on arrival, and the provision of all the toddler gear you might need including a cot, highchair, potty, and even a car seat for airport transfers. This is clearly a hotel that aims to be family-friendly and really follows through with that promise. Golf buggies transport you around the resort which makes life much easier for parents carrying little ones, too.
There are some interesting local activities to try too, such as sand boarding and hiking in the nearby Atlas Mountains, and the concierge can arrange sightseeing trips if you want to explore.
THE TO-DO LIST
The Fairmont Spa is a must-visit. It’s an epic labyrinth with a stunning spiral staircase, outdoor Jacuzzis, a magnesium pool hidden in a secret-walled garden and, of course, traditional hammam facilities. You’ll also find indoor yoga in a sunlit studio, decorated with Berber rugs. Golfers will be thrilled with the view from the hotel’s nearby course which is right on the beach. Taghazout Bay might be a few hours south of better-known Moroccan surfing destination, Essaouira, but the waves on this stretch of coast are perfect for beginners, and an in-house instructor is on hand to give private or group lessons to all ages. Finally, a village tour is well worth the 10-minute trip into town, which you can combine with lunch at a traditional Moroccan restaurant for a taste of real local culture.
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