La Sultana Oualidia

La Sultana Oualidia is an enchanting Moorish fortress surrounded by orange, olive and jacaranda trees, terraces, fountains and flowered balconies that overlook a serene lagoon on the Atlantic coast.

A hidden gem by the ocean, La Sultana Oualidia has the ability to capture, energise and sooth in equal measure – the perfect antidote following a stay in the hustle and bustle of Marrakech.

ACCOMMODATION
La Sultana has only 12 rooms and suites, each of which has been individually designed with natural materials contributing to the air of natural elegance. Ceilings of dressed sandstone, beautiful zellig floors of honey coloured tadelakt.

Each room and suite has its own private terrace with seawater Jacuzzi overlooking the lagoon. The Exclusive Suite – the ‘Treehouse Suite’ offers a truly unique stay. Perfect for couples the suite is a vast treehouse hidden among dense and fragrant foliage.

One of the tree’s main branches forms a centrepiece in the suite, immersing guests completely in the surrounding natural environment. A full-length window affords breath taking views over the horizon and a private sea-water Jacuzzi is set into the treehouse’s spacious terrace

LOCATION
La Sultana Oualidia is situated on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, in the small fishing village of Oualidia overlooking a calm and serene salt water lagoon –
a protected site of great ecological importance.

When the tide recedes sandbanks and the renowned oyster beds emerge. For Moroccans, Oualidia is the high-end beach destination, that used to be home to the royal family, since then many wealthy families have followed.

Oualidia is known as Morocco’s ‘oyster capital’. 2 hour drive from Casablanca. Protected by the wind thanks to the lagoon land, the temperature is never too cold or too hot.

PERSONAL HOST
Guests are given a mobile phone, so they can contact their host at any time to arrange spa appointments, tailored experiences on the spur of the moment, restaurants, car or boat pick-up or to simply run a bath or prepare a gin and tonic.

SPA & WELLNESS
La Sultana’s cathedral-inspired spa is composed entirely of stone and is the perfect haven for the body and mind. The spa therapists perform a selection of traditional Moroccan treatments using organic oils from Nectarome – which uses the best Moroccan organic plants and essential oils. An indoor pool, Jacuzzi, relaxation area, hammams, sauna and fitness room are all features of La Sultana Oualidia’s Spa.

SWIMMING POOL
La Sultana’s 45-metre long infinity pool is perfectly positioned to provide outstanding views over the lagoon. The sun loungers also all offer 180 degrees views of the beautiful surroundings.

To complete the relaxing experience the pool’s water has been specially filtered to make it purer and softer and it is surrounded by 5 seawater Jacuzzis. The length and purity of the pool is also attractive for more experienced swimmers keen to spend longer in the water.

FOOD & BEVERAGE
With unrivalled fresh produce from sea and land, La Sultana Oualidia showcases the best produce of Morocco with vegetarian, as well as locally and ethically-sourced meat and fish options from local producers and La Sultana Oualidia’s very own organic vegetable garden.

LA TABLE DE LA PLAGE
Open for lunch to guests and non-resident guests, showcasing the best from the organic garden and local seafood producers.

LA TABLE DE LA SULTANA
Open every day for dinner showcasing contemporary and innovative cuisine to celebrate culinary journeys around two seasonal menus: French inspirations & fine Moroccan cuisine. The restaurant is open only for resident guests.

THE O BAR
Located at the end of a mesmerising pier overlooking the lagoon and extending onto the Atlantic coast, The O Bar offers both local and international oysters with Moroccan wine pairings. Locally grown oysters from Oualidia’s unique lagoon offer a delicate and balanced taste, including the house speciality, the Pied de Cheval Oyster.

EXPERIENCES
La Sultana Oualidia has curated a variety of family friendly, immersive experiences and excursions to enable guests to discover the region.

• Surfing: Oualidia has surf all year, however it is one of the best spots in the winter for European surfers. With safe and easy conditions also available, surfing is perfect for beginners and children (from 6 years old) as well as advanced surfers. The King’s children come here to surf.
• Saturday Souk: the weekly market is a popular event that gathers many inhabitants, some of whom travel on donkey-back or donkey carriage from small villages 50km around Oualidia. It’s an authentic market true to the real life of Morocco with goods for locals – seasonal fruits, vegetables, spices, olives, pieces of pottery and furniture.
• Bird watching safari: the lagoon is an exceptional ecological site for bird conservation in Morocco that extends over 12km. According to the season pink flamingos (spring and autumn), storks, grey herons, spatulas and big cormorants can be spotted.
• Horse riding: trails lead either to the beach ‘Les Tomates’ (named after the neighbouring tomato farm) passing through Oualidia’s village or further down the lagoon to reach the land in between the lagoon the Atlantic Ocean.
• Visit the Portugese City of Mazagan:  listed as UNESCO World Heritage, the Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida) is known for its fortification with its bastions, ramparts and remaining cistern built in the Manueline style of late Gothic architecture.
• Cycling:  along the lagoon’s peninsula, a Natural Reserve up to the salt marshes, it’s a great off-road biking experience to explore the region.
• Gourmet excursion to an oyster farm – a traditional fishing boat takes guests for a picturesque picnic lunch followed by a visit to the oyster beds where guests learn about the oyster farming which dates back to the 1950s. The experience finishes with drinks and appetizers at La Sultana Oualidia’s O Bar.
• Moroccan cooking classes: where guests can master the art of traditional Moroccan cuisine. Berber tent dinner – an authentic Moroccan dining experience on the beach.
• Fishing: Morocco’s coastline is renowned as one of the richest fish areas of the Atlantic Ocean and the setting of Oualidia’s lagoon offers diverse fishing types from the beach (surfcasting), the cliff or from a small boat.
• Stand up Paddle: The lagoon in front is ideal for all levels of stand-up paddlers with easy rides down the lagoon and advanced spot at wave point break near ocean entrance. Other activities include beach volleyball, windsurfing and kayaking.

Rooms: 12

Price: from 391 EUR per night

Source: www.lasultanahotels.com