Description
Located on in isolated position overlooking Oualidia's lagoon, La Sultana has a lavish Arabian Nights feel, with glorious gardens containing palm trees, cacti and a plethora of colourful flowers and plants blending into the lagoon and ocean beyond. The lagoon is home to a variety of birdlife like egrets, herons and flamingos. The overall scenery is pretty breathtaking.
The 11 rooms and suites have been purposely created and designed using natural materials from the surrounding areas showcasing local craftsmanship in a modern and chic style, giving each room a luxurious and elegant feel. With dressed sandstone ceilings, zellig flooring and honey-coloured walls, it blends modern comforts with local Moroccan undertones. Each room has its own terrace and outdoor Jacuzzi. Some even have a retractable roof for stargazing. Naturally the creature comforts are included such as internet access, plasma-screen TVs, soundproofing and a minibar with free soft drinks.
One of the highlights has got to be the central, infinity edged swimming pool that sits next to Romanesque limestone columns, a jacuzzi on one side and a salon bar on the other. There is also a pool down by the private beach, and another in the spa.
One of the great things about La Sultana is the fact you can have breakfast on your own terrace. There is a lot of flexibility to dining at La Sultana, be it in the sunken Lagoon Dining Room, the Mast Restaurant, or a quiet private meal on the decking next to the lagoon. We really think the seafood here is as good as you can get, being so close to one of Morocco’s best oyster beds. Naturally, there is an abundance of other culinary delights on offer, be it a traditional tajine or western favourites.
At the heart of the hotel is an enchanting spa that embraces a holistic approach to treatments, so that you leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, and the hotel does try to market itself as a spa hotel to good effect.
Guide price
£1,396 Per person
£1,396 per person on a Bed & Breakfast basis including international flights with Royal Air Maroc and private transfers.
Accommodation
All of La Sultana Oualidia's 11 Rooms and Suites are beautifully designed to be tranquil havens - marble and wooden floors, traditional tadelakt and stone walls, marble bathrooms and oleander ceilings all add to the sense of natural serenity. The large private terraces (often overlooking the lagoon) with seawater jacuzzi are a real highlight. The rooms have air-conditioning/heating, hairdryer, mini bar, safe, satellite TV, and a DVD/CD player so all creature comforts have been taken care of.
Childcare
La Sultana Oualidia is an excellent choice for families - it has safe swimming in the lagoon from its sandy beaches, has plenty of very attentive staff to help with your little ones and is a small hotel hence is able to give the personal service that families require. There are no specific facilities for children but they will love the pool and lagoon and will enjoy the boat trips available. Babysitting is available on request.
Facilities
Whether dining in the Lagoon Dining Room, Mast Restaurant or at a private location of your choice, the specialities such as Sea-Perch cooked in salted crust, lobster and oysters are all fresh and delicious. Breakfasts can be enjoyed in the relaxation of your own private terrace. La Sultana Oualidia has a 40m outdoor pool overlooking the water with 5 jacuzzis surrounding it. The stunning spa has an indoor heated pool, fitness and cardio training area, inside and outside massage rooms, relaxation areas, beauty and hairdressing salon and hammam. There is also a well stocked library.
Activities
Part of the charm of Oualidia is that it is a sleepy place and a stay here encourages relaxation - days could be lost lazing about reading a good book while enjoying the mesmerising views. Surfing, windsurfing and kayaking are all good in this area and a boat trip on the lagoon is a must. Fishing, bird watching and walking are also easily enjoyed on the area and the colourful Saturday market is great fun.
When to travel
Spring (March-May) is popular as these months are pleasantly warm and sunny, and the landscape is lush and green. Book well ahead if you want to come over Easter or in the summer months. Autumn (mid Sep-mid Nov) is also lovely, but the countryside tends to look parched. Summer is pretty hot, and winter can be chilly at night.
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Best time to visit
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Oualidia, Morocco
Situated in a unique location sheltered by cliffs, bordered by green pastureland and salt-water marshes, La Sultana looks out over the lagoon in Oualidia. On the Atlantic coast of Morocco, equidistant between Casablanca and Essaouira.
How to get there
It's 200km from the nearest airport- 3.20 hour direct flight to Casablanca Mohammed V, followed by a 3 hour private transfer by road. Alernatively Marrakech is a 3.5 hour drive.
