In June, I spent four days at Paradis Plage Resort in Imi Ouaddar, close to Agadir. I’d never visited Morocco before and loved delving deeper into this area’s history and culture. We managed to cram a lot into the trip, from surf sessions to yoga classes. Here’s a little snapshot of my adventures...  

The hotel 

This four-star hotel has hit the jackpot when it comes to location, perched on a beautiful, golden sandy beach. You can do as much or as little as you want here. The tranquil pool area and spa are fab if you’re wanting to fly –and flop, while the activities on offer and well-equipped gym mean it’s easy to keep active. My favourite part was the zen garden, complete with hammocks and four-poster lounge beds. All the rooms are suites, so you can expect plenty of space and every amenity you could need for a relaxing stay. Travelling with tots? They’ll love the playground, pool and kids’ club.  

When it comes to dining, a sprawling buffet kicks off the day in the right way. From pastries and local delights to a made-to-order omelette and egg station, you won’t go hungry. You can even get fresh fruit juices! For lunch and dinner, the Chiringuito restaurant was my favourite, where you can dine with your toes in the sand. And on an evening, there’s nothing better than sitting around the firepit as the sun sets.  

The activities  

The hotel has its own surf school, so it was a great opportunity to get an insight into the area’s surfing scene. In the summer, the waves are smaller, making it perfect for beginners. Plus, you can have your lessons on the beach, just steps from the hotel! We went in search of a bigger swell a little further down the coast at Anza Beach. We were a group of mixed abilities, but our instructor was very friendly and patient.  

Paradis Plage Resort also boasts an incredible yoga studio, with floor-to-ceiling windows that show off the seafront scenes. We did two classes during our trip, one active and one gentle flow. The teacher was lovely and tailored the classes to suit our experience. It was easy to switch off and unwind to the soundtrack of the sea.  

The area  

The hotel is in a peaceful postcode but it’s easy to reach nearby Taghazout and Agadir by taxi. We did a guided tour of Agadir, including the Kasbah ruins and marina, as well as visiting a local collective to see how Argan oil is made. Agadir’s 7km-long promenade is a real highlight. There’s so much space to sprawl, even in the busy summer months. In the mood for some retail therapy? Don’t miss Souk El Had. It’s the biggest of its kind in Africa and opens every day apart from Monday. Here, you can find everything from handmade textiles to jewellery, bags, shoes and more. Haggling is all part of the experience and is expected, so don’t be shy!