Tikida Golf Palace ★★★★★

Agadir is a hymn to the joys of living. It should therefore come as no surprise that this haven of ocean, sunshine (over 300 days a year) and desert seduces ever more visitors each year. Golf, aquatic sports, ocean and relaxation are what make this city the perfect holiday destination. 19 February 1960 was a different story. That was the day when the entire city was brought to its knees by a powerful earthquake, yet all that seems a distant memory now.

The new Agadir rose from the rubble to become one of the largest seaside resorts in Morocco. With over four miles of fine sand beaches, a year-round temperate climate that even had some of my perma-bronzed Californian friends turning pale with envy, ever-increasingly hip bars, a wealth of restaurants and a certain hotel, this city is definitely the place to be.

Away from the fizzing masses of tourists, curled up in magnificent surroundings, my new refuge awaits: The Tikida Golf Palace. Nuzzled against the pristine greenery of the Domaine du Golf du Soleil’s 18-hole golf course, the hotel enjoys an unparalleled location. I know many a man who could spend hour upon hour practising on this velvet carpet. Perhaps I’ll bring one with me next time. An extra special one. The air is spiced with the tang of eucalyptus, Moroccan roses and the many other exotic plants flourishing in this garden of Eden. There’s even a lake. I pause for a moment, overcome by the spectacular sight of glittering water where I least expected it.

Along with the greenery and sweetness of the air, the sudden rush of wellbeing is one of the first things I notice. In fact, the ambience of the place, which is somehow both convivial and intimate at once, makes me feel instantly at home. It’s the sort of place you want to share, and yet, not share too much! This tranquillity is hard won. It’s only for the lucky few…

Conceived and built in the style of a Riad, the Tikida Golf Palace has all the arabesque and Andalusian character you might imagine. The architecture, the interior design and the sumptuous courtyard patio, home to the indoor pool, are classic examples. As I step inside, I’m swept up into an oasis of serenity where time comes to a standstill. There is luxury and refinement in spades. The atmosphere is friendly and peaceful. No sooner am I through the door than the staff busy themselves taking care of my every desire and providing me with things I don’t even know I want! I am received like a VIP with fresh fruit in one hand and dainty Moroccan pastries in the other.

I arrive at my room. I had chosen a Junior Suite and I’m not disappointed; it is spacious, filled with light and has an astonishing view over the golf course. I make the space my own in record time. Born of the happy marriage between Moroccan tradition and contemporary design, the vibe that my new home exudes is totally divine. An enormous walk-in wardrobe catches my eye; Carrie Bradshaw, eat your heart out! The bathroom surpasses the highest of standards; the bathtub and walk-in shower vie for pride of place. Needless to say, all of the facilities are spectacular. Each detail has been carefully considered.

For a moment I wonder if I might head directly to the spa for a long, lazy pampering session, though a refreshing splash in the pool would also be welcome. There’s so much choice, it’s hard to know where to begin. In the end, my practical side gets the better of me and I reserve a table for the evening at “La table du golf” where an extraordinary culinary adventure awaits me.

The days unfold too fast, chased by my appetite to try everything the Tikida Golf Palace has to offer. Too soon, it’s time for my adventure to end. But for you, it could be just the beginning. I’ll only offer one word of caution, don’t wait too long before you escape to this cocoon of calm. Even the best-kept secrets get out in the end…