The little-known Moroccan city that could be the new Dubai: El Jadida boasts a sister hotel to Atlantis The Palm with all the opulence – at half the price – and none of the crowds
In recent years, Dubai has become the default luxury sunshine escape for Brits.
Around 1.3 million UK tourists flock there every year for five-star hotels, beach clubs and guaranteed year-round heat – offering pale skin and vitamin D levels a much-needed boost.
I was one of the 19.5 million holidaymakers who visited the United Arab Emirates city last year, battling packed beaches and inflated prices in search of a slice of luxury.
But since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, the Foreign Office (FCDO) has warned against all but essential travel to the UAE, while Dubai International Airport has reported a sharp drop in passenger traffic.
Now, many Brits are looking for a Dubai alternative – somewhere with the same blend of opulence, skyscrapers and sand dunes, but without the tension hanging over the region.
And I think I may have found it, just three hours from London: El Jadida, the Moroccan UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique mix of Renaissance military architecture and Moroccan culture.
It’s not just the sunshine that Dubai and Morocco have in common – although El Jadida does get 300 days of sun a year.
Similarly to Dubai, in El Jadida, past meets present. Within metres of each other, a mosque, a synagogue, and a Catholic church showcase the North African country’s rich, diverse culture and history inside the citadel walls.
Padraig Prendergast found a Dubai alternative in El Jadida, Morocco – with the same blend of opulence, skyscrapers and sand dunes, but without the tension hanging over the region
He stayed just 15 minutes away at Atlantis Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort – where rooms are about half the price of its famous sister hotel Atlantis The Palm in Dubai
Padraig’s bath looked out on to the uncrowded beach
And I’m staying just 15 minutes away at Atlantis Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort – where rooms are about half the price of its famous sister hotel Atlantis The Palm in Dubai.
When I visited Dubai last year, the beaches felt packed. Attractions, such as water parks, thronged, and moments designed to feel lavish and special felt increasingly stressful – not the ideal vibe for your well-earned holiday.
But, while Mazagan has all the opulence of Dubai’s famous resort, it has none of the crowds – even though I’m told ‘occupancy is at 100 per cent’, when I check in.
After being chauffeured to my room, I step onto the balcony and hear Atlantic waves crashing against the shore.
No traffic. No construction. Just endless open space.
Spread across 250 acres, Mazagan opened in 2009 and boasts 500 rooms and suites built at a cost of more than £275 million. Yet thanks to its seven kilometres of coastline, it somehow still feels almost private.
Every morning, I swing open the balcony doors just to hear the ocean roar again.
It’s no wonder celebs have become fans. Paloma Faith was a recent guest, and Lindsay Lohan and Naomi Campbell attended the opening.
Padraig went quad biking (right) and barely saw a soul on the beach
Paudie enjoyed dinner at one of Mazagan’s 15 restaurants, Sel de Mer
While Mazagan has all the opulence of Dubai’s famous resort, it has none of the crowds – even though Padraig is told ‘occupancy is at 100 per cent’, when he checks in
I opt to quad bike over the dunes up the coast and, yet again, only see a handful of people.
Similarly, when I get on horseback (after my mum tells me ‘don’t fall off and break your neck’), it’s heavenly trotting along on my white horse, Caesar, as the sun disappears into the horizon with no one else around.
Where is everyone?
Like Dubai, this Morocco resort delivers grandeur extremely well.
There are 15 restaurants and bars here. I highly recommend dinner at seafood restaurant Sel de Mer. Head chef Farès Berriah has been there since day one, and his 17-year tenure speaks for itself.
It’s the jewel in the crown as he now heads up all the à la carte menus across the resort – and it’s easy to see why. His fresh shellfish cream soup (better known as crème de crustacés façon) has my tastebuds exploding, keen for a second helping.
With breakfast included and a whopping 10 stations to choose from, Mazagan also offers more inclusive options such as half-board or all-Inclusive packages, making daily food budgets easier to predict.
Inspired by the glamour of 1942 film Casablanca, aptly named ‘Studio 42’, their signature bar channels the elegance and allure of the 1940s – and as an Irish man, I naturally sample a cocktail or two.
Padraig says: ‘It’s heavenly trotting along the beach on my white horse, Caesar, as the sun disappears into the horizon with no one else around’
All the glitz and glamour of Dubai with none of the crowds? What more could you want?
For the night owls, Mazagan is home to North Africa’s largest 24-hour casino, offering 36 live tables including roulette, blackjack and ultimate Texas hold ’em. I don’t attempt to have a flutter this time after losing some modest dollars in Vegas last year.
There are also two pools – the kids’ pool has a slide adults can use too!
Golf enthusiasts are covered too – with the resort’s 18-hole course designed by Gary Player, the legendary South African golfer and three-time Masters champion.
There’s even a recently renovated spa and gym where I have an aromatherapy massage.
After nodding off, I’m awoken to a unique and breathtaking blue ocean and sky view.
Palm trees frame giant riad pools. Peacocks wander around the grounds. Families spread out across enormous spaces without fighting for loungers or breakfast tables.
All the glitz and glamour of Dubai with none of the crowds? What more could you want?
