La Sultana Oualidia

For anyone who’s ever wished they could combine the architecture and atmospherics of Morocco with the self-explanatory pleasures of a beach town, Oualidia is the answer. This fishing village turned vacation spot is where Marrakchis go when the tourist season hits, and it’s where you’ll find La Sultana, the Atlantic-coast franchise of the Marrakech-based boutique hotel.

It’s less than half the size of the Marrakech original, which suits this sleepy town just fine. And while that one lies in the bustling medina, this one is at the edge of Oualidia’s famous lagoon, and at first glance it’s not at all easy to tell where the lagoon ends and the infinity pool begins. The style is, in a way, exactly what you’d expect from a classic Moroccan seaside resort — stone, tadelakt, antique furnishings and original artworks. Colors are soft and sunny, and sunlight and space are both in plentiful supply.

Even with just eleven bedrooms La Sultana doesn’t skimp on the luxuries. There’s a full-service spa, complete with indoor pool, jacuzzi, and a variety of treatments. And the restaurant is a fine one, focusing on local Atlantic seafood — handy given your location, tucked away at the end of a dirt track at the edge of town.