Fairmont Taghazout Bay

For too long luxury travelers to Morocco have confined themselves to a small handful of cities. But less than an hour up the Atlantic coast from Agadir is Taghazout, a fishing village turned holiday destination, and the seaside Fairmont Taghazout Bay, a luxe and stylish village-like resort whose sandy-colored modern structures circle a wandering lagoon-style swimming pool, and whose back side looks straight out into the Atlantic over a vast expanse of beach.

The rooms, suites, and villas are handsome and thoroughly well-equipped; even the smallest span some 50 square meters, while the largest villa comes with four bedrooms and an infinity pool. The interiors mix quietly stylish modern luxury with local Moroccan elements; the overall impression is remarkably open and sunny, especially in comparison with Morocco’s famously private riad hotels.

It may go without saying that where there’s a Fairmont hotel there’s an expansive spa and wellness complex. Meanwhile, close by, a Kyle Phillips-designed course welcomes golfers, while the hotel’s Surf Club caters to guests in search of waterborne adventures. And the restaurants and bars, for their part, range from Moroccan classics to a steak-and-seafood venue and the impressive Japanese-style Morimoto.