Described as the “Blue Pearl”, this glitzy town on the northeastern coast of Morocco is close to the Algerian border. It was built in the late 19th century under the direction of Sultan Hassan I. Many come for its annual traditional folk music festival, the Moulouya National Parc natural bird preserve and its glamorous marina. The semi-arid climate with a coastal breeze makes it ideal for a beach holiday, soaking in the sun on white sands. Saidia also offers huge shopping malls and golf courses and upmarket seafront resorts. Visit in spring or summer if you want to avoid the rainy season.
Saidia, Oriental
Iberostar Waves Saïdia
(5 stars) Sitting right on the beach with views of the Beni Snassen Mountains, this international chain hotel has fully harnessed a local spirit. The decor in the bedrooms and public spaces and cuisine in four restaurants is heavily Berber-inspired. But it’s designed to appeal to a worldwide clientele in its amenities. Iberostar has multiple places to swim: a dedicated entertainment pool with water sports, pools for children, a relaxation pool and an indoor pool. Star Camp provides 140 children’s activities across three age groups. And for the grown-ups, there’s a spa with a water circuit, a Turkish bath and an ‘Aliveness’ wellness programme.