Escape to Paradise: Radisson Blu's Moroccan Surf Oasis Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the supposed "Escape to Paradise" that is the Radisson Blu's Moroccan Surf Oasis. And let me tell you, from accessibility to the goddamn soup – we're covering it all. I'm not just giving you a dry, corporate-speak review. I'm telling you what actually happened.
First Impressions: Paradise Found? (Spoiler Alert: Maybe, Maybe Not.)
Right off the bat, let's talk about the good stuff. The whole "escape" vibe is definitely there. The Radisson Blu, at least from the glossy brochures and that overly enthusiastic website, promises a slice of Moroccan heaven. Think sun-drenched days, crashing waves, and… well, we’ll get to the rest. Arriving is a bit of a mixed bag. Let's be honest. Airport transfer? Check. They offer it. Car park [free of charge]? Actually, yes. A proper parking lot without charging you for your sanity? Unexpected win!
But let's be real real quick. I arrived. The lobby? Pretty. Chic. Overwhelmingly… empty. A few sleek sofas, some strategically placed plants… it’s like they put all the money into the aesthetics and forgot to hire… people. Which, in some cases, is a good thing. I hate being bombarded by staff. Othertimes? A bit of welcoming goes a long way.
Accessibility: Can You Actually Get to Paradise?
Okay, this is crucial. Because, let's face it, "paradise" isn't paradise if you can't get to it. And here's where things get…patchy.
Wheelchair Accessible: They list Facilities for disabled guests. But specific details? Murky. The elevator? Probably. The pathways to the beach? I'd want to see it, and probably navigate ahead of me before recommending. I'm giving the benefit of the doubt, but PLEASE call ahead and confirm if accessibility is a must for you. Don’t rely on the website!
Accessibility: I NEED to know what the real deal is. I’m talking ramps, grab bars, the works. So, again, contact THEM. Don’t take my word for it.
The Room: My Personal Sanctuary (Or Slightly Less Glamorous Over-Priced Room?)
Right, the room. You've (hopefully) booked. You're in. Air conditioning in all rooms? Thank God. But let me paint a picture.
Available in all rooms: You get, well, air conditioning, for one. More importantly, you get Wi-Fi [free]. YES! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! It's a big win for the digital nomad or compulsive Instagrammer in all of us. Other great factors: A desk, Internet access – wireless.
Available in all rooms – The Essentials: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
The Imperfections: The mirror was a weird angle. My personal preference. The blackout curtains were essential, but did offer a certain 80's ambiance. The refrigerator was a bit iffy. Some of the decor was a bit tired. I noticed the bathrobes. The linens felt… average.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Let's Eat (Or Maybe Not?)
Alright, food. This is where it gets interesting. They tout everything!
The Positives: Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. That's a lot of choices. In theory.
The Reality (My Experience): I got soup once. It was…soup. Not life-changing. The breakfast buffet? Okay. A bit… predictable. The coffee shop was a lifesaver. The poolside bar? Beautiful. But the drinks? Pricey. The snacks? Fine. But for the prices charged? Not great.
My Biggest Win? The bottle of water they (sometimes) left in the room. A tiny blessing in a desert climate.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Trying to Escape the Reality of My Life…
The Good Stuff: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. Okay, this is where the Radisson Blu shines. The pool with view? Stunning (when it wasn't overrun with kids, which was often). The spa. Ooh the Spa! The massage was amazing. The fitness center was… fine.
My Biggest Recommendation: Book a massage. And then book another. And then? Maybe another.
Cleanliness and Safety: Are We Safe? (Considering the Times…)
This is paramount and a huge factor in the modern age!
The Good Signs: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Okay. They claim to take it seriously.
My Observation: The staff wore masks, which was reassuring. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. But the physical distancing felt a little lax at the pool. More supervision, please.
Services and Conveniences: The Extras, the Niceties, and is the Service up to par?
The Expected: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace
My Experience: The concierge was genuinely helpful. Dry cleaning ? Thank You. Luggage storage? No issues. The convenience store? Prices that made me weep, but necessary for snacks. I felt relatively safe.
For the Kids: Is this a Family Getaway?
The Good: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. So, yes. It’s family-friendly.
My Observation: I saw a lot of kids. If you are looking for a quiet, romantic getaway? Maybe not. If you have little ones? Excellent.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
The Verdict: Should You Escape to Paradise?
Okay, the Radisson Blu in Morocco. It has potential. It’s pretty. The surf is probably great (I'm not a surfer, so I wouldn't know). The spa is divine. The service is… let's call it variable.
The Deal?
This isn't just some generic hotel stay. It’s a chance to break free, to unwind in a place that could be amazing.
My Offer: The "Unfiltered Escape" Package:
- Guaranteed Upgrade: Free upgrade to a room with a view (subject to availability – because, let’s be real, there will be a catch!).
- Spa Indulgence: A complimentary couple’s massage (because you deserve some serious pampering.)
- Foodie Credit: A [insert a reasonable dollar amount] dining credit (so
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the gloriously messy, sun-kissed, probably-a-little-sandy reality that is my trip to the Radisson Blu Resort, Taghazout Bay Surf Village, Morocco. It's not going to be a perfectly curated Instagram grid – it's going to be a chaotic, love-hate, probably-covered-in-sand-at-some-point adventure. Consider this your brutally honest and gloriously flawed itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic (aka, "Where's My Luggage?!")
- Morning: Wake up at some ungodly hour. Flight to Agadir. Airport chaos. Okay, fine. Breathe. This is adventure! (Narrator voice: It was, in fact, precisely the opposite.)
- Afternoon: Arrive in Agadir. Luggage: MIA. Commence mild internal screaming. The baggage claim carousel is a cruel mistress. Finally, after what felt like two centuries, the blessed bag arrives. Hallelujah! That was a solid test of character, let me tell you.
- Afternoon/Evening: Transfer to the Radisson Blu. The drive is stunning – dramatic coastline, the kind of landscape that makes you think, "Wow, I should probably exercise more." Check-in: smooth, efficient, and blessed with the scent of… well, nothing offensive, which is a win. Room: Gorgeous! A balcony with an ocean view, and I immediately decide this will be my personal sun-worshipping altar for the next week. First thought: This is going to be amazing. Then, reality hits, I’m starving!
- Evening: Dinner. I'm desperate. There's a beautiful Moroccan restaurant. I order tagine, because, Morocco! And it's… good? Fine? I'm too tired to be properly discerning. I swear, jet lag turns you into a human garbage disposal, but okay. After dinner, straight to bed.
Day 2: Surf, Sun, and Maybe Tears (Probably Mine)
- Morning: Surf lesson. I'd pictured myself as a graceful surfer, effortlessly gliding across the waves like some sort of aquatic goddess. The reality? I'm a flailing, flailing, glorious mess. I'm pretty sure the instructors spent half the time laughing and the other half trying to keep me from drowning. It was, to put it mildly, humbling. The ocean is cold, the waves are relentless, and I swallowed half the Atlantic. But also… the absolute thrill of finally popping up, even for a second! That was pure, unadulterated joy.
- Afternoon: Beach bumming. The sun is glorious. The sand is soft. I resolve to actually relax this afternoon. I lie down, close my eyes, and instantly get blasted by sand. Turns out, the wind is a sneaky little devil. I decide to embrace the messiness. I read a book. I actually get a little bit tan. (Probably thanks to the sand as well)
- Evening: The bar. I deserve it. A couple of cocktails later, and everything feels… better. The world is a beautiful, sandy, slightly-tipsy place. I watch the sunset, and it’s genuinely breathtaking. I also accidentally spill my drink on a very attractive surfer dude. Note to self: Work on coordination. Anyway, it’s fine, I’m the star of my own movie.
- Late Night: Stumbling back to my room, a little tipsy, a little sandy, a whole lot happy.
Day 3: The Moroccan Food Frenzy (and a Near-Disaster with a Berber Carpet)
- Morning: The food is good! The breakfast buffet is a dangerous thing. I am tempted to stuff my face with far too many delicious little pastries. I probably will.
- Afternoon: EXPLORE! I decide to finally delve into the heart of Taghazout. Visit the local market. Haggle over prices (badly). I buy a beautiful brightly colored scarf. But it is not long before I find myself in a carpet shop. And here's where the chaos truly begins. The shop owner is relentlessly charming. I’m surrounded by glorious, intricate carpets. I pick a beauty. The process of bargaining is a chaotic dance of smiles, tea, and slightly exaggerated expressions of horror on my part as I offer ridiculously low prices. I finally reach an agreement, I now have a carpet! It also weighs a ton – a detail I failed to consider.
- Evening: Dinner! More tagine. More happiness. I walk along the beach. The sky is an explosion of orange and pink. It's the kind of moment that makes you stop and think, "This is it. This is why I travel." (Until I realize the carpet is heavier than my luggage and the joy evaporates to be replaced with sweat)
Day 4: Hammam & Serenity (Maybe?)
- Morning: This is the day. The hammam! After all this sun and sand and surfing, my skin feels like a desert. I arrive for my treatment. I feel nervous. And then, it begins. Steamy room. Scrubbing. Slathering of mud. Deep massage that makes my muscles scream (in a good way). Seriously, it’s like being reborn. I emerge feeling… like a new person. (Until I trip on a step and almost faceplant)
- Afternoon: Lounging by the pool, absolutely zen, sipping mint tea. I attempt to read my book, but the sun is too strong, so I close my eyes and let the world melt away.
- Evening: Another delicious dinner at a rooftop restaurant. I contemplate the meaning of life while looking at the stars.
Day 5: The Great Agadir Escape (A Mini-Adventure)
- Morning: Day trip to Agadir. Visit the souk, get completely lost, and bargain my way through a sea of spices and souvenirs. I'm pretty sure I overpaid for everything, but who cares? I’m on vacation!
- Afternoon: A little bit of history, a little bit of culture, a lot of frustration trying to understand the bus schedule.
- Evening: Back in Taghazout, exhausted but fulfilled. I try to order pizza, but they're out of pizza. I end up eating fries, and I don't judge myself.
Day 6: Surf & Self-Reflection (Or, How I Learned to Stop Falling and Love the Wipeout)
- Morning: Back in the ocean. Taking another surf lesson. Still falling. Still swallowing water. But this time, there's a shift. I’m not focusing on how bad I am; I’m focusing on the joy of it. The feeling of being tossed around by the waves and, for a split second, riding one. I’m laughing more. I'm having fun! Maybe I'm getting slightly better. (Probably not).
- Afternoon: A long walk on the beach. The wind whips through my hair, and the sun warms my skin. I sit and think. Vacation. The beauty of this place, and the freedom it brings!
- Evening: Drinks with the surfer dude I spilled on. He's cute, funny, and actually seems to find my clumsy surfing endearing. There is hope.
Day 7: Departure & the Sweet Sorrow of Leaving… and the Unveiling of the Carpet
- Morning: Last breakfast. One final pastry. The carpet, now a logistical nightmare, is ready to go.
- Afternoon: Check out. Farewell to the dreamy views. Transfer to the airport, dreading the long journey home.
- Evening: On the plane, replaying the trip in my head. The good, the bad, the sandy, the hilarious. I pull that carpet out of my luggage, and unroll it over the hotel room's floor. It is a disaster! I'm so tired, and the carpet is so large. The edges are slightly wonky, and it’s obviously not perfect. I grin like a fool. And I love it. Because just like my trip, it’s gloriously imperfect. It's a tangible reminder of the chaos, the laughter, the wipeouts, the sun-drenched days, and the beautiful, messy, wonderfully human experience that was Morocco.
So, there you have it. My Radisson Blu/Taghazout Bay/Morocco adventure – a story of epic fails, glorious sun, questionable surf skills, and a whole lot of sand. It wasn't perfect. It was messy. It was real. And I wouldn't have traded it for anything. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a carpet to haul back home. Wish me luck.
Escape to Paradise: Bayman Hotel Taiwan Awaits!
Okay, Radisson Blu says "Escape to Paradise." My BS detector is tingling. Is it all just hype? Honest to God, is it *actually* paradise, or just… a nice hotel?
Alright, let's talk truth bombs. "Paradise?" Look, no place (especially a hotel) is *perfect*. I went in expecting, you know, the usual corporate sheen – promises of pristine beaches and perfectly tanned people. And... it *sort of* delivers. The beach? Gorgeous. The sunsets? Like, Instagram-worthy-every-single-night gorgeous. But here's the thing: Paradise is a *feeling*, right? And the Radisson Blu in Taghazout (that's the one they're hyping, yes?) gets pretty darn close.
But, BUT, there were hiccups. One morning, the "freshly squeezed" orange juice tasted… suspiciously like concentrate. (Don't get me started. I *need* good OJ.) And that "surf oasis" vibe? Well, it *is* a surf spot, but you're sharing the waves with like, a million other people. Finding your own private slice of surf heaven? Good luck. Think more "shared stoke," less "Robinson Crusoe."
However! That said, I'm still dreaming about the Mint Tea they served. Seriously. Obsessed. And the staff? For the most part, genuinely lovely. They're hustling, they're helpful, and they somehow manage to stay cheerful despite the, uh, *constant* influx of people.
So, is it true paradise? Nah. Is it a damn fine escape, and a pretty solid taste of what paradise *could* be? Absolutely. Pack your sunscreen, temper your expectations, and get ready for some serious relaxation… and maybe a little bit of OJ-induced disappointment. You'll be fine.
I'm a surfer (or I *want* to be). How's the surf at Radisson Blu? Beginner-friendly? What about crowds? Do I need to bring my own board? (And, if so, how much baggage fees?)
Okay, surfer babes and groms, let's talk waves. Taghazout and the surrounding area is a surf Mecca, so yeah, the surf *is* the main event. The Radisson Blu itself is right on the beach, so you're practically stumbling out of your room and into the water. Score! But... (there's always a but, right?).
Beginners: You're in luck! There are tons of surf schools, they're really patient, and the waves are generally decent for learning (although the paddle can be tiring depending on the spot). I'm not a surfer, but I tried. Let's just say I spent more time *under* the water than on top of it. Humbling, but fun. And the instructors are all certified locals, which is cool - and they provide the boards.
Crowds? Oh, the crowds. Especially during peak season. Visualize: a lineup stretching further than the eye can see, a swirling vortex of boards, and the constant struggle for a wave. It's… intense. Get up *early* to beat the masses. I mean, ridiculously early. Sunrise-early. Your sleep schedule will never recover.
Board situation: You can rent boards, but the selection can be limited. If you have a favorite stick and the baggage fees aren't going to destroy your bank account, bring it. Consider that, though, on some flights that cost for more than your entire trip to Moroccan Surf.. Check fees with your airline, and pack it carefully. I saw a sad, broken board on the beach, and my heart broke along with it.
Alright, let's cut to the chase: The food. Is it all tagines and couscous? Good tagines and couscous? What about dietary needs? (I'm vegan. And sometimes hangry.)
Food is *critical*. Especially when you're in a place like Morocco where the flavours are so vibrant. The Radisson Blu does a decent job. Yes, there are tagines and couscous (thank goodness, they'd be losing their minds if there weren't!). They're generally pretty good, but nothing mind-blowing. Definitely try the tagine with chicken and preserved lemons. Amazing.
For the vegetarians and vegans among us: They *do* cater to dietary needs, but you might need to be a little assertive. "I'm vegan" usually gets a blank stare, followed by a lot of "Oh, you don't eat meat? Or chicken? Or fish?" (Yes, just YES.) You'll be mostly alright, but be prepared to clarify, ask for modifications, and potentially stick to the delicious salads and vegetable tagines. Ask for the Harissa! That stuff's pure magic.
Pro tip: wander into the local village (Taghazout itself). There are tons of amazing little cafes and restaurants that serve authentic Moroccan food. You'll find fresh, cheap, and seriously delicious options there. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you.
Okay, so surf, sun, and… what else? Is there anything else to do besides lie on the beach and eat? I get bored easily.
Bored? Never! Well, okay, *sometimes*. If you get tired of the whole beach-bum thing (which, honestly, is unlikely), there are options. They offer yoga classes, which is a beautiful way to start the day. You can book excursions and trips. What about a trip to Paradise Valley? It felt like stepping into a different world entirely... a hidden oasis with waterfalls and natural pools. You can hike, swim, take photos, and it's a great day trip.
You can explore the souks (markets) in nearby Agadir. But be prepared to haggle! Seriously, it's part of the fun, right? Well, maybe not always. A little bit of polite haggling is expected, but don't be afraid to walk away. A few shopkeepers can be very... persistent. I got stuck in a heated argument with a scarf seller over a few dirhams, and it was probably my fault. Okay, it *definitely* was my fault. I just wanted my scarf!
Honestly, the best part of "beyond the beach" is just wandering around. Taghazout itself is a charming little village, and it's worth exploring. Get lost in the narrow streets, soak up the atmosphere, and be open to whatever adventures come your way.
