White storks sitting on beds of samphire; colonies of pink flamingos strutting over water; and fresh oysters being dished out. It might not be what you picture when you think of Morocco, a North African country prized for its exotic souks, dramatic deserts, and lush Atlas mountains. Yet that’s what you’ll find in Oualidia.
This little gem on the Atlantic coast, is Morocco's best-kept secret, and La Sultana is the ideal spot to rest your feet and enjoy a dose of nature. Even the most experienced globe-trotters would likely struggle to tell you where Oualidia is (I had not heard of it myself before visiting). Yet, for locals, this small village has long been a popular hangout to enjoy cooler temperatures, surf, and devour fresh seafood at several of its seaside eateries.
White-washed homes line sleepy roads leading down to the coastline, where you can witness huge waves crashing against giant rocks from the cocoon of a much calmer lagoon, separated from the ocean by sand dunes. The 12km stretch of the saltwater lagoon is an important ecological site for bird migration, protected by the intergovernmental Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. It's along these quaint shores, brimming with birds, where La Sultana hides behind large palm trees rustling from the cool ocean breeze.
La Sultana Oualidia is the more luxurious outpost of its namesake in Marrakesh, built in a traditional riad style. On the coast, there are no enclosed courtyards or mosaic-tiled walls, but open spaces bringing the outdoors in. Inspired by the Moorish fortresses from the south, the stone structure is palatial and robust, with cusped arches, dome-shaped roofs, rustic floors and an eclectic collection of paintings.
