Steam laced with eucalyptus and black soap fills the room. All the muscles, skin cells, and fibres from your body begin to relax. Then, the scrubbing starts. Brisk, practised movements unbothered by delicacy which feels both punishing and purifying. Just when the intensity verges on too much, warm water is poured over you like a blanket, resetting the senses and bringing you back to reality. You are at Paradis Plage Surf Yoga & Spa Resort, where coastal Morocco reveals its slower, softer side whilst keeping it focused on movement and wellness without sacrificing indulgence.

Tucked between the ochre-tinged foothills of the Atlas Mountains and the wild Atlantic coastline, Paradis Plage Surf Yoga & Spa Resort offers a dreamy fusion of Moroccan culture, barefoot luxury, and wellness-oriented living. Just a 40-minute drive north of Agadir, this five-star eco-resort is the first of its kind in Morocco that blends surf, yoga, fitness and a holistic approach to wellness. From sunrise yoga to surf lessons with Rip Curl gear, and a traditional hammam ritual to soothe your muscles after, this resort is perfect for travellers seeking more than just another beach escape.

Since its inception in 2012, Paradis Plage Surf Yoga & Spa Resort has quietly set the benchmark for sustainable luxury in Morocco. The resort was founded by paying homage to Berber culture and whilst the inside reflects modern luxury, the outside showcases architecture which screams tradition: sandy-textured facades which rise from the landscape like a natural extension of earth itself. The multi-level terraces add to its raw and unpretentious design whilst the sunbaked hues of sand, ochre, and clay are subtly outlined by dark blue detailing. The result is a fully-equipped five star resort naturally integrated into the Moroccan setting.

The resort is almost like a self-contained village: winding stone paths, three hectares of tropical gardens, shaded palm trees, and nooks where hammocks swing in the breeze. At its heart is the swimming pool, an expansive oasis flanked by the much-needed sun-beds and parasols, perfect for lazy afternoons with a book or cocktail in hand. From the pool, it’s a short barefoot walk to the beach where golden sands stretch for miles.

Whilst it is not a private beach, the resort has a section with sun-beds and lounge areas available only to guests including towels on demand and the all-mighty beach bar. It offers smoothies, juices, and snacks throughout the day with the newly added crepes stand to take care of the beach-day appetite. Other on-site amenities include a kids’ club for the parents to have a day-off, a fitness room with a private instructor and scheduled courses, and even a small adult-only zen garden to unwind.

The wellness spa is a crown jewel of the property, almost like an oasis within an oasis. Inspired by ancient Moroccan rituals, the spa’s offerings are grounded in tradition yet elevated by modern standards. Whilst their spa offerings are all listed on an extensive iPad catalogue, one of the highlights is the renowned Hammam treatment.

Entering the dimly-lit marble room is like walking into a relaxing luxury cave with water trickling down the dome walls and steam enveloping the room. Being washed and scrubbed from all the micro dirt and dead skin accumulated over your lifetime by a complete stranger is surprisingly relaxing and meditative. The ritual, which is both purifying and grounding, ends with a warm tea in the spa’s serene relaxation room, where lingering for quite some time is to be expected to avoid returning to reality.

This otherworldly feeling is replicated in the resort’s array of rooms. From premium suites, villas and bungalows, it is no surprise that one may choose to have an extremely slow morning to take advantage of the interiors a little while longer. A handful of premium rooms have a sea-view balcony and waking up each morning to the lull of the Atlantic tide is nothing short of cinematic. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to a private terrace where views differ between surfers trying to keep their balance along the waves at golden hour, to the live music at the beach bar once the sun sets. The interiors strike a delicate balance between comfort and chic: natural wood finishes, soft textiles, and a neutral colour palette that mirrors the surrounding dunes.

The room is expansive, with a plush king-size bed, lounge area, tiled bathroom with a separate toilet, and a fully furnished kitchen which makes mealtimes that much more blissful. Whether reading a book on the balcony or indulging in room service, it almost feels tempting to stay in the room the whole stay.

However, a morning yoga session overlooking the sea is enough to make rolling out of bed as the sun rises even more tempting. The yoga studio is just a few steps away from the beach and has scrolling floor-to-ceiling glass windows which are effortlessly folded open to let in the gentle morning breeze and the rhythmic sound of crashing waves. The sessions are led by multilingual instructors and cater to all levels and alternate between energising Vinyasa and slow, meditative Hatha flows.

Whilst they offer yoga sessions in the evening as well, something about the early-morning peace makes these practices the perfect way to start the day. This is especially true since breakfast follows swiftly after; an extensive buffet served al fresco with views overlooking the swimming-pool and ocean. Guests can choose from a range of fresh fruits, Moroccan pastries, cereals, cheeses, and eggs cooked to order. Traditional Moroccan mint tea is served alongside café au lait, while local honey and amlou (a nut butter made from almonds and argan oil) are available for spreading on freshly toasted bread.

After a quick dip in the pool (or for those looking to keep up with their training habits: a quick workout in the beach-front gym), it may be pertinent to trade the yoga mat in for a surfboard. Paradis Plage Surf Yoga & Spa Resort has on-site surf experiences and are in partnership with Rip Curl, so all their equipment —from wetsuits to boards— is premium quality. Not only that, but it is all found in the resort’s Rip Curl boutique which also features swimsuits, towels and other surf-related accessories. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned surfer, the instructors are warm, patient, and incredibly passionate about the ocean. It is the perfect way to work up an appetite for dinner in one of their four restaurants.

Dinner at the resort is all up to what guests are craving for that evening. Whether it’s tapas by the beach, a traditional Moroccan feast or keeping up with the catch of the day, the resort’s selections may be hard to choose from. In each case, the soft glow of lanterns light the spaces and their ocean-front locations even include live music. A stone-throws away is the bonfire pit which they light every night once the sun goes down for that post-meal repose.

Paradis Plage Surf Yoga & Spa Resort offers everything you’d expect from a five-star stay with the added bonus of surf, wellness, and Moroccan charm. The resort’s thoughtful layout, from its spacious rooms and sea-view yoga studio to its spa and beachfront access, makes it easy to settle into this slower pace. With on-site dining, quality surf equipment from Rip Curl, and daily yoga and fitness options, there’s little need to leave the property. Even so, it is close to the small fishing village known for its surf culture, Taghazout, and less than an hour away from Agadir which boasts gorgeous beaches as well as the region’s largest souk. Whether you come to relax, move, or explore, Paradis Plage Surf Yoga & Spa Resort provides a well-rounded and comfortable base on Morocco’s Atlantic coast.