# Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay

A resort of 92 villas of 203 to 420 m², each with its own private pool, at the northern end of Tamuda Bay between the Rif and the Mediterranean, with a guests-only beach in summer, an Asian-inspired spa and a kids' club. For honeymooners and families who want the privacy of a villa by the sea.

Source : https://sabaro-travel.com/en/hotels/banyan-tree-tamouda-bay/

## Banyan Tree's first resort in Africa

Banyan Tree, a Singapore hotel group, opened its first property on the African continent here on 1 September 2016. The resort lies on the Mediterranean at Oued Negro, north of Fnideq, between Sebta (Ceuta) and Tetouan, 22 km from the city.

The architecture draws on Andalusian-Moorish heritage and the traditions of north-western Morocco: white façades and arches. The main building is reflected in a large pool, and all the accommodation is in villas.

That is the difference from the Sofitel, Sabaro's other address on the bay, at M'diq: here everyone lives in their own villa, with its own pool, and shared life centres on the restaurants, the spa and the beach.

## One villa, one pool: choosing the size

All 92 villas have a separate living room, a bathroom and a private outdoor pool screened from view; some also have a hot tub. The range is read by size:

- **Bliss Pool Villa** and **Serenity Pool Villa**, 203 m², the entry level, for a couple;
- **Harmony Pool Villa**, 233 m², a little more outdoor space;
- **Two-Bedroom Harmony Pool Villa**, 393 m², two bedrooms, for a family or two couples;
- **Two-Bedroom Harmony Seaview** and **Beachfront Pool Villa**, 420 m², two bedrooms, with a sea view or right on the beach.

For a honeymoon, a one-bedroom villa is ample. For a family, the two-bedroom villa avoids booking two; the beachfront version is the most practical with children, closest to the sand.

## Beach in summer, pools all year

The sandy beach, reserved for guests, is three minutes' walk from the villas. It opens from 1 June to 30 September, with a café, showers, changing rooms, loungers, parasols and towels.

Out of season, the pools take over. The large outdoor pool measures 38 by 10 m and is open all year, from 9:00 to 18:00, with a children's pool beside it. The indoor pool, 17 by 5 m, heated in cold weather, opens from 9:00 to 21:00 by reservation. Times are local.

The Banyan Tree spa draws on Asian healing traditions. It has eight treatment rooms, a hammam, a sauna, a steam room and a hydrotherapy circuit called the "Rainforest". It opens from 9:00 to 21:00.

Activities are booked through the hotel: horse riding, jet-skiing, diving, cycling, cooking classes, golf, and trips to Tetouan and Chefchaouen. Children have their own club, with painting and activities, and a babysitting service.

## Four places to eat and drink

- **Tingitana**, from breakfast to dinner, eastern Mediterranean cooking, slow-cooked stews and tagines, with an open kitchen.
- **Saffron**, the Banyan Tree group's signature restaurant, serving creative Thai food.
- **Azura Beach Club**, a fish and seafood grill facing the sea and the pool: salads and flatbreads from the clay oven by day, a more refined menu at night.
- **Volubilis Bar**, a lounge bar for whisky and brandy lovers.

Room service also lets you dine in your villa, by your own pool.

## Sabaro's view

**Who it suits**: couples, honeymooners and families who want a villa with a pool by the sea, and the calm of a large estate.

**Strengths**: a private pool for every villa, from 203 m²; the guests-only sandy beach; a full spa with a hydrotherapy circuit; a 4.7/5 rating from over 800 Tripadvisor reviews.

**Good to know**: the beach only opens from 1 June to 30 September; some guests mention slow replies, unexpected extra charges and occasional breakdowns; Tangier airport is about 1 hour 30 minutes by road.

**Our advice**: come from June to September for the beach; in spring and autumn the estate is quieter and makes a base for Tetouan, half an hour away, and Chefchaouen.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is the beach private and sandy?

Yes, a sandy beach reserved for guests, 3 minutes' walk from the villas, open from 1 June to 30 September.

### Can you swim out of season?

Yes: the outdoor pool (38 × 10 m) is open all year from 9:00 to 18:00, and the indoor pool, heated in cold weather, from 9:00 to 21:00 by reservation. Every villa also has its own private pool.

### Is parking charged?

On-site parking is free; valet parking is charged.

### How long from Tangier airport?

About 1 hour 30 minutes for 91 km. Tetouan is half an hour away by road.