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.