Riad Villa Blanche Boutique Hotel & Spa in Agadir, the expert opinion of Le Figaro

Riad Villa Blanche

Prix :
from €157 / night – double room basis

Le Figaro's opinion

9/10

When an idea is brilliant, it is generally copied. This is far from being the case for this address, one of the rare boutique hotels in a seaside resort more focused on large-capacity club hotels. At the origin of this project, a Moroccan passion, that of a group of childhood friends, who imagined giving Agadir a little of this Arab-Andalusian spirit which it lacked by building from scratch a residence designed in the style of a riad. Beyond the architectural prowess, it is all the art of living of the great Moroccan houses that is displayed there. Exceptional spa, refined restaurant, unparalleled service… Its hedonistic atmosphere mixed with the spirit of a family home where furniture and antique objects invite you to take a journey within a journey has won over a clientele of regulars who enjoy being there in the mildness of a sunny climate all year round.

The situation

8/10

At the time of its construction, Riad Villa Blanche's only neighbors were… the dunes. The arrival of the Robinson Club has somewhat reduced the ocean view from the upper floors, but its location remains as original as it is enviable: on an eminence in the peaceful district of Founty, facing a field of dunes, 200 meters from the main part. wildest of the large beach of Agadir. Slightly out of the way (7 minutes by car from the city center and 40 minutes on foot for sports enthusiasts) which is also a guarantee of calm.
Riad Villa Blanche, 50 Baie des Palmiers. Sector n°50, Cité Founty, Agadir. Such. : +212 (0)5 28 21 13 13.

The decor

8/10

As elegant as it is stunning: from an originally bare plot of land emerged in 2011 a charming residence with lines modeled on those of the riads. Patio festooned with arcades and punctuated by a “bhou” (traditional alcove) with delicately chiseled stucco, dizzying briquette dome capping the staircase, the interior architecture was entrusted to the best maalems (master craftsmen) in Marrakech. The eclectic furniture and objects are suitable for a journey within a journey, the somewhat busy decor is in turn colonial in a varangue spirit in the tropics, African, Indian (including a superb sculpted swing) and Moroccan of course, including a beautiful collection of works by local painters.

The rooms

8/10

The 28 rooms and suites with generous volumes (40 m2 to 50 m2) are spread over three floors served by an elevator. Some, like the entry-level “Elegance” rooms, have a view of a narrow interior courtyard, and are therefore less bright in winter but cooler in summer. Ours, 307, an “Executive junior suite”, the highest category, is located on the top floor. Sculpted honey-colored door frames, beige tadelakt walls topped with a stucco frieze, large woven straw headboard, cane daybed, cedar marquetry table, nickel silver lighting…
Warm decor, including in the bathrooms with nickel silver basins, tadelakt bathtub and walk-in shower lined with light zelliges (with chromotherapy). On arrival, succulent homemade pastries (renewed every day) invite you to a coffee break (espresso machine, electric kettle on request) on the huge terrace (18m2) with fireplace, deckchairs and round table, a real living room overlooking the garden with views of the ocean in the distance. Particular attention is paid to comfort: extra-large beds, Egyptian cotton sheets in addition to the duvet, discreet and efficient air conditioning, towel radiators in the bathroom (with window and separate toilet), basket for the swimming pool with hat and towel. No reading lights but beautiful bedside lamps. The curtains are well blacked out and the windows airtight enough to protect from outside sounds.

Service and equipment

8/10

The taxi had barely parked in front of the hotel when a porter rushed to take the luggage. A welcome that sets the tone for the stay: under the leadership of Elisabeth Halgrain, the hostess, the service is personalized, with constant attention. The address being a haunt of golfers and travelers eager to recharge their batteries, well-being is not an empty word, with at the heart of the experience, an exceptional spa in every way, from its refined setting to an Arab-Andalusian style all in marble, arcades and zelliges, with professional care and incredible softness (based on local products such as argan oil). Hammams, heated swimming pool with water jets, jacuzzi and fitness: getting back into shape is total, served by wide opening hours (from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.). Too bad, no equipped beach, nor agreements with neighboring hotels, relaxation here is organized around deckchairs and parasols around the beautiful swimming pool (14m long) whose emerald green echoes the beautiful imagined garden by the essential duo of landscapers Arnaud Maurières and Eric Ossard. Its temperature is constant all year round, but cool (around 22°)!

At the table and at the bar

8/10

The Riad Villa Blanche is not only a boutique hotel but also one of the most famous restaurants in Agadir, with southern accents, both Mediterranean and Moroccan highlighting local products, notably fish from the ocean with a beautiful wine list. An entrance overlooking the garden is reserved for external customers so as not to disturb the peace and quiet of resident guests. Three rooms distilling three different atmospheres, from the theatrical “red room” to the “veranda” room all in ochres and colonial reminiscences allow guests to be pleasantly distributed, not to mention the beautiful terrace, divine in the evening when the climate is suitable. In the morning, under the crochet parasols, the ultimate touch of bohemian elegance, you can enjoy a hearty breakfast served on beautiful dishes with Moroccan pancakes, pastries, homemade jams, fresh fruit, eggs cooked to order, etc. The bar was designed in a lounge style with leather club armchairs and armchairs, rather cozy, therefore with a downside on certain weekend evenings when the decibels of live music and cigarette smoke encourage you to have a drink on the large terrace. tree-lined terrace.

Value for money

9/10

Unbeatable given the high level of services. From €157 per night in an “Elegance” room overlooking an interior courtyard, breakfast included, €186 for a “Deluxe” room with side ocean view, €255 for a “Junior suite” and €298 for an “Executive junior suite” .