-By Photography courtesy of Mazagan Beach Resort

Mazagan Beach Resort opens this month as a 5-Star One & Only property in El Jadida, Morocco. Expected to attract up to 4 million visitors a year, the resort encompasses 617 acres, with an 18-hole golf course designed by Gary Player, eight restaurants, 20,000 square feet of spa development, 500 guestrooms and suites, and 21,000 sq. ft. of conference and ballroom space.

Wilson Associates was responsible for the project's interior design.

"We blended the spirit of the region with contemporary refinement and elegance throughout the design of the entire property," says founder and CEO Trisha Wilson. The firm's team worked with many contributing professionals, including local architect Jaouad MSEFER, conceptual architect Northpoint, operational architect Noor Limited, and landscape architect EDSA.

Upon entry into the atrium, traditional Moroccan inspired interior architecture sets the atmosphere. A palette of earthy tones in soothing greens and blues adds a calming effect that echoes the surrounding lush vegetation. Backlit blue glass and mirrored panels are seen overhead, while local zellij, a hand-cut polychrome tile made of natural materials and minerals, is incorporated into the floor design. A bar and traditional tea lounge are located on either side of the atrium. The lounge, meanwhile, includes traditional tea height seating, etched Moroccan silver tables, Berber tribal patterned carpet, and alcoves displaying traditional Moroccan teapots.

Unique 3-D artwork and a fresh approach to traditional Moorish style await guests in the rooms. Whimsical and playful elements are portrayed throughout the grand suites through use of color, scale and texture. The balanced use of rich leathers and deep wood stained finishes convey a warm and inviting residential feel.

The top tier royal suite includes two-tone wood tables with traditional marquetry inlaid tops, mother of pearl accents on casegoods, and dramatic punched metal lighting which sets the mood casting intricate shadows on walls.

The 20,000 sq. ft. Mazagan Spa, managed by ESPA, is nestled between the resort's palm and orange trees and offers 10 treatment rooms and two couple's suites that reveal expansive ocean views. An authentic Moroccan Hammam is the focal point of the space, where the white calming background is accented with hints of vibrant orange, turquoise, and deep purple. Walls are treated with a local specialized tadlekt wall finish that absorbs moisture. A salon and fitness center are also included in the space.


The resort's restaurants include Morjana, a unique Moroccan restaurant revealing a fresh spin on Moroccan design; Sel de Mer, a casual yet modern Portuguese dining experience; Olives, a Mediterranean clean-lined "family style" restaurant featuring rich olive wood paneling and cuisine from Italy and the Mediterranean Coast; and the Marketplace, a lively buffet restaurant experience showcasing stunning blown glass fixtures.

Overlooking lush exterior gardens, the 21,000-square-foot Mazagan conference center was designed to be adaptable to all types of meetings and events. The impressive space can accommodate up to 1,300 people theater style or 1,100 for a seated dinner. The ballroom easily transitions into three separate function rooms. Carpet patterns were inspired by the layered Moroccan rugs one might find at a traditional Moroccan souk.

—Nielsen Business Media