In recent years, Dubai has become the default luxury sunshine escape for Brits, with around 1.3 million UK tourists flocking there annually for five-star hotels, beach clubs, and guaranteed year-round heat. However, since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, the Foreign Office has warned against all but essential travel to the UAE, and Dubai International Airport has reported a sharp drop in passenger traffic. Now, many Brits are seeking a Dubai alternative—somewhere with the same blend of opulence, skyscrapers, and sand dunes, but without the regional tension.
El Jadida: A Hidden Gem
Just three hours from London lies El Jadida, a Moroccan UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique mix of Renaissance military architecture and Moroccan culture. Like Dubai, El Jadida enjoys 300 days of sun a year, and within its citadel walls, a mosque, a synagogue, and a Catholic church showcase the country's rich, diverse history. Past meets present seamlessly, offering a vibrant cultural experience.
Atlantis Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort
Staying just 15 minutes away at Atlantis Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort, visitors find rooms at about half the price of its famous sister hotel, Atlantis The Palm in Dubai. Despite 100% occupancy, the resort feels uncrowded. Spread across 250 acres with seven kilometres of coastline, it offers a sense of privacy. Guests can enjoy quad biking over dunes, horseback riding along the beach, and dining at 15 restaurants, including the acclaimed Sel de Mer, headed by chef Farès Berriah.
Luxury Without the Crowds
Unlike Dubai's packed beaches and attractions, Mazagan provides ample space. The resort features two pools, an 18-hole golf course designed by Gary Player, a recently renovated spa, and North Africa's largest 24-hour casino. Celebrities like Paloma Faith, Lindsay Lohan, and Naomi Campbell have visited. With breakfast included and flexible meal packages, daily food budgets are easy to manage. Standard rooms range from £130 to £250 per night, and the nearest airport is Casablanca Mohammed V, with direct flights from over 14 UK airports taking three to four hours.
All the glitz and glamour of Dubai without the crowds—what more could you want?
