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The O Experience boutique hotel is located in Imsouane Morocco, one of the best surf spots in the world and is one of the best places to stay in Imsouane, Morocco. In this little slice of paradise, Imsouane proudly presents the longest wave in Africa captivating surfers worldwide.
After the demolition of some of the villages in January 2024, many businesses were forced to close and fortunately, The O Experience is one of the remaining places you can stay in Imsouane. Read more about what has happened in our detailed guide to Imsouane.
Where is The O Experience?
The hotel is perched on the coast in the fishing village of Imsouane which is in the Sous-Massa region around 100km north of Agadir and 100km south of Essaouira in Morocco. Located right next to Magic Bay, The O Experience is only a short walk to the beach and the perfect place to get out for a morning surf!
WHAT IS THE O EXPERIENCE KNOWN FOR?
When you step into the O, the space has been immaculately designed and furnished. Every corner of the hotel is beautiful, with potted plants, cosy seating areas and a calm space that will make you feel at ease. It’s the ultimate surf house, with an enviable quiver, delicious fresh food and breathtaking views directly from the property.
Imsouane is a quaint fishing village, abundant in fish the busy fishing harbour is productive and you will enjoy some of the most delicious fresh fish on the seafront at Chez Jolo. Magic Bay is known to create one of the longest surfable waves in Africa, making it a popular place for surfers worldwide and is also a great place to learn.
HOW TO GET TO THE O EXPERIENCE?
The closest airport to Imsouane is Essaouira Mogador Airport, the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours and there are more flight options from Agadir Al-Massira International Airport but will take over 2 hours from the city. We’d suggest stopping over in Taghazout which takes around an hour to Imsouane.
The best way to get to Imsouane if you don’t have a rental car is to book the Souk to Surf minibus which goes from Taghazout, Tamraght, Agadir, Essaouira and Marrakesh. If you take the bus from Taghazout it will cost 30 dirhams (€12) per person one way and 193 dirhams (€18) for a return.
Another option is to get the hotel to arrange private transport, a taxi will cost around 550 dirhams per person for a private taxi from Taghazout.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT IMSOUANE?
Imsouane is a surfers’ paradise and for the more experienced surfer, the best waves are in the winter months from November to March, which makes this time of year the busiest time to visit. This coincides with Morocco as a great winter sun destination for those in the UK and Europe looking for a generous dose of vitamin D as it’s pretty much guaranteed to average 26°C throughout the year.
We visited Imsouane in January and whilst we are still learning to surf we enjoyed our time and didn’t feel too overcrowded. If you’re a beginner surfer then visiting at any time of year is ideal and perhaps worth coming in the off-peak season around June to the end of September. To avoid the crowds during the busier months, try not to visit at the weekend as many flock from nearby Taghazout and Essaouira to ride the longest wave in Africa!
WHAT ARE THE ROOMS LIKE AT THE O EXPERIENCE?
There are a total of seven rooms available, one of which is a double room with a private terrace overlooking Magic Bay. Each room comes with a double bed, a private bathroom, and water and there is a shared patio space which all of the rooms face.
The rooms are decorated with elegance and minimalistic design which makes the space feel relaxing and inviting after a day out on the waves. Neutral tones and textiles adorn the rooms with a meditative calmness and the window draws your eyes out to the ocean.
For a more luxurious experience, a deluxe double room that has a private balcony and sea views which can cater to up to 3 people. Prices for a double standard room start at 990 MAD (€92/£78) per night which also includes breakfast. Book a room at the O Experience for your ultimate surf trip to Imsouane.
WHAT FACILITIES ARE INCLUDED AT THE O EXPERIENCE?
As you enter the O, you will see how the space has been immaculately designed and furnished. Every corner of this boutique hotel is beautiful, with potted cacti, cosy seating areas and a calm space that will make you feel at ease.
The Alaia Surf School has an enviable quiver, where the team will happily get you set up for your surf session and also offer lessons to improve your skills. The O Experience also offer surf workshops which are inspired by the ancestral roots of surfing and Morocco with the aim for you to have a truly immersive experience. At the front of the hotel is the surf school, you can either book a lesson or rent a board for either half a day or a whole day. For more experienced surfers, the hotel has a unique quiver of boards to try for 300 MAD a day.
Breakfast is included in your stay, where all food options at the O harness the concept of slow food, using natural, organic and healthy ingredients sourced locally. Food is freshly prepared and delicious, if you plan to have dinner you must order by 3 pm that day. The kitchen area boasts spectacular views of Magic Bay, and perfectly framed windows allow you to watch the first surfers of the day and the first fishing boats setting off for their catch. You'll likely be accompanied by some friendly cats worshipping the sun, the perfect place for a nap.
Serving some of the best smoothie bowls in the area, we’d highly recommend getting a mango tango smoothie bowl. There are also options for lunch and dinner at the O served in the restaurant which frames the most spectacular view of Magic Bay.
The menu will change depending on the availability of ingredients and serves fresh juices, smoothie bowls, smoothies, traditional Moroccan meals, quesadillas and salads. The dinner menu offers both meat and vegetarian/vegan options and depends on the day of the week what is available.
Sustainability and ethical tourism are at the core of the O’s values, there are no single-use toiletries, renewable solar energy is used for power, they employ locals, and there is no pool to save water (which isn’t necessary with the ocean on your doorstep), furniture is handmade by Moroccan artisans. You will find a water refill station to drink filtered water and reduce the consumption of plastic bottles.
There is a rooftop terrace above the restaurant, which is a great place to watch the sunrise and sunset. Downstairs you’ll find a shop which sells beautiful crafts, toiletries and clothes.
Book in for morning or afternoon yoga classes that take place on the terrace. Check-in is from 3 pm and checkout is noon. The hotel has a lovely intimate feel with 7 rooms available including a larger room with a private terrace and spectacular views.
The staff at the O Experience make your stay extra special, their attention to detail and joy is infectious. We would highly recommend booking your stay at this incredible place in Imsouane for a memorable surf trip in Morocco.
WHAT IS THERE TO DO NEAR THE O EXPERIENCE?
Explore the village of Imsouane, and walk along the beach and cliffs for some fresh ocean air. The village of Imsouane is relatively small, make sure to explore the harbour and watch the waves come and go where time seems to stand still.
Visit nearby Taghazout, to browse the many surf shops and restaurants found along this stretch of coastline.
