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(Photo - New Ocean Vagabond and Essaouira Aquatic Center) Essaouira Mogador Golf Update This is a very exciting project due to be complete in 2012. The entire resort will measure in the region of 5,700.000 m2 and feature a Gary Player golf course and three luxury hotels. Hotel du Palais will be located at the north end of the complex near the Sultan's Palace. This seems to be the fanciest of the three. Then there is the Hotel du Golf located on the main road near the plateau where the welcome center is now located. Finally there is Hotel de la Plage that is located near, but not on the actual beach. The other day I rode my bike down the beach over the river, past the castle made of sand and around the corner to check out the progress. I was surprised that the dunes and the little valley just inland have not been touched. I heard that this may have been part of the deal, no beachfront construction to save the coastline. I really hope this is true. Not matter what the resort will have a large ecological impact on the area and it would be nice if they didn't completely spoil one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in Morocco that stretches all the way from Essaouira to Cap Sim. Funny, as I write this, I realize that that is exactly the amount of land this resort has to work with. It is and enormous empty space covering at least 20 square miles. The resort will also have Luxury Riads and Villas. From the photos I can't tell which may be the more expensive of the two, but I'm sure they will reach into the millions. Island views, solar heated swimming pools and luxury service. The Gary Player golf course will include a pro shop, a golf academy and a driving range all located facing the beautiful Atlantic. There may be the wind to contend with but the course itself will be spectacular. To be sure the resort will also include: • Conference Centers • Equestrian center • Thalassotherapy Center • Beach Clubs • Restaurants and Coffee Shops Parks and Gardens For complete information you can go to the official websight at www.mogadoressaouira.com Other News: The building to house the new Ocean Vagabond and Aquatic Center are complete and seem entirely too small. I was hoping that there would be a cafe and restaurant but from the size of the initial structure it looks doubtful. They have tons more room, so hopefully more construction is in the works. The Jet4you.com Windsurf Challenge 2007 has been going all week in Moulay Bouzerktoune. The event started a little slow with no wind or waves for the first few days. But the wind and swell are back so the Finals today and tomorrow will be held in perfect conditions. The official prize ceremony will take place on the 15th at the Sofitel Hotel in Essaouira. For complete information go to the official websight at: http://windsurfchallenge.com/ To get to Moulay Bouzerktoune from Essaouira you will have to hire a Grand Taxi or take the #9 Local Bus that leaves from the Bab Doukala at 9:30 AM. Weather - It will be windy this week until Thursday. It will be very warm with forecasted temperatures in the mid 80's. Check the surf in Essaouira: http://www.windguru.com/int/index.php?sc=26 Check the Weather in Essaouira: http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=essaouira Next Week: Essaouira Birds Current Events: The Alliance Francoise is hosting the exposition «From A to Z» by AHMED LEKHAL from May 5 - 19. He is from Oujda and uses lots of natural materials in his art ranging from Arabic symbols to floral calligraphy. For full information and a schedule of events go to the Alliance Francoise website at: http://www.ambafrance-ma.org/institut/afm-essaouira/index.cfm?num=948&archives=1&motcle=28 The Alliance Francoise is located on Rue Laalouj not far from Dar Suki. Upcoming Events 10th Annual Essaouira International Gnaoua Festival 2007 June 19 - 23. For all information go to the official websight at: http://www.festival-gnaoua.co.ma/ Blog Posted each Monday by Ron Bauer, see you soon! If you have any questions or comments contact me at ronny_bauer@yahoo.com |
