About us
Welcome to the Hotel Hippocampe – Your home away from home.
The hotel was originally founded in 1939 as a saw mill to manufacture fishing boats. After World War II it was transformed into a hostel named the Hippocampe, featuring only a few wooden bungalows. After a long closure, it was acquired and renovated by the current owner Mr. Abdellatif Illane in 1986 and continues to be managed by the Illane family till today.
The hotel is a cozy, unique, family and pet-friendly spot in the pristine lagoon of Oualidia, Morocco, on the Atlantic Coast. It offers 23 comfortable rooms, 2 suites overlooking the breathtaking lagoon and 4 spacious apartments. The restaurant specializes in freshly-prepared seafood and shellfish; in particular, Oualidia oysters, which are globally-known for their size and taste.
Come and discover this enchanting setting. Read a book in the colorful gardens, take a dip into the ocean water pool, try surfing at Africa’s #1 surf school next door or discover the wildlife by taking a boat ride throughout the lagoon and finish off the day enjoying a magnificent sunset on the terrace.
We look forward to welcome you!
"Such a wonderful place! We enjoyed it so much. And our son did too, an amazing place to go as family. And the hosts are fantastic and so nice. We will come back, for sure. A real dream!"
Feb 2020 by Brussels
(Booking.com)
“The location is excellent! The staff is very helpful and very nice!! Irina and Neil were always available to help us and very warm and welcoming people! The rooms are excellent and very clean!! The location is outstanding! The restaurant is excellent the food is very delightful, delicious and very fresh!!! Do not miss the friture de poisson :) my favorite! Our kids had a blast thanks to all the staff who made our stay a real joy! I am looking forward for the next visit!! I definitely recommend this hotel either for family, a weekend escape or for a couple!! Thanks again."
Feb 2020 by Khalid
(Trip Advisor.com)
"If you are looking for a slice of paradise you’ve found it. The lagoon, the food, the service, and the accommodations are top notch. Owners are always on site ensuring everyone’s experience exceeds expectations. Thank you Mohammed, Neil and the rest of the Team!! We will be back!!!!"
Oct 2018 by Cliffert
(Facebook.com)
Oualidia
Oualidia is a small fishing village nestled between the historic cities of Safi and El Jadida on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. Facing a breathtaking 11km long salt water lagoon and beach where ocean and coast merge, the lagoon and the tides, provide a constantly-changing view.
Location
Oualidia is just a 2,5 hour drive from Marrakech and 2 hours from Casablanca and is the ideal place to unwind. Uniquely protected from the crashing waves of the Atlantic, Oualidia is the perfect spot for outdoor beach activities; surfing, kayaking, boating and more.
History
In the 1940’s when King Mohamed V built a summer palace in Oualidia the village became known as the first “royal beach”. Though the palace now is abandoned, it still remains a prominent landmark in the lagoon; nowadays Oualidia is known as Morocco’s oyster capital and attracts local and international visitors alike.
Weather
The beauty of the natural landscape comes with an exceptional climate «Mediterranean with oceanic influence» offering cool winters and a fresh breeze in the summer. The temperature is never too cold or too hot with a comfortable range between 15° in the winter and 28° in the summer.