Did you think you’d never find an exotic African destination in the travel deals section? Think again. One savvy traveller has revealed how he bagged a trip to Morocco for just £186, including flights.
Rob Adcock, BBC television presenter and travel enthusiast who posts on Instagram using the username @robadcockfound herself ‘browsing Skyscanner for cheap deals’ when she found a ‘good value flight’ with Ryanair to Agadir in Morocco that sparked her interest.
The travel content creator decided to look into hotels in the North African city and found what he calls “an absolute bargain” with one night’s accommodation, three spa treatments and breakfast included for £270 for two people.
Speaking to MailOnline Travel, Rob said: ‘I’m quite a sad person, and whenever I’m bored, I find myself checking Skyscanner for cheap deals.
“So when the idea of Morocco came up and Agadir seemed like a good destination, I started doing some research.”
Rob Adcock, pictured, a BBC TV presenter and travel enthusiast, found a bargain deal and flew to Agadir, Morocco, to try out the Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa.
The complex has three swimming pools (left), a bar, beach, three restaurants, a gym and spacious rooms (right).
“Whenever I find a deal, I usually check out nearby hotels. We found the Sofitel. I read the reviews and they were very good. When I looked at their website (which I usually do rather than using third-party booking sites), I noticed they had something that looked like a real bargain.”
Now, it wasn’t entirely easy getting the deal done, as Rob says it was “not the easiest process” getting in touch with the hotel with “a lot of phone calls and nonsense.” However, he adds: “I’m really glad we persevered.”
He says the resulting vacation was almost “too good to be true” and “exceeded his expectations.”
So cheap it’s disgusting
In a video explaining the deal, Rob says: “I’m sorry I’ve been putting this absolutely crazy holiday at risk. The price of staying here and having a spa day is so cheap it’s actually sickening. Myself and a friend stayed here and it’s changed our lives for the better.”
Breaking down the cost of the holiday, Rob told MailOnline: “For the treatments, overnight stay and breakfast, it was £135 each, which to me is unbelievable. You can’t even get a room in a mid-range hotel in some cities in England for that amount.”
‘I don’t think the price can be discussed.
Rob found a ‘good value flight’ with Ryanair to Agadir, pictured, which cost just £51 return.
During their stay at the hotel, they enjoyed relaxing in the spa and enjoying the weather. Commenting on their treatments, Rob says: ‘One involved getting covered in mud and getting into a machine that wrapped around you and warmed you up. The other was a luxury jacuzzi (right) for all intents and purposes.’
‘Ryanair flights were £31 one way and £20 return. It’s one of their newer routes so it’s still very good value for money.’
He and his friend paid nothing for any extras on the flight, adding: “As for luggage, we only take Ryanair’s special EcoHub under-seat deals. I hate paying for luggage so I do everything I can to avoid it. It’s easier when you’re flying somewhere hot for a few days – it’s very rare that I need more than the contents of one of the small suitcases anyway.”
It’s worth the long journey.
Flights from the UK to Agadir take just under four hours, but Rob says it’s well worth it.
She notes: “I don’t mind long flights. Yes, it’s a few hours, but life is very busy. So I’m happy I can’t get in touch!”
“The early morning flight doesn’t bother me either, because I get to catch up on lost sleep when I arrive. Plus, let’s face it, it’s not exactly tiring to get there.”
During their stay at the Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa hotel, they enjoyed relaxing in the spa and trying out its numerous treatments.
Rob says: ‘One was being covered in mud and put into a machine that wrapped around you and heated you up. The other was a luxury hot tub, for all intents and purposes, and the last was a massage. I imagine there are technical terms for all of them, but I’d be lying if I said I knew them.’
Guests of the Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa have access to Agadir Beach (above) on the African Atlantic coast.
Rob told MailOnline: “For the treatments, accommodation and breakfast it cost me £135 each which, to me, is incredible.”
Showing off the resort, which features three pools, a bar, a beach, three restaurants, a gym and spacious rooms, he says: “Imagine having a bold cocktail down here. A Hugo Spritz as the sun goes down.
“It’s right on the beach. They have their own bar and the spa is quality. We had a great time with the treatments and got covered in mud. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps.”
Rob points to a trio of water bikes and jokes: “It’s very kind of them to try and make me feel at home by throwing some unused bikes into the water. It’s like I’m back in Stoke-on-Trent.”
Rob explains that he liked the hotel so much that he avoided his usual sightseeing habit.
He adds: “This is the first time I’ve stayed in a hotel for a few days. Normally, I’m just on my feet and exploring, discovering what the nearby towns and villages are like.
“But this place was really nice. We just used the spa and relaxed by the pool. That’s not very usual for us, but we told ourselves we just wanted to relax before we left, so it worked out really well. We only left the hotel to watch football at the local bar. Perfect!”