Our story

How it all began...

Originally from the North of Morocco, Morad’s passion for surfing in Morocco began in his hometown of Mehdia. After years as a beach lifeguard and surf instructor, he moved to Tamraght to join a local surf school and never left.

Sophie learned to surf in Wales, and after several cold winters, she swapped the chilly waters for the warm, inviting surf of Morocco. After her first visit in 2010, she returned again and again, eventually making Tamraght her home.

Since 2015, they've been organizing surf retreats and hosting travelers from all over the world. Tamraght is our home, and we love it for its surf culture, welcoming locals, and, of course, its amazing waves.

In 2023, Sophie and Morad set-up home in Wales, living with their daughter Norah and their Moroccan rescue dog, Bella. on the gorgeous Gower Peninsular.

Their journey from Morocco to Wales has allowed them to blend the best of both worlds – embracing their roots in surf culture while enjoying family life. Though based in Wales, they continue to spend time in Morocco, supported by their dedicated team running the villa, ensuring guests continue to experience the passion for surfing that started it all.

Villa Azhar - a home built for connection

In 2017, we bought a piece of land in Tamraght and built Villa Azhar from the ground up.

We designed it as a space for people to come together — somewhere that could bring surf, yoga, nourishing Moroccan food and meaningful experiences under one roof.

But we wanted it to feel like more than a retreat venue.

We wanted it to feel like a home.

A place for slow mornings and shared meals.

For salty afternoons in the ocean.

For yoga under the Moroccan sky.

For conversations that carry on long after dinner.

And for the friendships and memories that happen when people step away from everyday life and experience something together.

After months of planning, building and bringing the space to life, we moved into Villa Azhar in March 2019 and opened our doors to our first guests.

What began as a vision gradually became a place filled with people, stories, laughter and memories.

We wanted Villa Azhar to feel like more than somewhere to stay.

We wanted it to feel like a home.

Since then, we've welcomed surfers, yogis, retreat leaders, families, friends and solo travellers from all over the world.

And every person who has walked through our doors has become a little part of the Azrac story.

We're incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of our story so far.

And if you're new here, we're so happy you've found us.

Meet the Team

  • Sophie

    Co-founder & Retreat Manager

    With a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience.
    They set the tone for everything we do.

  • Morad

    MARKETING DIRECTOR

    Creative and strategic in equal measure, our marketing director brings fresh ideas to every campaign. They turn insights into action and help our message resonate with the right audience.

  • Fatima

    HEAD CHEF

    Focused, approachable, and driven by results, our sales manager is all about building strong relationships. They help connect people to the right solutions—with clarity and care.

  • Mestapha

    VILLA MANAGER

    Friendly, attentive, and always ready to help, Mestapha ensures every stay is a positive one!