Our story

Est 2015

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 organising surf retreats and hosting travellers 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.

Azrac was one of the first surf retreats to open in Tamraght, starting with just a few surf boards and now running our retreats from our purpose built villa, in the foothills of the mountain and overlooking the ocean.

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 in Swansea, South Wales.

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.

Meet the Azrac Family

  • Sophie

    CO-FOUNDER, RETREAT MANAGER + YOGA TEACHER

    Sophie is your first point of contact, and will be happy to make your time in Morocco as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

    Sophie is an avid surfer and certified yoga teacher. She has over 10 years experience in both hosting and organising retreats and is here to make your retreat dreams become a reality!
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    Her local knowledge & language skills (English, French and Moroccan Arabic) combined with her love for surf, yoga and travel will ensure a memorable trip and a truly authentic experience of Morocco.

    She loves sharing yoga on our dreamy rooftop, connecting with everyone who stays at the villa and helping to create that wonderful family vibe that Azrac is known for.

    Most likely to find Sophie: on the yoga terrace, chatting over breakfast or having a surf in between planning the day’s adventures!

  • Morad

    CO-FOUNDER, SURF SCHOOL MANAGER + SURF COACH

    ​Morad is our passionate head surf coach and loves nothing more than sharing his passion for surfing and the ocean, and helping guests to catch their very first waves!

    Morad is an ISA Level 1 qualified surf coach and speaks English, German, French and his native language of Moroccan Arabic.

    With his patient and friendly manner, he creates a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for you to fully switch off and enjoy your experience of Morocco.

    Morad also holds an ISA certificate in Adaptive Surf Instruction and is part of the team at Surfability UK CIC in Swansea, South Wales where he also instructs throughout the year.

    Most likely to find Morad: checking the waves from the rooftop or seeing how high he can pour the mint tea!

  • Norah

    FUTURE SURF CHAMPION OF MOROCCO :)

    Norah was born in Agadir in 2020, and spent most of her first year on the beach in Tamraght - sand between her toes and splashing in the ocean.

    She has grown up between Wales and Morocco, going to school in Wales and then getting to enjoy the sunshine, colours and slow pace of life in Morocco.

    She is shy at first but quickly comes out of her shell, and loves when there are other children around to play hide and seek!


    Most likely to find Norah: in the ocean or spending time with the street pups!

  • Fatima

    HEAD CHEF

    Fatima is way more than our chef - she is the heart of Villa Azhar! Fatima has been part of the Azrac family since we opened the doors to Villa Azhar in 2019, and over the years she's become one of the people our guests remember most.

    Always smiling, welcoming and ready to make sure everyone is well looked after, Fatima has a wonderful way of making you feel at home from the moment you arrive.

    And then there's the food...

    Her home-cooked Moroccan meals are a huge part of the Azrac experience – generous, colourful, full of flavour and made with love. It's no surprise that so many of our guests mention Fatima and her cooking in their reviews.

    Most likely to find Fatima: smiling in the kitchen and checking everyone has had enough to eat — and bringing more food to the table anyway, just in case!

  • Mestapha

    VILLA MANAGER

    With his warm smile and attentive nature, Mestapha is often one of the first friendly faces you'll meet when you arrive.

    He'll be on hand to welcome you to Villa Azhar, show you to your room and make sure you have everything you need to settle in and feel at home.

    Originally from Agadir, he has lots of local knowledge to share with you throughout your stay, and our go-to person for all the little things that make a difference – whether you need a hand with something, have a question or simply want to know where to go and what to do.

    Most likely to find Mestapha: laughing and chatting in the kitchen with Fatima, bringing plenty of good humour to the villa along the way.

Our team of local surf instructors and surf guides bring years of expertise to help you make the most of your surfing experience in Morocco. Each instructor is ISA certified or holds an equivalent qualification, ensuring top-notch coaching and safety.

​Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate surfer, our team will guide you through Moroccan surf spots, providing valuable insights and a personalised experience in the water.