Italian-flavored Club Med

Those who like the concept of Club Med, but want to try something new will enjoy Club Valtur. It's basically an Italian-flavored Club Med, which operates 27 all-inclusive resorts, mostly in Italy.

Not many Americans have discovered Club Valtur, but that may soon change. One of the resort villages in Agadir, Morocco is now actively marketing to Americans. Not many Americans have discovered Morocco yet either, which is unfortunate because it is quicker to get there (Royal Air Maroc flies directly from New York to Casablanca three times a week) than to fly to many European cities, and it's far more exotic.

Agadir, to the south of Casablanca, is on the Atlantic and is warm during our frigid winters. But the sea and sun are only two reasons to visit Agadir. Golfers will find the courses so spectacular that they may miss some of the other charms.

There are two golf courses within minutes of Club Valtur: The Agadir Royal Golf Course Club, a par-36, has nine holes. Its well manicured fairways are perfumed by pines and mimosa, which blend with the tang of the nearby ocean. The Dunes Golf Club, which was designed by a disciple of Robert Trent Jones, has three nine-hole, par-36 courses called Eucalyptus, Waddi and Tamarisk.

Golf equipment can be rented and caddies are, of course, available. Rates are only about $200 for a week's play plus about $20 a day for the use of an electric cart. Club Valtur also has a putting green, sand bunker and a driving range with a net. In addition other sports, such as tennis, ping pong, archery, volleyball and horseback riding are offered.

Those who can tear themselves away from these activities will enjoy the beauty of the club grounds. The food is mostly Italian and is served buffet-style. Wine is included. The service is enthusiastic; the rooms have delightful Moroccan architectural touches and there's entertainment every night. There is also a well-equipped fitness and health center.

Villagio Valtur-Cuelta Tourist Secteur, Balneaire, Agadir, Morocco. Tel. 21-28-844815. Rates start at $899 for one week, all-inclusive with air fare on Royal Air Maroc. Book through a travel agent or Central Holidays, 800-935-5000.

–Paulette Cooper

Winter 1995-96