Despite a somewhat rocky past reputation, today a Club Med holiday is perfect for parents wanting both a relaxing indulgent holiday, and fun activities that will keep the whole family busy. Peggy Nuttall went to Club Med Agadir in Morocco to find out more

Since suffering two earthquakes that destroyed the city and almost half of its inhabitants in 1960, the once rural coastal town of Agadir, Morocco, has today seen a complete regeneration.

In 1965, Club Med was one of the first to make use of the city's tourist-friendly assets - beautiful coastline, easy access from Europe, and affordability. Decades later, the resort has changed beyond recognition (as has the brand) and it is now a much sought-after high-end hot spot for families seeking an indulgent and stress-free break.

The Club Med experience
Entering the grand Medina-style complex through giant oak doors, I momentarily thought I was in the wrong resort. Extravagant lighting adorns the hammam-inspired reception area, guiding you across a wooden bridge straddling an artificial stream and into the centre of the complex where the main bar and restaurant perch beside a large inviting pool. Not what you would expect from a package holiday that had at one time been regarded as, well, somewhat naff.

Locally sourced artifacts are sprinkled higgledy-piggledy throughout: large, vividly coloured pottery; traditional mosaic table tops with intricate Islamic patterns; sculpted wood ceilings; and of course, wall hangings of the most famous Moroccan export - the rug. Rich blues, reds and golds create an exotic and indulgent Arabian-nights ambience with a modern twist.

Grown-up fun at Club Med
Aside from the numerous restaurants and bars dotted throughout the vast complex, the resort offers two pools - a large one for grown-ups and a smaller, shallower one for the kids. Aquarobics classes are on offer in the main pool, but if, like me, you prefer swimming and sunbathing by the sea, head for the private beach a short walk away.

Deciding I needed some activity to burn off a second helping of fois gras, I took a short bus ride (buses leave every 15 minutes from the main complex) out of the resort to the 'Ranch' where I had heard some of the more adventurous activities took place. Here I discovered a whole host of supervised activities to choose from including archery, horse riding, trampolining, circus skills and tennis courts. (Some of these require pre-booking, so check with reception staff before you go).

Most exciting of all has to be the flying trapeze. I decided to leave the acrobatics to my far more courageous (or idiotic) friend, who despite initially exclaiming that she'd rather poke red-hot pokers in her eyes, was suddenly strapped up and climbing half way up the long ladder to the top. After taking the plunge, in no time she was whooshing through the sky, swinging from her legs like a true pro. The less adventurous amongst you can turn your hand to other circus activities like juggling, plate-spinning or the diabolo, where trying to keep three balls in the air at the same time is about as scary as it gets. Much more my style.

With a bar, restaurant and nice peaceful green surroundings, a family can easily make a day of it at the Ranch, and if dad gets bored of all the clowning around the bus also stops by the large 27-hole golf course.

Club Med for kids
Club Med is very child-friendly, and kids of all ages are encouraged to get involved. Littler ones (aged four to ten) can hang out at the Mini Club Med - taking part in various sporting and creative activities such as the flying trapeze, tennis, football, as well as arts and crafts. Activities are run by a group of qualified GOs ('Gentile Organisers') who are on-hand from 9am to 9pm.

Club Med also caters for teens, with Junior Club Med (aimed at 11- to 17-year-olds). The activities on offer are similar to Mini Club Med, but allow the teens more independence and flexibility in their schedule. It's a great opportunity for them to make new friends, and give mum and dad a well earned rest!

Around Agadir
The Club Med resort sits on the northern outskirts of the city of Agadir. A stroll around the area surrounding the Club Med Village doesn't offer much of any interest but a short walk down the main boulevard Hassan II takes you to the little gem of Vallee des Oiseaux (Valley of the Birds).

This is a quirky zoo that houses llamas, peacocks and all manner of birds (plus one lone wallaby!). If you're nice to the zoo-keeper he'll let you feed the baby goats and take your picture (but he'll also expect a little tip for his trouble!). Entrance is just Dr5 for adults and Dr3 for kids - that's a paltry 30p and 20p respectively. This is great fun for animal-loving kids and also a positive way of supporting the local community.

A taste of Morocco
A ten minute drive from the resort is La Medina D'Agadir - an entirely mocked up Medina (old quarter) to replace the original which was demolished in the earthquake. Based on ancient Moroccan architecture, La Medina contains souk-style stalls, (guaranteed to be hassle-free) an amphitheatre and places to eat. It's still in development, but also promises a hotel, hammam and art gallery once complete. History buffs may object to the notion, but it's interesting, if a bit touristy, to see how the city once looked. La Medina D'Agadir is open from 8:30am to 6:30pm. Entrance is Dr40 (about £2.50) for a family of four.

If you want to get a real taste of the Moroccan experience however, Club Med also provide excursions to local attractions; including Essaouira, otherwise known as 'the white city' and considered to be one of the most beautiful places on the Moroccan coast, Marrakech (Morocco's famous cultural capital), and even the local Berber settlements inhabited by the indigenous communities. These trips are a great way to see a bit more of the country, as well as introducing your kids to a different culture and lifestyle, and adding some variety to your trip.

Join the club?
Club Med Agadir is a three trident resort (Club Med speak for 3 stars), which indicates a good choice of facilities and high-quality catering prepared by well-trained chefs. And the gastronomic offerings are pretty overwhelming in both choice and volume - needless to say I tucked right on in.

Culinary highlights for me include a melt-in-the-mouth fois gras with onion marmalade, barbequed lobster and a beautifully tender lamb tagine. Breakfast, in the main restaurant, is more a banquet of freshly baked pastries, fresh and dried fruits, cereals and orange juice freshly squeezed while you wait. They make it extremely hard for you to go hungry, or indeed leave the restaurant at all.

For a relaxing hassle-free family break, Club Med Agadir has everything covered - a Mediterranean climate, activities for the kids, indulgence for the grown-ups and the opportunity to go out and explore more of the North African country. Stretching out on a lounger on the beach, contemplating the delicious Moroccan feast I had just had for lunch, with a glass of champagne in one hand, and the sea gently lapping by my side, my preconceptions of the Club Med happy clappy camp that I had expected soon melted away beneath the glorious Mediterranean sun.

Practical information
Prices for a seven night all-inclusive package start from £567 for an adult, £306 for a 4-11-year-old child, £236 for a 2-3-year-old child and £90 for an infant.

Top tips (at time of writing):

• There are no cash machines at Casablanca airport - so make sure you exchange into Dirhams before you go
• If you can, aim to go late summer when the season has quietened down and the temperatures are more forgiving
• Be respectful of local customs. Agadir residents are used to tourists but still expect to do some hard bargaining in local shops, and dress modestly if you and your family are planning to go further afield.

For more information on Club Med holidays go to www.clubmed.co.uk.