In a small village on the Atlantic coast of Morocco lies a wonderful place for surfers, adventurers, and relaxation seekers – Riad Ayour. Founders Janina and Aziz never actually planned to start a surf school or open a “hotel.” Yet, unexpectedly, both stand in the heart of Tamraght, providing a haven for countless travelers who want to experience Morocco in its entirety. Many of these travelers often ask Janina how she ended up in Morocco and became the Riad owner and host. We asked her to share her story…
From the Green Hills of Allgäu to the Waves of Morocco
Janina, born in Allgäu, has always had a deep connection to the sea. “Even as a child, I knew I would one day emigrate to Africa,” she recalls. Her desire to help people led her to work as a medical-technological laboratory assistant (MTLA) and dream of a career with Doctors Without Borders. To gain the necessary experience, she decided to take a break in Morocco.
Surfing came into her life unexpectedly. She had always thought that surfing was something only for professionals, like cool snowboarders. Then she met Aziz, a genuine local surfer. A friend of his taught her how to surf, igniting her passion. From then on, she was found at the beach every day, mostly at “Devils Rock.” The warmth of the people in Tamraght and the close-knit atmosphere of the village (which at the time consisted of just a few houses) made her feel at home quickly.
“I never felt grounded in Europe, but in Morocco, I felt at home almost immediately.”
Family Feelings
During her early days in Morocco, Janina worked at a language school in Agadir, teaching German and learning French herself. This job not only helped her master the language but also allowed her to immerse herself in Moroccan culture. “Through my work, I made many friends and quickly got to know the real life here,” she says. It’s no wonder she felt at home so quickly. The birth of her first child only deepened these feelings of belonging.
The Founding of the Surf Riad
Initially, Janina and Aziz did not plan to start a surf school. However, fate had other ideas. Aziz started helping out with a surf instructor friend – and took great pleasure in passing on his passion to others and showing them his local surf spots. Morocco became more and more of an insider tip for outstanding surf trips, and the demand for surf schools grew and grew. So Janina and Aziz founded their own – as a contact point for anyone who wanted to learn to surf in a family atmosphere.
Janina contributed with her organizational skills by creating the website, handling translations, SEO, customer acquisition, and all email communications. They used Couchsurfing to host guests from Europe so that Aziz could better understand Janina’s culture. These guests took surf lessons from Aziz, were impressed by the personal touch, and recommended the couple to others.
“It was really word-of-mouth that made our business grow slowly but steadily.”
Everything they did, they did themselves – from writing texts and taking photos for the website to making sandwiches for the guests. Janina chuckles, “It was more work than my state exam!” But their dedication and passion paid off.
Soon, the idea of creating their own accommodation arose. “We wanted something that met our high standards of comfort and design,” Janina recalls. So, they began searching for the perfect plot of land. For almost two years, they looked for a suitable place, as no existing house met their vision.
Meanwhile, they gathered ideas and plans, inspired by their travels. The riads in Marrakech particularly captivated them. Janina has high standards for interior design and wanted to bring this vision to life. With Aziz by her side, building the house was “no stress,” as Janina laughingly notes.
“I think I’ve never worked so hard in my life, but it was a heartfelt wish, and I wouldn’t change it.”
From Two to Many
What began as a two-person operation quickly evolved into a whole team shaping the vibe of the riad. From the start, Janina and Aziz placed great importance on their riad being more than just a place to stay – they wanted it to be a home for their guests. “We want everyone who comes here to feel like part of the family,” Janina explains.
Over time, the team grew to include dedicated staff members, including surf instructors, chefs, housekeepers, and more. These employees are not only responsible for the smooth operation of the riad but also contribute to the open, warm, and fun atmosphere that characterizes the riad. “We now have a wonderful team that takes care of our guests as if they were friends,” Janina proudly shares. That’s why many of the riad’s guests return time and time again.
Not only do guests enjoy their stay, but the team also feels valued in a work environment where they can earn a good living and feel appreciated. “Our goal is to create a pleasant work atmosphere where the team enjoys coming to work,” says Janina. She aims to maintain these values in the future, ensuring the riad remains a personal place rather than becoming a mass-tourism hotel. The riad should stay a place where both guests and staff feel at home.
What Makes Life in Morocco So Special
Janina loves the simple, natural life in Morocco. However, there are things she misses about Germany. “I miss having breakfast with my friends, the lovely cafés, and just going to the movies,” she admits. Still, she has found her second home in Morocco and feels part of a large family. What does she recommend to those considering emigration?
“You have to want to live here with all your heart. You must move here because you love Morocco – that’s the key!”
