The unseen Morocco

Over-the-top sports cars, swimming pools in the shape of their initials and fake-Tudor mansions: professional footballers often have far more money than sense.

However, the news that England defenders John Terry and Rio Ferdinand are thinking of investing in a lavish new resort on the coast of Morocco may just change my mind.

After all, I have for some time felt that here was one area which continues to be overlooked by holidaymakers looking for a bit of year-round sun and a bit of luxury on a budget.

For the most part, passengers spilling off the numerous cheap flights now available to the North African state invariably head inland to the riads and mosques of Fez or Casablanca and, if they do see the sea, then it usually involves a weekend in the down-and-out port of Tangiers.

However, this is a country which boasts not just a Mediterranean coastline but also miles and miles of unspoilt Atlantic beaches, frequented mostly by natives, meaning bargains are easy to come by any time of the year.

Indeed, according to the latest statistics, just 3.5 miles of Morocco's coastline is currently developed for tourism, though this is most definitely set to change.

Most recently, plans for a stunning new resort at El Jadida have recently been unveiled, with the country's relaxed Muslim attitudes allowing for the creation of casinos to rival Las Vegas as well as up-market bars and restaurants.

Such a policy, being masterminded by the Moroccan government along with overseas investors including the backbone of our national football team, will see tourist numbers hit ten million a year by 2010, with many of these set to hit the coast rather than simply staying inside the historic city walls.

While such news should be welcomed, it also seems a shame that one of the world's great unspoilt coastlines will soon be teeming with neon-lit resorts.

Certainly, therefore, it's worth heading over there before the masses arrive.

Though I can see the appeal of the Mediterranean coast, with its sandy beaches and Moorish architecture, for me, the blustery Atlantic coastline is the real undiscovered gem of Morocco.

Forget Cornwall or even California, some of the best surfing on the planet can be found where the Atlantic meets the west coast of Africa, without the overpriced chic bars and culture of the more developed resorts.

Just as it will be harder to find an independent surf school or a bargain beach hut once the developers move in, so too will it be impossible to be completely alone out on the ocean with just dolphins for company.

So, my advice is, just head over there. Pack your surf shorts, book your travel insurance and head over to Morocco the sooner the better – after all, with Ferdinand and Terry both having next summer free, the transformation may begin in earnest then.