2024-05-26 21:16:52
When Róbert Šutek first went to Morocco as a browsing teacher, he had no concept that this nation would enchant him a lot that he would spend time right here yearly from autumn to spring. A local of a small village in Slovakia has been working Salaš for a number of years within the peaceable city of Sidi Ifni – a spot that has turn into a type of small Slovak embassy within the North African nation.
“We went to Morocco for the primary time on trip in 2013 and needed to attempt the waves there,” says the long-haired Slovak, who’s at all times on the transfer, so we chat through Whatsapp. He’s at present driving a van on one of many Slovak highways. Our sign drops out a number of occasions.
A skilled engineer, he turned a browsing teacher after which began working for European surf camps. First for the Czech one, then for one of many oldest in Europe, which is named Camino Surfcamp and has bases in Spain and Morocco.
The city of Sidi Ifni with its genuine setting and peaceable ambiance, which has not but been spoiled by mass tourism, instantly charmed Róbert. The previous Spanish enclave gives a allure and peace that’s tough to search out in different components of Morocco. After spending a number of winter seasons within the metropolis, Róbert determined to settle right here for an extended time period and to begin his personal enterprise along with his good friend Erik.
From the Moroccan home Salaš
At first they rented a home from an area French violinist initially from Avignon. Salaš, because the boys named the enterprise, gives lodging in a conventional Arab home referred to as a riad. On the roof there’s an open terrace with comfy seating, a barbecue and a summer time kitchen the place you possibly can calm down and benefit from the great views. However earlier than the “surf home” managed to get going, it needed to be repaired.
Salaš is positioned in a conventional Arab home. | Picture: Salas.surf
“It took 5 months and it wasn’t simple, as a result of in Morocco there was in all probability solely mortar and sand. We went to Europe for varied penetrating coatings and different supplies,” remembers Róbert. So much has modified since then. The pandemic interfered with the enterprise plans and good friend Erik left the joint undertaking, however now Salaš has had a number of profitable seasons.
The decorations in Salaš mix conventional Moroccan components with items typical of Slovak tradition, which creates a novel and pleasant ambiance. Róbert has created a spot in the home the place sports activities actions, particularly browsing, mix with the hospitality of each his houses.
“It is like a small Slovak embassy in Morocco with a deal with sports activities actions and particularly browsing,” the long-haired surfer describes the enterprise based greater than 5 years in the past.
Browsing and camel stew
Salaš organizes surf camps, firm teambuildings and gives service packages in line with shoppers’ needs, thus attracting visitors not solely from Slovakia and the Czech Republic, but additionally from different components of Europe and the USA.
The kitchen at Salaš combines Slovak and Moroccan recipes, and visitors have a variety of choices to attempt dishes comprised of high quality native elements. “The meals is nice in Morocco. Fruit and greens are grown proper right here and nothing is imported. The fish is recent,” boasts Róbert, who prepares native and worldwide delicacies for guests collectively along with his staff.
The specialty is camel goulash, and because the guests will discover themselves on the Slovak Salaš in any case, the favored gnocchi are typically additionally on the menu.
Now Róbert has after a profitable however difficult season. In April, he additionally co-organized browsing competitions in Sidi Ifni, that are a part of the Czech-Slovak Cup. He’ll spend the second half of the yr in Norway, the place he beforehand labored as a prepare dinner.
However he’ll spend the summer time within the water once more. As a information, he’ll experience kayaks alongside the fjords with vacationers. He’s going to Morocco once more within the fall. “I really feel at house there,” he admits with a smile.