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Essaouira
Formerly known as Mogador, the Portuguese eastablished a trading post here in the 15th century. Most of the town, including the fortifications, date from the 18th century. Essaouira has been attracting tourists since the 70's, famous for its marquestry workshops and excellent fish restaurants, it is the ideal destination for a short break or as part of a twin centre.
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Dar Liouba
A pergola rises three floors from the interior courtyard of this former Imam’s house, culminating in an octagonal skylight. This intriguing structure provides each bedroom with a charming cedarwood balcony, hand carved by local craftsmen, overflowing with flowers, from which you look down into the small internal garden that is so much a feature of these remarkable town houses.
Traditional Moroccan forms have been given the cool and sophisticated French designer treatment, and this pretty hotel sparkles with light and the contrast of vivid colours against a white background. Thoughtful touches include tiled benches in the shower rooms, enabling you to prolong the pleasure of your cooling shower.
There is none of the stiff formality of a hotel about Dar Liouba – the owners and staff ensure that you are made to feel like guests in their enchanting home.
Pricing: From £423 per person for 5 nights in a double room including flights, return transfers and breakfast.
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Dar Mimosas
At Dar Mimosas you are assured of total seclusion and privacy – attributes that attract the most discerning guests.
Just 3 kilometres from Essaouira, this luxurious guesthouse is set amidst walled gardens, surrounded by a forest of mimosa trees, planted to keep back the encroaching sand dunes. This is the setting for the nine separate suites and villas, all with a small private garden or terrace. At the centre of the vibrantly colourful estate is one of the most alluring swimming pools in Morocco.
Each of the suites and villas has its own unique style set off by kilims and antiques, but the common theme is above all comfort, with great attention to the provision of the finest accessories – including log fires to take the chill off cooler evenings. The spacious public rooms reflect the owners’ taste in fine art and antiques, and have the serene atmosphere of a beloved home. Deliciously aromatic, home-cooked Moroccan cuisine can be enjoyed either in your room or on the colonnaded terrace.
Dar Mimosas is connected by a private path that leads along the river estuary, with its flocks of migrating birds, to the beach that is most popular with walkers and windsurfers.
Pricing: From £978 per person for 5 nights in a Riad suite including flights, return transfers and breakfast.
Room and flight upgrades available.
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L'Heure Bleue Palais
Situated on the edge of the medina, close to the souks and only a few minutes from the beach, L’Heure Bleue has excellent facilities. There is a fine restaurant where the seafood specialities that Essaouira is famous for may be enjoyed, an extensive wine cellar, and amusements that even include a small cinema. Lunch can be taken by the beautiful rooftop swimming pool while admiring a marvellous view across the medina and harbour.
This chic hotel was once a fondouq, a travellers’ inn, and there is something deliciously evocative about it. Its splendid marble-floored central courtyard, filled with dark wood furniture and palm trees, captures a distinctly retro atmosphere. The elegantly furnished bedrooms are accessed from the galleries on every floor, and are decorated in colonial African style. The suites are particularly romantic, with open fireplaces and private lounge areas.
A day of sightseeing or self-indulgence is perfectly complemented here by a session in the hotel’s traditional hammam, rounded off by a relaxing massage.
Pricing: From £803 per person for 5 nights in a double room including flights, return transfers and breakfast.
Room and flight upgrades available.
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Thalassa
Thalassa Mogador is located on the seafront in Essaouira, facing a wonderful swathe of sandy beach and just a two minute walk to the old city walls.
Pricing: From £743 per person in a superior room including flights to Marrakech, return airport transfers and half board.
Flight upgrades available
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