Villa Maroc

Situated right on Essaouira’s ramparts, this is the quintessential riad, which offers guests outstanding comfort and some of the best food in town.

This riad is really a private hotel with the atmosphere of a large country house, perhaps because it is actually four inter-connecting 18th century merchants’ houses. There are twenty rooms, which makes the riad larger than average, but its layout and intimate ambience mean that you do not feel as though you are among a crowd of people or in a hotel at all. In fact, you feel just like a house guest.

There are seven lounges, four of which have fireplaces lit in winter adding a glowing warmth. It is easy to tuck yourself away in a corner or meet with other guests for a drink. The décor is artful and simple and much use is made of local arts and artefacts. Walls are white-washed and woodwork is blue and white reflecting the colours of the seaside town.

There is no dining room as such. Instead guests are allocated a table in an alcove or small, intimate side room. Here you are served some of the most delicious food you’ll eat in Morocco (non-residents often try to book dinner here). Much of the food (including wonderful tagines) is made using home-grown produce and is a fusion of European and Moroccan cuisine blended with local herbs and spices. Guests are encouraged to book half board, which includes breakfast and the evening meal (an absolute bargain at less than £15 per head). In the morning you will be served an ample and tasty breakfast which includes home-made jams and yoghurts as well as pancakes and fresh orange juice.

The bedrooms and suites are furnished tastefully, using local fabrics, rugs and cushions, thuya wood furniture and some mosaics in the en-suite bathrooms. There is the occasional gilt mirror or candlestick providing the odd European touch. The whole ensemble gives a sense of uncluttered space.

All of this is arranged on three floors around a central courtyard in which a delicate conifer tree grows right to the open split-level roof terrace. The terrace is adorned with bright green cane chairs and tables and is one of the best places in town for a view of the beach and sea.

While the reception area can be a little impersonal, staff inside the riad are charming and will do all they can to help.

If travelling by car, you will need to park in one of the public parking spaces outside the medina and walk to the house, as no cars are allowed inside the medina walls.

20 rooms in total – 7 doubles, 5 mini-suites, 5 suites and 3 suites sleeping 2 to 4 people. There is no minimum stay although at busy times a week is encouraged.

The property is located 190 km from Marrakech (& airport), 170 km from Agadir (& airport).

Click for more information on: Marrakech Riads, Essaouira, Morocco Holidays, Fes, Medina Holidays. Better still give us a call on 0207 112 0019 or email morocco@fleewinter.com for free independent advice on the best places to stay.

Notes
1. Price guide at high/peak times for indicative purposes only – please contact us for a specific quote.
2. Prices quoted “per night” are usually for one room based on 2 people sharing and breakfast is also often included
3. Prices “per week” are for entire property on a self-catering basis.  Extra days are charged at 1/7 th of the weekly rate.
4. All properties are fully equipped, including bath towels and bed linen.
5. Whilst every effort is made to keep details up to date individual owners may make alterations and improvements as they see fit. Clients are advised to seek confirmation for specific aspects that are particularly important to them.
6. All bookings made with Fleewinter are fully bonded under a UK Government approved scheme managed by the Association of British Travel Organisers Trust.  Our ABTOT membership is 5133 and more info can be found at www.abtot.com or by calling (UK) 0845 4504 618.