Essaouira: the hottest spot on the Moroccan coast
We met a number of personalities there this summer, including Jean-Charles de Castelbajac and Sonia Rolland. The Moroccan town is the new hot spot. Essaouira, with its narrow streets and white houses with blue shutters, is a destination we’d like to keep secret. Far from the mass tourism of Marrakech, Essaouira is a small, peaceful fishing port. Stroll through the medina, relax on the beach or take a camel ride: these are just some of the activities you can indulge in. This city has retained an incredible charm. You’ll be enchanted by the sunset and the thousands of seagulls flying overhead.
The souks are a must. The Souirie speciality is cedar work. You’ll find a multitude of boxes and containers. The town is also dotted with art galleries. This fortified city is a small jewel on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Essaouira is the ideal destination for a long weekend. Just three hours from Paris, it’s a complete change of scenery.
A detailed review of the city’s must-see places:
For lunch:
-Le chalet de la plage: the essential beach restaurant for fish.
-L’Océan vagabond: the haunt of the French and kite surfers. A beach restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere, serving refreshingly inventive cuisine.
www.oceanvagabond.com
-La terrasse de l’Heure Bleue. This sublime place offers an incredible panorama of the whole medina. The food is divine, which doesn’t spoil anything.
For dinner:
– La Patio: the trendy lounge restaurant. The cuisine is daring. For example, you can try a sea bream with pastis. The place is lit only by candles. Romanticism guaranteed!
– Le Taros: one of Essaouira’s most beautiful terraces. One of the only places where you can find nightlife. A favorite haunt of writer Eliette Abecassis.
www.taroscafe.com
To sleep
-The Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa is a must. The hotel, decorated by Didier Gomez, offers top-of-the-range services. The hotel blends resolutely modern design with traditional Moroccan motifs. The view of the city and the sea is breathtaking. Set on a 600-hectare estate, the Sofitel features 147 rooms and suites and 28 villas. These are splendid private villas with private pools. What’s more, there’s a Butler on hand 24 hours a day to cater to your every need.
The So SPA at the Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa covers 1,400m² and offers 8 private treatment rooms, a traditional oriental hammam with three pools, a wave pool and a spa lounge area ideal for relaxation, with its stunning waterfall.
www.sofitel.com
L’Heure Bleue
This is the city’s other grand hotel. More central and with undeniable charm, it is a member of the Relais et Châteaux network. It’s an old foundouk that’s been completely restored. The central patio is a haven of peace. At the crossroads of African, European and Oriental influences, the 35 rooms and suites, with their refined luxury, are an invitation to a change of scenery.
The rooftop swimming pool is the real highlight of the establishment.
www.heure-bleue.com
www.relaischateaux.com
How to get there:
Royal Air Maroc serves the destination several times a week.
www.royalairmaroc.com
Julien Tissot
[email protected]
Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)
