Heure Bleue Palais | Essaouira | Morocco

Behind an unassuming exterior within the Medina walls, lies an elegant, sophisticated boutique hotel. Once a palatial residence, in 2004 Heure Bleue Palais was lovingly restored to its former colonial splendour and is now Essouira’s most luxurious hotel and a member of the esteemed Relais & Chateaux group.

Perfect for… a romantic weekend away.

Where… within the Essouira Medina along Morocco’s rugged coastline, three hours drive from Marrakech.

And the rooms… 16 beautifully decorated rooms and 19 elegant suites, adorned with heavy carvings and rich fabrics exude a truly Moroccan ambience. The rooms all feature air-conditioning and Wifi is available throughout the riad.

Food & facilities…  dine at Heure Bleue Palais and be treated to a traditional blend of authentic French & Moroccan cuisine with seafood specialities.  Relax at the rooftop pool and take in the stunning views over the medina and the sounds of the evening prayer bells.  Factor in some time at the spa and indulge in a black spa exfoliation, aron oil massage or a rasul wrap (a natural clay).  The must-have hammam goes without saying.  Relax in the lounge and enjoy the private cinema, billiards table and library with a drink from the authentic African colonial style bar.

Activities… lie by the pool, meander through the medina, or go wind/kite/surfing or sailing along the breezy Atlantic coastline.  Acitivty addicts can go mountain biking, hiking, riding and fishing.  Moroccan cooking classes or visits to a local vineyard can also be arranged.

In the know… wear sun cream! It may seem obvious however the strong winds in Essaouira tend to conceal how strong the sun is and people often come back looking a little rosy. 


Morocco highlights