Your request has been submitted! You can expect to receive our 2013 catalog within 4-11 business days if your address is in North America. Requests sent to the rest of the world may take longer to reach you. If you have questions, please give our tour consultants a call at 1.800.464.9255
Close
Be swept away by the Moroccan city of Essaouira, a crossroads of Africa, Europe, and Atlantic currents. Its multiple shades of blue— sea, sky, boats, painted doors, shutters, and tile work—famously enchant, along with its bustling fishing port and dramatic sea wall. Guided walking eases the way into the medina and Jewish quarter, and a beachside ranch offers walking, biking, horseback, and even camel riding; as you unwind in comfort at a gracious Relais & Châteaux hotel and spa.
Arrival in Essaouira
From Marrakesh, you travel west (approximately three hours) to the Atlantic Coast and Essaouira, the white-washed port originally settled by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Formally known as Mogador, you proceed to the waterfront for a seafood lunch, and later an independent afternoon exploring its harbor, busy with sardine-fishing boats, or perhaps indulging in your hotel’s amenities such as its rooftop pool and luxurious spa, with a stunning view over the medina and ocean. Later, this evening you may choose to dine at one of your hotel’s four restaurants such as the Moroccan gourmet restaurant, courtyard patio, or panoramic rooftop terrace.
L'Heure Bleue Palais
Essaouira, Morocco
A 4-star Relais & Châteaux property in the heart of Essaouira, the hotel reflects this crossroads of European and African cultures in its traditional Moroccan architectural design around a central courtyard and sophisticated colonial-style décor. Dining options include a courtyard patio, rooftop terrace, Moroccan restaurant, and English lounge. A panoramic rooftop terrace and swimming pool area also includes a traditional hammam and private massage rooms.
Guided walking tour of Essaouira; easy city walking
After breakfast, you meet your guide in the lobby of the hotel for a walking tour of this fortified town, including the medieval walled medina (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the Jewish quarter (or mellah), the port, and 18th-century scala harbor fortifications. You also visit the Moulay Abdellah museum with its collection of jewelry, costumes, weapons, musical instruments, and carpets from the region. Concluding the tour by mid-afternoon, you are free to continue your explorations of this striking “blue and white” town for the remainder of the day and evening, enjoying your hotel and its central location. A wide sandy beach extends from Essaouira’s port to the south of the town, and just off shore lie the Iles Purpuraires, the islets from which the Phoenicians collected the seashells producing the famous royal blue dye. Returning to your hotel, you may choose a dining option within the property, or venture out to a nearby restaurant.
L'Heure Bleue Palais
Essaouira, Morocco
A 4-star Relais & Châteaux property in the heart of Essaouira, the hotel reflects this crossroads of European and African cultures in its traditional Moroccan architectural design around a central courtyard and sophisticated colonial-style décor. Dining options include a courtyard patio, rooftop terrace, Moroccan restaurant, and English lounge. A panoramic rooftop terrace and swimming pool area also includes a traditional hammam and private massage rooms.
Morning options, Diabat ranch: bike ride (self-guided or guided), camel ride, or horseback ride; free afternoon
After breakfast in the courtyard restaurant of your hotel, a 15-minute transfer takes you to the nearby coastal village of Diabat and the family-run Ranch de Diabat nestled near the dunes. In addition to a stable of well-cared-for horses and camels, the ranch is surrounded by a network of trails on which you can choose to walk, bicycle, try a camel ride, or enjoy a horseback-riding excursion. By horse or camel, you can saunter along the beach with wide Atlantic views and waves crashing. By bicycle, you can ride along the beach back to Essaouira and around its walls, or with a guide, circle the ruins of the Sultan’s Palace and Fort Al Baroud. All options include a pause for traditional Moroccan mint tea.
In the afternoon, you can return to stroll through the medina and along the seawall at your leisure, perhaps bargaining for some last treasures, on your final night in this fascinating port.
L'Heure Bleue Palais
Essaouira, Morocco
A 4-star Relais & Châteaux property in the heart of Essaouira, the hotel reflects this crossroads of European and African cultures in its traditional Moroccan architectural design around a central courtyard and sophisticated colonial-style décor. Dining options include a courtyard patio, rooftop terrace, Moroccan restaurant, and English lounge. A panoramic rooftop terrace and swimming pool area also includes a traditional hammam and private massage rooms.
