Whilst Morocco has historically been synonymous with Marrakech, the dynamic is fast changing, and the country’s diverse regions, rich history, and varied landscapes are finally stepping into the spotlight. None more so than Essaouira – Morocco’s coastal gem that enchants visitors with its breezy beaches, vibrant medina, and artistic spirit.

Concealed behind an innocuous blue door and white-walled building in Essaouria’s medina, Villa Maroc stands proudly as the oldest riad hotel in Morocco and remains a true testament to the passion and vision of hotel owners, the Ezzaher family. Purchasing the property in 1995, Villa Maroc initially comprised two connected riads, which expanded over time with the addition of two more in 1997 and 2000. This had provided its incredibly unique and characterful style, a labyrinthine interior sprawls across the now 4 interconnecting riads, full of alcoves and private nooks.

If this wasn’t enough to pique my interest, Villa Maroc has its roots firmly planted in its commitment to sustainability. Whilst not perfect, its owners understand sustainability is a journey rather than a destination, and it is this core value that makes Villa Maroc a perfect example of eco-conscious luxury. The philosophy is simple: buy local, employ local, and use renewable energy. Solar power and minimal plastic use are just a few of the practices in place, alongside efforts to manage water usage efficiently and minimise food waste by planning menus in advance. These small steps contribute to a larger impact.

Spending two nights here, I was fully enveloped in the effortlessly enchanting world of Essaouira and this beautiful boutique hotel, which should fit firmly at the top of your list for your own trip to the jewel of North Africa that is Morocco.

So what can you expect from a stay at Villa Maroc?

Authentic Moroccan Design

Villa Maroc’s magical Moroccan allure is formed by weaving together the preservation of heritage with the comforts of a modern boutique retreat. From the moment I walked through its bright blue doors, and into its serene courtyards, adorned with fragrant flowers and softly flickering lanterns, I was enveloped in a sense of calm beyond the gentle bustle of the city outside the walls.

With sustainability at the heart of Villa Maroc’s ethos, eco-conscious practices start with its architecture – the historic structure has been carefully preserved and restored using traditional, locally sourced materials, reducing the need for new resources and maintaining its cultural integrity.

Walking around the hotel is an experience in itself – with 21 completely unique rooms and suites, and a plethora of hidden nooks to escape into, you can easily get lost in an alcove perfect for reading a book, sitting by the roaring fire, playing a game of chess, or enjoy dinner in a different hideaway each evening. I fell in love with the quirks of Villa Maroc immediately, with the fact that each of the 4 riads that make up the hotel have kept their passageways whilst being interconnected – it felt as though you could explore forever and never get bored.

As you explore, it’s hard not to notice the hotel is also a hideaway of art and design. Similar to its younger sister, Les Jardins de Villa Maroc, art is inherently part of Villa Maroc’s spirit that the Ezzaher family have spent the past 30+ years curating. The pieces have a clear local influence – either being crafted by Moroccan artists or pieces created in Morocco. Every corner you turn opens up a new piece of the ever-growing collection, which is such a big part of Villa Maroc’s unique identity (a fun game to play is trying to count the number of pieces!)

The decor of Villa Maroc is a timeless celebration of Moroccan craftsmanship, blending traditional elegance with understated luxury. Each of the 21 completely uniquely designed rooms and shared spaces reflects the soul of Essaouira, with handwoven Berber rugs, intricately carved wooden doors, and vibrant ceramic tiles that tell stories of the country’s rich artistic heritage, whilst still maintaining a level of beautiful simplicity.

Earthy tones dominate the interiors, enhanced by soft lighting from wrought-iron lanterns and the warm glow of candles. Antique furnishings and carefully curated artefacts add a sense of history, while plush cushions and tactile textiles provide comfort. Courtyards adorned with lush greenery and floral touches create serene pockets of nature, seamlessly connecting the indoors with the outdoors.

I stayed in a beautiful suite within the Riad Hotel, which felt like a home away from home – completely bathed in natural light, with windows that framed views of the tranquil courtyards. The suite consisted of a large bedroom, separate living space and bathroom, and it is clear a huge amount of time and love has gone into curating every room and suite for the ultimate inviting guest experience, whilst still respecting the historic architecture of the riads. It is the epitome of understated luxury and cosy charm that I could retreat to at any time of the day. And because each of the 21 rooms are completely unique, it means I can (and will!) go back 21 times and have a slightly different stay each time.

Conscious Moroccan Cuisine

Villa Maroc’s culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in sustainability. Ingredients for meals are locally sourced, often from nearby farms or from Les Jardins de Villa Maroc, the riad’s countryside retreat. This farm-to-table approach not only reduces food miles but also supports local farmers and producers.

Dining spaces are as enchanting as the meals themselves. Guests can choose to dine in the cosy candlelit courtyard, or in a charming salon warmed by an open fire, or more recently, on the newly opened rooftop terrace. Perched above the medina, the terrace offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the historic ramparts, and the town’s iconic whitewashed buildings with blue accents.

Thoughtfully designed with comfortable seating areas adorned with colourful cushions and throws, the terrace really is not to be missed. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast here every morning, with freshly baked pieces of bread, homemade jams, Berber eggs, fruits and traditional Moroccan mint tea. Combine this with the sea breeze carrying the scent of salt and jasmine and the friendly face of Fatima (the longest-serving member of the Villa Maroc family), and I have created the best core memory that will put a smile on my face every time I think back to my stay.

In the evening, the terrace transforms to enjoy an evening drink (with the best Paloma cocktail I’ve ever had to date) while the golden hues of sunset paint the horizon, before then dining under a canopy of stars, where candlelight and the soft murmur of the ocean create a magical ambience. 3-course set menus change daily, but one thing that stays the same is the knowledge that each meal is a pure, unique journey through the rich and complex flavours of Morocco.

Immersive Experiences

Villa Maroc serves as the perfect base for exploring and experiencing Essaouira, from kitesurfing on the windy beaches to strolling through the souks and discovering the vibrant art and music scene. My favourite experiences of the stay that immersed me completely into the essence of Moroccan culture had to be the spa, cooking class and simply exploring the medina.

Spa – Nestled within Villa Maroc, yet somehow managing to feel completely secluded from the rhythm of the hotel, stepping into the spa felt like entering a serene oasis. A place where soft lighting, earthy tones, and the subtle aroma of orange blossom and eucalyptus set the stage for relaxation.

I tried the full hammam, the cornerstone of any rejuvenating journey, providing a deeply cleansing and revitalizing experience rooted in centuries-old Moroccan tradition. Changing into my robe and slippers, I was escorted into the warm, steamy chamber where the heat opens the pores and soothes the muscles. Continuing with a thorough exfoliation using black soap made from olives and eucalyptus, leaving the skin smooth and renewed. This is followed by rinsing with warm water and a luxurious application of argan oil, massaged gently into the skin, infusing it with hydration and a golden glow. Followed by a deep massage, I don’t think I’ve been as relaxed (or as smooth) for a long time. The whole experience ends with a few more moments of serenity as you enjoy a post-treatment tea and biscuits in the courtyard. This was by far the most personalised and restorative spa experience I have ever had, I was beyond relaxed.

Cooking class – The main thing learnt from a cooking class with head chef Hayat (one of the team members who has been at Villa Maroc since its opening) is that “the best spice for any dish is love”. And this perfectly sums up cooking at Villa Maroc. An afternoon of pure joy being guided through the buying, cooking, and tasting of authentic Moroccan cuisine, with a heavy helping of fun and flair.

Something unique about this cooking class is that you don’t start in the kitchen. After deciding on your 3-course menu with the help of Hayat, we head out directly into the medina, guided through the bustling souk to gather fresh, local ingredients for our dishes. Back in the kitchen, we roll up our sleeves and are taken step by step through cooking up a starter, main and dessert all under the watchful eye of Hayat and her plethora of spices. For starters, a refreshing zaalouk salad and vegetable briouats, followed by a seafood pastilla and for dessert, a delicious orange upside-down cake.

After the cooking is over, we retreat to a perfectly set-up alcove to dive into the dishes over a glass of champagne. Hayat joins us for lunch as we laugh together over the fact my version of ‘caramelised’ onions actually turned out to be more ‘burnt’ than golden brown, and my friend was a little too heavy-handed with Hayat’s ‘3 fingers of paprika spice’ measurement. But Hayat’s cooking is from the heart; she teaches us we don’t need to rely on strict processes or measurements – we use our eyes and taste to understand the food we are cooking. And in the end, it turns into the most delicious afternoon.

Exploring the medina – Villa Maroc comes under the watchful eye of Mounia and her parents (the riad hotel’s owners) and they, along with the rest of the team, offer up the best places to explore – whether it be the Norwegian and Moroccan infused cafe, Azouka, or the silver market to pick up some essential new pieces, or specific stores suited to whatever you wish to purchase, they have you covered. It’s easy to get lost in the souks, a thrilling sensory adventure, where vibrant colours, enticing aromas, and the hum of life weave a tapestry of timeless wonder.

If, like me, you are a Game of Thrones fan, you may also recognise some of the sets as you wander the city walls – I won’t give it away too much but think of the scenes where Daenerys negotiates for the Unsullied.

If that isn’t enough to keep you busy, Villa Maroc’s sister retreat, Les Jardins de Villa Maroc is situated only 15 minutes away, in the countryside, surrounded by olive groves and with its exclusive pool where guests can venture to for an afternoon of relaxation.

A service of pure sincerity

Villa Maroc prides itself on prioritising team “togetherness” and this is clear to see from the fact that some of the team have been on board since its inception. It’s a place where the staff redefine the meaning of hospitality, creating an experience that feels more like being welcomed into a family home, which I embraced fully. Forged through warmth, authenticity and passion, I am in awe of their ability to anticipate your every need, often even before you realise it for yourself.

With most being local to Essaouira, they can share their love for the best places to visit, and how to explore the area mindfully, which made me feel as though I was in on the best-kept secrets of the area. Their dedication to personalised and genuine service sets Villa Maroc apart, from remembering your preferences to greeting you by name, they understand that it’s often the little things that matter the most to every guest’s experience.

Final thoughts?

To describe Villa Maroc in one word would be an injustice. This Authentic, stylish, romantic, ideally situated, home-away-from-home with a unique blend of history, culture, and sustainability makes it more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience that lingers in your memory long after you leave, and have you returning without question.

Villa Maroc’s commitment extends beyond the guests, to the community, engaging in initiatives to support local artisans, preserve Moroccan craftsmanship, and promote responsible tourism. By fostering a connection to the land, its people, and its traditions, Villa Maroc offers a uniquely luxurious yet sustainable travel experience, setting a benchmark for eco-friendly hospitality in Essaouira and beyond.

If you have the time, make sure to spend a few days at both Villa Maroc and Les Jardins de Villa Maroc. The two properties complement each other beautifully, allowing guests to experience both the lively and tranquil sides of Morocco.

A bonus to start 2025

At Villa Maroc you can see in the New Year in style, with a rooftop party complete with performances and theatrics, all themed around a great Moroccan feast. Guests can enjoy everything from drinks and canapes to start, followed by a complete buffet of traditional Moroccan food, complete with traditional Gnawa Moroccan music, henna on the rooftop and traditional percussionist music in the final build-up to the New Year.

W: Villa Maroc
E:  Booking
T: +212524476147

Written by Emma Blunt for Luxuria Lifestyle International