Villa Maroc is a renowned boutique hotel located within Essaouira’s Medina. Now owned by Mounia Ezzaher, the initial property was purchased in 1994 by her parents from a surfer who had been using the building since 1988 as a base and had opened it as a hostel in 1990. Back then the building comprised just two riads and her parents fell in love with the architecture and ambience of the buildings. They set about transforming the hostel into a hotel, expanding Villa Maroc with the addition of 2 further riads purchased in 1997 and 2000 respectively. Melding the four while retaining the homely ambience of the original two, interior furniture – many of which are antique originals – art pieces, fabrics, carpets and pottery have been meticulously sourced throughout Morocco over the years by Mounia’s Swiss mother. Now carefully restored, Villa Maroc exudes a deeply rooted respect and admiration for Moroccan craftsmanship, combining tradition with contemporary elegance, creating a luxury family home from home and Morocco’s first riad hotel.

Sensitive design with sustainability at its core

Villa Maroc reflects a blend of mainly Moroccan with international influences. The decor combines coastal Moroccan aesthetics with white and neutral tones, antique furniture, carpets, and traditional dresses. Each of the 21 rooms tells a story, adorned with artworks that showcase both local and global inspiration, paying homage to the diverse cultural backgrounds of its owners. Sustainability is a core value at Villa Maroc, where every effort is made to protect the environment. The philosophy is simple: buy local, employ local, and use renewable energy, all critical steps to contribute to a sustainable future for the beautiful region of Essaouira.

A taste of Morocco

Guests begin their day with a delicious Moroccan breakfast on the rooftop terrace with panoramic views over the bay and harbour. For lunch, an option of the daily shuttle to their sister property Les Jardins de Villa Maroc for a Mediterranean-styled buffet by the pool. Guests then unwind in the evening again on the rooftop with a selection of wines and spirits before descending to the first-floor salons transformed by candlelight and crisp linens. Prepared to order, menus change daily with market availability and season. For special occasions, Villa Maroc offers private dining in intimate settings, tailored to every guest’s needs.

Enhancing the guest experience

Villa Maroc offers a range of services to enhance the guest experience, including:

● The oriental spa – where skilled practitioners invite guests to enhance their well-being through ancestral Moroccan rituals and luxurious beauty treatments.
● Cooking classes, including a journey through the souk to gather fresh ingredients for cooking.
● Private dining experiences tailored to special occasions

Villa Maroc is ideally situated for travellers seeking both relaxation and exclusivity. It melds historical character and unique accommodation with exceptional service making it one of Essaouira’s most iconic hotels.

W: Villa Maroc