Morocco : Essaouira
Essaouria is a small and friendly coastal town with a relaxed atmosphere. The majority of the town is encased within the white Medina walls with a fortified harbour at one end. The town is small and visitor friendly with the souks selling a wide selection of Moroccan goods. The harbour is a hive of fishing activity, a lunch time treat has to be selecting fresh fish and having it cooked in front you Moroccan style, absolutely delicious! Either side of the town there are long sweeping beaches, with the strong Atlantic winds they are ideal for most water sports.
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Villa Maroc
This popular riad is just within the city's walls and easy to find. Villa Maroc consists of a couple of renovated houses decorated in the typical whitewashed walls with chalky blue window frames. Within the guest house there are many breezy small sitting rooms filled with Moroccan furniture and artefacts. The 21 bedrooms are well decorated and comfortable with views into the courtyard / patio, or on to the roof top. Breakfast is usually served from the roof terrace, where you have beautiful views of the ocean and harbour. Despite the town being in the city walls it is a quiet and peaceful setting, with only the gentle buzz of their popular restaurant. They will help to organise day trips for you as well as water sports at the local beaches.
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Palazzo Desdemona
This new guest house is Italian run and the style is elegant yet simple, light and breezy. While there is no central courtyard (as in all other riads) there is a Mediterranean style roof terrace with great views of the Atlantic. There are 15 en-suite rooms all individually decorated, most with four poster wooden beds and there is a the typical Essaouiran blue and white theme through-out the guest house. Palazzo Desdemona is situated in close proximity to the medina and souks as well as the harbour wall and an excellent selection of sea food restaurants.
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Riad al Medina
This relatively large riad is in the centre of the old town and was originally the local pasha's (prince) villa. This 18th century building has been restored to its former glory and has one of the finest courtyards in Essaouira with intricate tile and mosaic work and a central fountain. Beyond the Moorish arches and high pillars are comfortable sitting areas and a charming Moroccan restaurant. All the 23 rooms are on split levels and over look the courtyard, they are individually decorated and vary in standard, there are family rooms and four luxurious suites if you are looking to treat yourselves. It has been a guest house for over 40 years and has entertained Jimi Hendrix, Tennessee Williams, and Leonard Cohen amongst its guests.
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