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One of Morocco's most attractive towns, Essaouira is a charming Atlantic port in the north of the kingdom, which has, in recent years, become a popular destination for travellers in search of a true change of scenery and sense of escape.
With its immense sweeping beaches, world-famous surfing and kitesurfing spots, 18-hole golf course, pretty seafood restaurants and both Moroccan and Western cuisine, traditional souks, burgeoning art scene and laid-back atmosphere, there's something to suit every taste.
Our villa specialists at Villanovo have carefully selected a range of exclusive luxury villas and riads to meet the diverse tastes and preferences of our clients. Whether you're a group of friends looking for a large, luxury property to share or a family in search of something more intimate, whether you have a taste for the traditional or something more contemporary, our exclusive selection of villas and riads will have something to catch your eye.
Explore our selection and you'll find beautiful, upscale riads with luxuriant gardens, pretty terraces and elegant swimming pools, hammams, hot tubs, air conditioning and more. Sip a mint tea in the interior patio of an amazing riad or stretch out next to the pool and bask in the simple pleasures of a luxury stay in Essaouira.
Guests can revel in the opulent surroundings and splendid sea views of many of our villas and riads, while their well-chosen locations, be they near the golf course or a few minutes' walk from the Medina, strike just the right balance between offering cultural immersion and personal privacy.
Our riads come with house staff, including specialist local chefs, to ensure that our guests enjoy the very finest experience during their stay in Essaouira.
At Villanovo, our founders have a long personal history with Morocco, having raised their family in the colourful North African country. Perhaps that's why we take such great pride in knowing that our guests have had the trip to Morocco that they desire.
We offer the experience, expertise and local contacts of a dedicated concierge service to clients looking to take the stress and guesswork out of planning the perfect break in a riad in Essaouira. Whether you would like assistance in arranging airport transfer, car, bike or boat hire, tips on the best restaurants and rooftops to visit, a babysitter, for the fridge to be stocked prior to your arrival, or something else extra special, you can feel safe in the knowledge that our dedicated concierge has it all in hand.
Speak to us today to see how we can ensure that your break in Essaouira is everything you and your loved ones deserve.
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Staff were lovely, good value for what you get and facilities were great
The tasteful furniture. Delightful housekeeper. Lovely Villanovo staff. great pool. Excellent communication...
The staff were beyond accommodating - their approach, manner and service was 110% Yaseem was friendly,...
Essaouira is the perfect destination for surfers and seaside enthusiasts thanks to its reliable combination of wind and waves. Essaouira also boasts a wonderfully preserved medina listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while its popular local art scene and contemporary musical scene can be experienced first-hand at the internationally renowned Gnaoua festival.
Why not take a surf session at L’Océan Vagabond, where a breathtaking view over the Mogador Island and the Medina awaits? L'Océan Vagabond brings a distinctly bohemian aura to Essaouira. A charming waterfront café, equipped with soft deckchairs, this friendly place offers surfing lessons as well as kitesurfing and windsurfing for all levels. It is an ideal spot to come and spend the day and enjoy some great food whil relaxing with the sand between your toes.
The traditional old town, or Medina, is a wonderful place to spend some time immersing yourself in the culture of Essaouira. Take a walk along the ramparts of the city wall or let yourself be whisked away to another era with a stroll through the labyrinthine old town, taking in the traditional Moroccan houses and riads that populate this fascinating city.
Start your visit at the Porte de la Marine, between the port and the Medina, where you can observe its diverse influences, including an Islamic crescent, Christian scallop and inscriptions in Hebrew. Take a pause and gaze upon the spectacle of the trawlers and sardine boats returning to port, haloed by clouds of seagulls.
Upon leaving, cross Place Moulay Hassan, lined with café terraces (look out for the retro decor of the Café de France on the left) and turn onto Avenue Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, one of the main shopping streets. Then take rue Laalouj, for a spot of culture: Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah museum with its ethnographic collections and The French Institute (for temporary exhibitions), both located in magnificent riads. An adjacent alley invites you to make a detour to the Le Real Mogador Art Centre, a cultural space and gallery located in the former Italian consulate. Among the arcades and stone colonnades, you will discover the works of artists both local and international.
Chalet de la Plage
Just a stone's throw from the Medina, the Chalet de la Plage, also known as "Chez Jeannot", a nod to its charismatic owner, is one of the must-visit places in Essaouira. Specialising in shellfish and fresh fish, the restaurant offers the best of the day's catch, to be enjoyed on its azure-coloured terrace.
Pasta Baladin
This Italian restaurant located in the heart of the Medina is built around a simple concept: you first choose between 5 types of pasta and then the accompanying sauce from among the 15 original recipes of the Pasta Baladin house. Their communal bar-style layout is an open invitation to meet the locals and dive straight into the culture.
La Licorne
Located in an old Riad from the 18th century with typical Moroccan décor, this restaurant serves some of the finest pastillas, tagines, and couscous, along with the country's finest wines.
Dar Baba Restaurant & More
Dar Baba is a unique place deep in the Medina, combining vintage decoration and original spaces, with a cool and cosmopolitan atmosphere. A selection of cocktails, a Mediterranean cuisine as well as a delicious tapas menu are provided by their specialist chefs and bar staff. Furthermore, music and original events will take place all year round.
Salut Maroc
This historic 18th-century riad offers one of the best views in the city. With the tables of its rooftop terrace offering a gorgeous view of the Atlantic Ocean, it's a great spot to go during the evening and watch the sun set over the old Medina, while sipping a drink or dining on some local specialities.
Visit the Domaine du Val d'Argan
The Domaine du Val d'Argan is an institution which produces wine and oils, and a fantastic place in which you can experience a true culinary adventure.
More than a simple visit, it offers a walk among its beautiful vineyards and olive groves followed by a lunch by a lagoon coloured pool. This is a great opportunity to sample its fabulous ultra-light grey, red, rosé and white wines, which can be found in all the good restaurants of Morocco. Every Friday you can also try their home-made couscous, for an authentic culinary treat.
Don't forget to pop into their shop, where you can find olive oil as well as essential oils made with the famous Argan oil.
Speak to our local concierge for further details.
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