"Old Jewish merchant's house combining modern comfort and authenticity"
Riad de la Mer is an 18th century Jewish merchant's house situated in the oldest part of the Medina, known as the kasbah. Recently restored with the addition of modern facilities, it nevertheless retains the rich character of the original house.
This is one of the best located riads in Essaouira, with stunning panoramic views from the terrace which immediately overlooks the sea and port; beyond, there is the massive sweep of the entire bay. Just a few paces from the heart of the town, Place Moulay Hassan with all its bustling cafes and restaurants, Riad de la Mer is nevertheless a house which offers a great sense of tranquillity and plenty of space.
During the day the rooms are sunny, light and airy due to a central light well, but in the evenings one can equally well cosy up to a log fire in either of the two salons. The first two floors are traditionally decorated with many period items - chandeliers, antique beds and textiles - with the high ceilings also representing an unusual feature. On the third floor, a more modern character prevails: the colour white becomes predominant, as does simplicity of décor, and one becomes aware of sky, seagulls, waves. The views from the terrace, which is not overlooked, are quite simply magnificent.
Base prices are in £Sterling: Euro, USD and Moroccan dirham rates will vary by exchange rate.
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Room availability will be updated if a new date or duration is specified, and the total for your stay will be shown at the bottom of this page including any discounts applicable.
Please note: Local taxes of €2 - €3 per person per day are not included and are payable locally.
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In-house dining
A full Moroccan breakfast is served on the terrace enjoying the sun and open views every morning. Freshly cooked diner options can be arranged upon request.
Essaouira is a lovely coastal town offering a wide of range of activities, making this welcoming Moroccan fisherman's village the perfect destination for honeymoon holidays or family vacations.
A few suggested activities the team at Riad de la Mer is happy to organise for during your stay:
-Horse and Camel riding along the beach or at the Ranch de Diabat
-Surf, Windsurf, Kitesurf lessons
-Quad biking across the dunes
-Excursions to Sidi Kaouki or day trips around the region
"We had a lovely stay at the Riad! We had the top floor room which was so light, airy and dreamy. I loved that you could just watch the sunset from our room. The entire riad was very charming and the staff was more than gracious. We loved the dreamy and sleepy atmosphere. The view from the rooftop terrace is breathtaking! We had a wonderful time and we would return any day."
A guest from Austria, Marc 2013
"The owner also sent these handy little maps with tips of where to eat, and she had a recommendation of her favorite restaurant being Elizir - we decided if it was her favorite it was definitely worth a try and wow, was that a great meal! Do not hesitate if you're thinking about staying here, I can't imagine a better riad in all of Essaouira!"
A guest from NY, January 2013
"This house is really beautifully renovated, with due respect given to the lovely period features and an excellent eye for decoration. The finishes are really a class above those used in most of the other riads I've seen in Essaouira (and I've seen a few!) and the owner, Diane, has a really lovely aesthetic sense. Saida and Abdul Rahman, who take care of the house, are wonderful, patient, and helpful people. They took care of us incredibly well while we were there. I can't recommend this place highly enough! On top of all of that, the location is as good as it gets in Essaouira -- right off the main square, with an amazing view of the port from the terrace. This place is lovely, well cared for, and feels like a home away from home. I'll be back as soon as I can."
A guest from Illinois, Sept 2012
First Floor Apartment
The first floor apartment at Riad de la Mer has a separate entrance and comprises a Grand bedroom with kingsize bed, a double bedroom, and a single huge bathroom with bath crafted from tadelakt, which both rooms share.
The first floor apartment has an internally facing private balcony area looking down to the central patio and up to the open sky, as is the traditional design of a Moroccan Riad home.
For kitchen facilities, guests can use the kitchen on the ground floor.
This apartment sleeps 4 Guests.
Second Floor Apartment
The second floor apartment has a separate entrance and comprises a double bedroom with ensuite shower room, and a beautiful large bedroom/salon with fireplace. There is also a kitchen available for the exclusive use of the guests in the second floor apartment.
A traditional interior facing balcony connects the rooms of the second floor apartment, allowing a good amount of natural light and in keeping with the Moroccan cultural and religious ideals of this great country.
This apartment sleeps 2 - 4 Guests; ideal for a couple plus 2 children.
Third Floor Studio Suite
On the third floor lower terrace is the Studio Suite, comprising a double bedroom, ensuite shower room and adjoining salon.
For kitchen facilities guests may use the ground floor kitchen.
This Suite sleeps 2 guests.
*The Studio Suite and Fourth Floor double room are ideal taken together - Sleeps 4 guests
Fourth Floor Double Room
The fourth floor houses the sunny double room, with ensuite shower room and fabulous sea views from the bedrooms large windows. The fourth floor double bedrooms has access to its private roof terrace, offering beautiful 360° panoramic views over the undulating white roof tops of Essaouira and grand Atlantic ocean.
For kitchen facilities guests may use the ground floor kitchen.
This room sleeps 2 guests.
*The Studio Suite and Fourth Floor double room are ideal taken together - Sleeps 4 guests
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