Magic at dusk
Essaouira, a seaside resort popular with Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley and Cat Stevens in the Sixties, unblushingly revives its boho-chic past at the Heure Bleue Palais. Experience eclectic hippie elegance at this luxury hotel in the medina.
The vibrant greens and the fountain in the courtyard immediately relaxed us.
The Heure Bleue Palais earned the “Green Key” eco-label in 2015. This distinction is awarded accommodations that are committed to sustainable business practices, responsible tourism, and preserving Morocco’s natural resources.
The rooftop offers a sweeping view of the medina and the sea.
We sat down for a poolside lunch while basking in the sunshine and enjoying the sea breeze.
A stroll in the bustling medina, through the vegetable, fruit, and fish markets.
Essaouira, formerly Magador, is an 18th-century fortified city on the northwest coast of Morocco. The final stretch of our walk around the medina took us to the busy fishing port, one of the most important shipping port of Morrocco. The fishermen were just wrapping up for the day and seagulls and cats were lingering around, waiting for scraps.
The charming medina is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage city.
We returned to the riad for a Moroccan mint tea with sweets before checking into our room.
The suites, which surround the courtyard, are tastefully decorated in different styles –Arab, Portuguese, British, and African.
The hotel has 33 rooms and suites. This historic Moroccan property was a private residence before becoming a luxury hotel. It retains that warm intimacy in a blend of privacy and comfort, the quintessence of Moroccan hospitality.
The spa features a luxurious traditional hamman in tadelakt and black marble. We treated ourselves to a relaxing massage after a day of visits.
As the sun started to set, we headed to the rooftop to listen for the prayers and admire the famous "blue hour". his is the moment when, between dusk and dawn, the sky fills with an intense blue tint.
We went down to the restaurant to enjoy the Ftour (traditional meal of Ramadan), which included dates, eggs, harira (Moroccan soup), msemmen (pancake), fresh juices, chebakia (pastries with dough and honey), sellou, and pancakes. The palace also offers a la carte options, with a selection of traditional Moroccan and Western dishes. After the grand feast, the evening continued in their English-style bar next to the cozy fireplace, with live jazz as entertainment. What a magical way to end our stay and such a warm hospitality!
