“This might just be the Morocco I’ve dreamed about.” 48 Hours at the L’Heure Bleue Palais – Relais & Châteaux
ESSAOUIRA…
Have you ever been to Essaouira? With its windswept beaches, historic medina walls, and vibrant artisan soul, Essaouira is a Moroccan coastal city where ancient history meets a modern bohemian spirit. Known as the “Windy City of Africa,” this UNESCO World Heritage site captivates visitors with its labyrinthine alleys, azure blue doors, and a harbor alive with the hum of daily fish markets. From the intricate woodwork of its workshops to the sweeping views from its fortress walls, Essaouira invites you to uncover a place where every corner holds a story, and every breeze carries the scent of salt and spices. Prepare to wander and be charmed by this city’s timeless allure.
Hotel L’Heure Bleue: Essaouira’s Oasis of Charm and Character
Nestled within the ancient medina walls of Essaouira, the hotel L’Heure Bleue Palais feels like a hidden gem that’s equal parts history and heart. As a member of the Relais & Châteaux collection, this hotel combines old-world luxury with Moroccan soul in a way that leaves you thinking, “This might just be the Morocco I’ve dreamed about.” It’s the kind of place where polished charm meets relaxed elegance, with just enough quirks to keep things interesting.
Arrival: A Warm Moroccan Welcome
From the moment you step into L’Heure Bleue’s serene courtyard, you’ll feel the sense of calm that only a centuries-old riad could offer. The check-in process here is efficient yet charmingly laid-back, with the staff going out of their way to make you feel like you’ve just arrived at a friend’s home—if your friend happened to own a luxurious 18th-century palace. Mint tea in hand, you’re surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle sound of fountains, as if to remind you that here, time moves at a more civilized pace.
Rooms: A Mix of Moroccan Elegance and Modern Comfort
The rooms at L’Heure Bleue manage to be both rich in Moroccan character and comfortably modern, which is a delicate balance to strike. The dark wood furnishings, Berber carpets, and warm colors reflect a sophisticated Moroccan aesthetic, while the luxurious linens and sleek bathrooms make you feel like you’re getting the best of both worlds. Each room is uniquely decorated, but be warned: the light switches are often as mysterious as they are plentiful. You may need to press three or four before finding the one you want—consider it part of the adventure.
The suites, with their four-poster beds and expansive sitting areas, offer a peek into how 19th-century nobility might have lived—if they’d had Wi-Fi and a rain shower. And just in case you needed another excuse to linger in your room, the windows open out to views of the medina rooftops and the endless blue of the Atlantic. It’s the kind of view that makes you wonder if you really need to leave the hotel at all.
Dining at L’Heure Bleue: From Tagines to French-Inspired Delicacies
The hotel’s restaurant is reason enough to stay in for a few meals. Chef Ahmed Handour blends Moroccan flavors with French techniques, creating dishes that are both comforting and elevated. Breakfast is an experience in itself: a lavish spread of freshly baked bread, honey straight from the hive, and Moroccan pastries that will make you seriously consider a second breakfast. The fresh orange juice alone deserves its own five-star review.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant, meanwhile, is where the magic really happens. The menu offers a refined twist on Moroccan classics—imagine lamb tagine that practically melts at the touch of your fork, or seafood sourced from the nearby Atlantic coast, cooked to perfection. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for the tasting menu, which is essentially a love letter to Moroccan cuisine written by a chef who knows his way around both tradition and innovation.
Rooftop Pool and Terrace: An Oasis Above the Medina
The rooftop terrace at L’Heure Bleue is nothing short of magical. With panoramic views over the medina and the Atlantic beyond, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring. The terrace pool, though small, is inviting and gives you the surreal experience of floating above the bustling streets of Essaouira. Sun loungers line the terrace, offering a comfortable perch from which to sip mint tea or something stronger as you watch the sun dip into the ocean.
This rooftop isn’t just a place to catch some rays; it’s also where you’ll find a cozy lounge area perfect for a quiet evening drink or a casual tagine. At night, the rooftop transforms into a romantic escape under the stars, where the city lights blend with the sounds of the Atlantic, creating a uniquely Essaouiran symphony.
Upon arrival I had a gazpacho with crab meat on the rooftop and some fresh fruits for dessert… this was pure excellence! Still dreaming of this plate, so fresh and juicy… I just want to go back to eat the whole menu up and down. And if it got too hot in the sun, the hotel has super pretty sun hats available.
Spa and Hammam: A Glimpse of Moroccan Indulgence
No stay at L’Heure Bleue would be complete without a visit to the spa, which offers a selection of Moroccan-inspired treatments that are as indulgent as they are soothing. The hammam is a must-try: part steam bath, part ancient ritual, it’s an experience that leaves you feeling both deeply cleansed and oddly proud of having braved it. If you’re new to hammams, the staff here are wonderfully understanding and will guide you through the process with care and a touch of humor.
For a true treat, try the argan oil massage—it’s both deeply relaxing and a reminder that Moroccan skincare is truly worth the hype. By the time you leave the spa, you’ll feel ready to tackle the medina again (or at least the walk back to your suite).
Final Thoughts: A Slice of Moroccan Paradise with a Side of Personality
The L’Heure Bleue Palais isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s a destination in itself. From the attentive staff who seem genuinely invested in your experience, to the charming quirks and lavish decor, every part of this hotel invites you to embrace a slower, richer way of life. It’s a place that’s deeply connected to Essaouira’s history and culture, yet never feels stuck in the past.
Come for the luxury, stay for the character, and leave with a love for Essaouira that only grows with each story you share. The hotel L’Heure Bleue proves that the best luxury hotels aren’t always the sleekest—they’re the ones that make you feel as if you’ve just stepped into another world.
Ready to experience Essaouira’s charm firsthand? Book your stay at Hotel L’Heure Bleue, and let the magic of Morocco unfold.
BOOK YOUR STAY HERE -> www.heure-bleue.com
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“This might just be the Morocco I’ve dreamed about.” 48 Hours at the L’Heure Bleue Palais – Relais & ChâteauxOctober 28th, 2024
