Le Palais des Remparts

The Atlantic coast of Morocco is an ideal holiday destination; the warm, pleasant temperatures are not oppressive but enough to soothe you as you relax under the sun, while the scenery is simply spectacular. Particularly in late summer and autumn, the climate is perfect - whether you want to lie on the beach and sunbathe, spend a busy day sightseeing, or sit with a refreshing drink and admire the stunning coastal views. My Princess Jasmine and I set off on our magic carpet for a romantic stay in Essaouira in September, swapping the onset of rain and darkening evenings for some late summer sun. Thanks to VeryChic, we found the perfect authentic Moroccan palace, a stunning 18th century riad – Le Palais des Remparts.

Nothing about Le Palais des Remparts is ostentatious. The design is understated and typically Moroccan, allowing the character of the building to speak for itself, which it does abundantly. The main defining characteristic of a riad is an interior courtyard with water feature, which essentially acts as an ancient air-conditioning mechanism. With a beautiful mosaic fountain, shady palm trees and ivy creeping down the tall stone columns, this hotel’s courtyard makes an immediate impression, a stunning place to keep cool, relax, and admire the magnificent building.

The palace was completely restored in 2010, meaning that it offers its guests the very best in modern luxury while retaining its ancient, authentic charm. The rooms, therefore, are stylish, comfortable, and faithful to the typically Moroccan design. The bathrooms are spacious and perfectly equipped, and rooms come with all the facilities you would expect from a prestigious hotel. Wi-Fi, large television, bathrobes, slippers, huge bath tubs and showers… The rooms are certainly suitable for an Arabian princess! We were lucky enough to have a spectacular ocean view from our window, with unspoilt, dazzling blue water as far as the eye could see.

Even if your room looks over the charming Medina or courtyard, however, you can still enjoy these same views. The roof terrace, home to the atmospheric bar and restaurant, is an idyllic spot to snack on some tapas, enjoy some inventive and delicious local cuisine, or sample some Moroccan wines, all the while watching the sun set over the sparkling water of the Atlantic. It is a superb way to spend an evening, basking in the magnificence of the North African scenery.

Le Palais des Remparts enjoys an absolutely incredible location. The city walls and ramparts of Essaouira rise imperiously out of the sea, guarded by 16th century Portuguese cannons, standing resolutely firm and defying time and the elements for hundreds of years. Contained within the walls is the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site full of busy, mazy, narrow streets. It is still a hive of activity, a true Aladdin’s cave of merchants selling typical produce, street cafés and authentic Moroccan culture. The hotel lies between the Medina and the ramparts, in the Kasbah, the part of the old city which used to be home to the Sultan’s court houses and European and Brazilian consulates – a suitably grand location.

Built during the 18th century, for a hundred years Essaouira enjoyed a golden age of trade, and a status as Morocco’s principal port. The town prospered, linking Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa with Europe and the rest of the world. Diverse ethnic groups were attracted, creating a cosmopolitan, multicultural atmosphere which still endures today. While the port may have lost some of its importance of years gone by, it still lends a fascinating character to the town. Colourful and picturesque, it is always worth a visit in the morning, when fishermen return in their blue boats and unload the day’s catch amid a teeming swarm of seagulls. They offer you the chance to try their fish, fresh off the boats, for the ultimate seafood experience.

Lively, narrow streets full of character, stunning views of the shimmering ocean, the warm glow of the African sun, fresh fish, exotic spices, charming Moroccan architecture, a blissfully relaxing spa, and marvellous sunsets over the Atlantic - Le Palais des Remparts combines culture, cuisine, landscapes and luxury, so that you can enjoy a perfect holiday in Essaouira. The town itself is a jewel of the North African coast, a corner of the world so close to Europe but so culturally different to anything we have over here. Verychic encourages you to follow in Aladdin’s footsteps and go to discover a whole new world…