Terrasses d'Essaouira

My husband and I have always loved North Africa. Ever since our gap years, respectively spent in Morocco and Tunisia, we have hankered after its laidback lifestyle and fantastic food, decorating our progression of flats and houses in more and more layers of terracotta, spicy oranges, and cool mint greens. Since the arrival of our boy, however, we have eschewed exotic climes for more UK-based holidays. We jumped at the chance to spend a week in Morocco over the Easter break to recapture some of that long-lost wonder on our favourite continent. While Marrakech has the greatest sights and most bustling souks, and Casablanca wows with its majestic buildings, Essaouira called to us with its promises of seaside family fun and calming, peaceful atmosphere.

There is much more to this coastal town than just its wonderful working fishing port, as it offers a UNESCO-protected medina and fantastic fortified walls with magnificent views of the wide sandy beaches. The town is also famed for its artistic talent, with fabulous little galleries always opening up, rivalled only by the exquisite artisanal craft on display in the souk. This town breathes modern creativity and historic wonder, a fabulous mix that is sure to tempt all who visit.

Our sense of Essaouira’s peace and calm began as soon as we got off the plane, with a friendly hotel driver meeting us at arrivals to take us straight to our hotel! Nothing could be more magical than leaving the drab grey of London one minute to being whisked through the baked landscapes of Morocco the next. What with our boy’s excited questions to the driver, who was more than generous with his answers, showing a passion for his country we have come to expect from all Moroccans, the 16km drive sped by, and we arrived in the little side street of our hotel buzzing and impatient to see everything!

The welcome laid on by Les Terrasses d’Essaouira was warm and friendly, showing us around every part of the small yet undeniably luxurious hotel. From our very first glimpse of our superior room, we were convinced of how comfortable we would be. Decked out in a soft, peaceful mint green with typical rounded stone doorways and beautiful exposed beams, it felt like a tiny villa just for us. As our little one rushed around exploring his little nook, the bathroom, and any cupboard or antiquated wooden chest he could find, my husband and I stood at the large open window to breathe in Essaouira’s unique blend of sea, baked earth and spices drifting up from the medina below.

For our first real day, we couldn’t wait to get back up to the roof terrace we had already discovered with a glass of Moroccan wine the night before. When we broke out into the blazing morning surrounded by the calls of seagulls, the fresh sea breeze and early-morning hustle from the medina, we knew we were in heaven. The breakfast, as with all the meals in the restaurant, was centred on Moroccan specialties - a great start to our day that was to be filled with wandering around artisanal stores, striding across the fortified walls, and some surfing fun for the boys while I headed back to our hotel for an expert argan oil massage. Meeting up with them later, we regaled each other with our “best bits so far” of this fabulous hotel and town over excellent lamb tagine. Simply put, Les Terrasses d’Essaouira offers a warm welcome and luxurious comfort that guarantees a peaceful, calming holiday whether you’re alone or with the family!