Heure Bleue Palais ★★★★★

Prepare yourselves: when you push open the heavy doors defending the Heure Bleue Palace you are bound to feel a little like you’re stepping back in time. The city of Essaouira Mogador, and in particular the structure which now houses the Heure Bleue, are both full of historical interest. A former riad residence built in the nineteenth century on the ruins of an ancient fondouk (hostel), the building had been long abandoned. It took three years of restoration work to return the palace to its original splendour and bring it up to the high standards of contemporary luxury. Now, the Heure Bleue is a timeless establishment and has become quite simply a legendary hotel. Decorated with colonial touches to reflect its unique location on the crossroads between East and West, the Heure Bleue Palace is sure to take you on a journey into another world.

On arriving in Essaouira, we were immediately blown away by the beauty of this walled city that stands proudly on the Atlantic coast. Seagulls were flying above our heads as we made our way through the narrow alleyways, and the strong alizée coastal wind brought with it smells of the ocean and spices. This is a city that has been relatively sheltered from tourism, and it is a pleasure to discover the bustling fishing harbour and medina (old town) that are still central aspects of the locals’ city life.

After a short trip through the city, leaving us eager to explore it more thoroughly, we arrived at the Heure Bleue. Walking in through the high and thick walls of the former riad, my husband and I felt like we were stepping back in time. The hotel has been decorated in a classic style that reflects the unique and beautiful cultural mix of the city. The space is light but rich, with the ornate lanterns, mosaic flooring, wood panelling and luscious plants that you imagine when thinking of Morocco. Following tradition, the structure is built around a large central patio from which guests can access the hotel’s 33 bedrooms (including 18 suites). The patio is a peaceful, secluded and cool space where you can sit among palm trees and listen to the water fountain while you enjoy a drink or a meal.

Like the hotel’s public spaces, the bedrooms too take you on a journey into another world. Decorated in a chic colonial style, there are African, Portuguese, Oriental and British design touches. We were impressed by the generosity of our sleek classic room, with its gorgeous tiled floor, marble bathroom and full range of luxurious amenities. Light streams in through the louvered shutters and some suites even offer the luxury of an open fire. That evening, we discovered the divine meals at the Heure Bleue, which you can enjoy on the serene patio, in the oriental salon or on the outdoor terrace. The Salon Anglais bar, a luxurious haven for night owls and lovers, was the perfect place to finish our first evening.

At the Heure Bleue, it is easy to feel like a special guest. You must experience the sumptuous pleasures of the hotel’s traditional hammam, where ancestral rituals are upheld using uniquely natural products, including black soap, argan oil, aloe vera and verbena, and musk and orange blossom essential oils. It is a true delight.