L'Océan Vagabond ★★★★

To be honest, I think I decided on the Ocean Vagabond as soon as I heard the name. I was in the mood for wandering, for exploring somewhere entirely new at my own pace. Above all, I just wanted to relax and let go. And see the sea, of course.

Which was perfect, because the waves of the Atlantic roll onto the Essaouira seafront just a few metres from the Ocean Vagabond hotel. This is a calm and restful establishment in a truly idyllic setting, only a few hundred metres from the Essaouira medina. On arrival, I was impressed by the authentic white hotel façade, bordered with palm trees and an inviting round swimming pool outside. Here, in the sweet-smelling gardens, you can lounge beside the heated pool and relax away from the lively medina, with the sound of the sea in the background. Inside, the feel is just as relaxed and comfortable. The interior design features simple white walls with bright coloured accessories and Moroccan touches.

Downstairs there is a lovely relaxation space that opens out onto the exotic gardens and swimming pool, as well as a mezzanine reading room, a cosy bar and several smaller lounges. Upstairs, the bedrooms have all been individually decorated to reflect the multicultural outlook of the city, blending modern features with more traditional aspects. They are extremely comfortable and cosy; the perfect refuge after long days exploring the city or spent on the water (with satellite television and Wi-Fi, of course). My husband and I had chosen a spacious suite on the second floor with a terrace and beautiful sea views. It was decorated in bright colours with Moroccan furnishings: vibrant cushions and curtains, traditional floor tiles, copper bedside lamps and Berber carpets. Here, we could smell the cedar wood of the furniture and the perfume of jasmine floating in from the garden. Heavenly. We enjoyed the view on our private terrace for a while before heading off to explore the rest of the hotel.

After a mint tea in the shade of palm trees beside the swimming pool, my husband couldn’t wait any longer to try his hand at kite surfing at the Club Ocean Vagabond on the beach. I decided to take a dip in the pool before spending the rest of the morning exploring the medina. The two of us met up in the afternoon on the city harbour, where we enjoyed a late lunch of freshly caught sardines. We then returned to the hotel to enjoy the traditional hammam experience and Moroccan beauty treatments. The body exfoliation is a wonderful way to relax and feel rejuvenated.

If you are worn out after a busy day, the Ocean Vagabond hotel also offers dining on request. That evening we decided to stay at the hotel, and we were impressed by the simple but delicious local cuisine that we were served in one of the pretty lounges. Then we headed up to the refuge of our suite, to relax to the sound of the ocean and dream of spending another day exploring the sights of Morocco.