Atlas Essaouira & Spa ★★★★★

I saw the Atlas Essaouira and Spa miles before we arrived. Its whitewashed walls rose up, a stiff contrast to the seemingly endless blue sky. Set in Essaouira, its location right on the beachfront, just moments from the rustle and bustle of the Medina, was much better than I had hoped for.

I assessed my surroundings – green foliage rose up against white buildings and a large swimming pool took centre stage. Inside, the Atlas Essaouira opens out into a sumptuous display of muted tones and rich, gold nuances. Everywhere I looked there was a dash of gold lining, a gold-threaded carpet, or a shiny gold cushion.

My “Deluxe Ocean View” room was exactly that. Walking through the pale powder decor, past the simple design and sleek furniture, I arrived on my private balcony which looked out across the blue waters of the Atlantic.

Whilst tucking into a handful of the reddest cherries I’d ever seen, I found myself planning the next day. It would have to start at the spa as I’d been dreaming of a massage for weeks, and I couldn’t wait to relax in the sauna and unwind in the Jacuzzi. Then lunch would come around and I’d dine at one of the hotel’s beachfront restaurants, where I’d tuck into the subtle flavours of Morocco. Who knew how the afternoon would unfold, perhaps a dip in the pool or a swim in the sea. Evening would be a charming affair, dining underneath the stars surrounded by the flicker of Moroccan lanterns.

The Medina would need to be explored at some point, too – a foray into the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of Morocco. But for the moment, I would enjoy the serene calm of the Atlas Essaouira and revel in its sumptuous Moroccan charm.