Heure Bleue Palais - Relais & Châteaux
The Heure Bleue Palais is not an ordinary hotel; it is a house full of history and stories. It combines the charm of a traditional Moroccan mansion with the cosmopolitan comfort of exclusive Relais & Châteaux hotels. All rooms, suites, and lounges face the inner courtyard, where a fountain beats at the heart of the Riad. The “sleeping beauty,” as the locals call the house, was originally built at the end of the 18th century on the ruins of an old "Fondouk" – an inn for traveling merchants – and was the magnificent residence of Pasha Caïd Mbark Saidi. Later acquired by a wealthy merchant, the palace served as an orphanage until the 1960s. It then fell into oblivion – until the Azoulay family and their team decided almost 40 years later to rebuild and revive this once noble residence. The L'Heure Bleue Palais opened its doors in June 2004 after three years of renovation and reconstruction, during which countless artisans from the city contributed their passion and unique know-how.
Details
Country
Morocco
City
Essaouira
Price
from €185 per night/person
Best travel time
March - October
Culinary
Enjoying local products and the sea – that is the best way to preserve the traditions and cuisine of a place. Thus, the chefs of the four restaurants of L’Heure Bleue Palais work with argan oil, olives, mountain honey, goat cheese, sardines, young goats, lamb, or beef, prickly pear, pomegranate, and other delicacies. Shady and quiet, the patio is an ideal setting for breakfast and light snacks in between. The Salon Oriental offers – as the name suggests – traditional cuisine at the highest level. The stunning rooftop terrace with a pool offers uncomplicated meals – perfect for enjoying together with the wide view over the Medina and the Atlantic. The exquisite English Lounge, with its opulent colonial atmosphere, invites for quiet drinks and relaxation.
Activities
Just a few kilometers outside the city gates lies the Mogador Golf Course. This spectacular course was designed by PGA champion Gary Player and opened in fall 2009. It hugs the coastline of Mogador and offers wide, excellently maintained fairways and challenging bunkers. The spa at L’Heure Bleue Palais, with its authentic hammam and team, is breathtaking. Massages and other treatments can be enjoyed according to your wishes in the spa, in the privacy of your own room, or on the rooftop terrace with panoramic views over the Medina. Only the purest natural oils and products, based on traditional healing knowledge, are used for the treatments. Additionally, the concierges organize all types of individual activities for the guests: city tours, courses at spectacular surf spots, jeep safaris, quad rides, camel and horseback safaris, cooking classes, visits to art galleries – just to name a few examples. The house has a billiard room with American and French tables and its own cinema with a selected program of international film classics.
Rooms
The Heure Bleue Palais is a charming house that has evolved into a wonderful luxury hotel. Here, privacy and comfort are taken very seriously in every respect. The size of the Riad is perfect, as only 33 non-smoking rooms and suites are available. In this historic house, the art of Moroccan hospitality is showcased at its best. Like most other beautiful oriental buildings, the rooms and suites of this hotel are arranged around a central, light-filled courtyard and differ only in the size of the accommodations.
Location
The hotel is located in the heart of the historic Medina of Essaouira, right by Bab Marrakech, one of the main entrances to the old town. This central location allows you to explore the lively souks, the busy fishing port, and the impressive city walls conveniently on foot. The extensive sandy beach of Essaouira is also just 400 meters away, ideal for relaxed walks or water sports activities. To ensure a comfortable journey, the hotel offers private transfers to and from Essaouira, Marrakech, Agadir, and Casablanca airports.
Experience this hotel as part of a Morocco round trip
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Contact person
Business Development Manager / Travel Designer
