Flights of fancy resume to Essaouira in Morocco – Essaouira is like nowhere else in Morocco – a destination very much for the discerning traveller.
The airport’s arrivals board shows that the airport is only open a few days each week currently with direct flights to Paris and Brussels.
The UK will once again be added to the arrivals board from late October with Ryanair adding London Stansted flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Located on Morocco’s Atlantic west coast, Essaouira has always been a free-spirited destination. Jimi Hendrix helped elevate this destination in the 60s and artists have always been drawn to the city’s light and laid-back ambiance.
More recently the hit television show Game of Thrones also filmed here.
But it is the people who have chosen to invest in Essaouira that have elevated this to a unique and desirable destination. Visitors won’t see many high-rise hotels but will discover local hip restaurants and bars in the cosmopolitan medina. This is a destination where visitors will encounter both bikinis and boards on the beach before walking over to the medina.
Art – Meet artists in their studios in Essaouira. Most of the artists are local and self-taught inspired over the years by the light and beauty. The Galerie Damgaard, located at the gates of the medina, showcases Arab and Berbere cultures with a creative power of gesture, wide variety of themes and plenty of jubilant colour.
Beach – In the winter visitors can stroll or take part in water sports and in the warmer months the sun beats all day. The medina is a short walk away meaning visitors can break away from the heat for a walk. Ocean Vagabond on the beach in Essaouira, is one of the most affordable places to dine whilst watching the waves.
Botanical Garden – Le Jardin des Douars is located inside a botanical garden with views of argan-studded hills. There are many varieties of tropical trees and plants. Jardin des Douars is also home to a hammam and spa, where treatments are offered using organic Argan oils.
Medina – The walled medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Traditional craftsmen and women creating authentic Moroccan pieces on sale at stalls and shops,stand alongside contemporary new restaurants, shops and galleries.
Music – The Gnaoua & World Music Festival takes place each June. This annual contemporary music festival welcomes a diverse selection of artists for four days. The vibrant festival spills out across the town with street performances. One of Morocco’s most popular music events.
Independently owned and family-run Le Jardin des Douars offers luxurious yet affordable accommodation nestled in the heart of the Essaouira hills only 12 minutes by shuttle to the medina. The botanical garden setting further adds to the attraction of this hideaway. There are 19 bedrooms and 6 suites in total and three luxury villas with their own heated swimming pools. The hotel’s facilities include two outdoor heated pools, three dining areas including a large open plan restaurant, a ‘couples’ dining room and alfresco dining on the terrace. Other facilities include a hammam and spa and a shuttle service.
Re-discover paradise this autumn and beyond on the Atlantic coast, just 3 hours from the UK.
www.jardindesdouars.com B&B priced from around £115 per room, per night or £500 per villa, per night. There;s a 15% off incentive for those booking three nights or more from November 3 to December 21.
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