Things to Do

Guided Tours and Culture

Get oriented with knowledgeable Hassan who speaks English, French and Arabic, who’ll fill you in on Essaouria’s colorful history, help you get to know the medina, and share the best places for local food and culture. He’s hugely popular so please advance book with us as soon as possible. In Sidi Kaouki, spend a few hours with Hafida and Family where you’ll learn everything there is to know about the mystical argan fruit and eat a delicious home-cooked Berber lunch. Her oil is 100% organic, and available to buy for cosmetic and culinary use. Want to learn how to cook Moroccan cuisine? Spend a day with Hayat and Fatima Zhara at Villa Maroc and learn from the professionals!

Spa Day

Jardins des Douars for a half day or full day pass that lets you use the pools, stroll the gardens, and sip cocktails. The Spa offers facials, massage, hammam, pedicures for men and there are kids activities too. Open 11am and 6pm, the Jardin Chill Pass gives pool access and lunch: $42 per day / $18 per day for kids under 12. Azur is where we head for pedicures, manicures, hair-dressing and waxing (pedi-mani $45).

Beaches

Essaouira Beach is lively with kitesurfers, surfers, camel and horse rides. Diabat Beach is secluded with the occasional swimmer and camel ride going by, so you’ll get it largely to yourself. To get there, keep walking along the main beach from Ocean Vagabond - a great place to eat al fresco while watching the waves. Further afield Sidi Kaouki Beach is popular with kitesurfers and surfers, with plenty of casual restaurants on the beach. For a special experience, book La Mouette et Les Dromadaires for lunch. Note: none of the beaches have lifeguards.

Shopping

Histoire des filles for a huge selection of beautifully cut, updated kaftans, loose pants and shirts. Vibrant colors and gorgeous fabrics, with beautiful jewelry to match. Bo Boutique for an extraordinary Hobo leather handbag collection (Brooke has 3). Minimal for beautiful wool throws and modern pottery. Bougie Mogador diffusers, candles and room sprays. Don’t miss our aladdin's cave of Moroccan lanterns at Moroccan Lanterns by Majid.

Outdoors

The wind of Essaouira is what fuels the Kitesurfing industry here. BKS Kite School offers equipment rental and training in groups, or one-to-one, as well as all other water sports. Try Ranch de Diabat for horse riding along the beach, camel adventures, hiking the local countryside and barbecue picnics.

Wine Tasting

Le Val d'Argan is a 20-minute drive away where you can tour the vineyards, taste the wine and stick around for a simple, hearty but delicious barbecued lunch. This is the only wine we drink. Advance reservation essential.

Golf

Tee off at Golf de Mogador Essaouria’s Gary Player-designed course just above Diabat beach and set within acres of dunes. Green fees: 9 holes $50, 18 holes $75. Then have lunch at their excellent little bistro, The Club House.