Villa Maroc: The Lookout of Essaouira

After being stuffed in a closet-size room at our last hotel we were so thrilled when we arrived to Villa Maroc and they took us to the iconic lookout tower which stands watching over the city.

We wound up the several flights of tricky spiral stairs and I felt like Rapunzel when I looked out the window to the sweeping views of Essaouira’s oceanside promenade on the right and the wide stretch of sandy beach on the left.

The living room was instantly comfortable and I immediately tossed down my bags, picked up a book off the well stocked shelves, and hopped onto the sofa. Right then Maddy caught me messing up the room and made me flee to the bathroom so he could take pics before hurricane Brandy hit.

Could you blame me though, look through the window in the living room and tell me you don’t want to curl up with a book or a notepad and just spend hours catlike in here…

Right then, a timid knock interrupted his shot and two smiling ladies entered to put freshly cut roses in the living room and make sure we got a hot pot of steaming mint tea. It wouldn’t be a Moroccan welcome without it!

The bedroom is upstairs in the tower and the sunlight makes gorgeous patterns on the bed – and if you have skin like mine, it also gives you a unique sunburn if you indulge in a late morning…

I love their tradition of using bowls as sinks, too. It’s small touches like this, and drinking breakfast coffee out of well-worn ceramic bowls that are undeniably a Moroccan experience.

Another Vegan Find. I Love Essaouira.

We headed out to explore nearby vegan dining options and weren’t disappointed when we found Shyadma’s vegan (20 Rue Laalouj at Place el Khayma for note-takers) who offer a daily menu for only 50 dirham. This was vegan paradise. Not only was the owner friendly and patient with our French but he also helped us narrow down our choices because his menu offers so much variety.

We had the couscous and tajine, respectively, and enjoyed it verrry much. We finished with Orange a la Cannelle (orange dusted with cinnamon stevia and orange water)  and a mint tea – of course. It was a delicious meal and made entirely from scratch, so don’t imagine you’ll get fast food, here.

Back Just in Time For the Views

Villa Maroc is the only hotel in Essaouira that gets great ocean views as well as perfect people watching. The spot right on the main Plaza means you can be in the heart of the action even if you’re a travel writer who needs to get some work done…

Even work feels fine when this is the view from the balcony.

Our stay at Villa Maroc was exceptionally peaceful and we will definitely be back to take advantage of that great terrace. My favorite part was taking a long and leisurely breakfast each morning while watching the city wake up and the ocean rock and roll. Oh, Morocco, you’ve captivated me again.