Heure Bleue Palace

A weekend getaway

Built at the end of the 19th century on the site of a former caravanserai, the Heure Bleue was once the home of a famous pasha before being converted in 2004 into a 33-room luxury riad, and a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association. Today, it is one of the prides of Essaouira, to which many local artisans have contributed their passion and expertise. In the heart of the bay of former Mogador, the Heure Bleue palace is a must-visit address that reflects the rich past of the city at the crossroads of civilisations. The 33 rooms and suites are all arranged around a patio, the vibrant heart of the riad. The classic rooms on the 1st floor evoke the primitive strength of black Africa, whilst in the suites, English, French and Portuguese influences dominate alongside an omnipresent oriental touch. The allure of travel and distant lands, the South and the Orient, and the spirit of trading posts and adventure are enhanced by a design that is both luxurious and understated. Charm is everywhere, light as if emerging from a distant dream... Depending on your mood, you can choose to have your meals in the Moroccan restaurant, in the patio, on the panoramic terrace or in the privacy of your suite. And when it comes to activities, surfing, Gnawa music, the medina, art galleries and the hammam make for an exciting choice.

STYLE

A historic house blending traditional Moroccan codes with African decorative objects

SITUATION

A 2 hour 45 minute drive from Marrakech, within the walls of the Medina

CAPACITY

33-bedroom riad arranged around a tree-filled patio

HIGHLIGHTS

L'Heure Bleue Palais is not simply a hotel, but a house steeped in history, right in the heart of the Medina of ancient Mogador

THE EXPERIENCES

  • Heated outdoor rooftop swimming pool, "P'tit spa" at L'Heure Bleue
  • City tour, 4x4 or quad bike excursions
  • Cookery class, visit to the Val d'Argan wine estate"
  • Golf, horse riding or camel trekking
  • Surf, windsurf, kitesurf

THE EXTRAORDINARY

In ancient Mogador, blue reigns supreme: the blue of a cloudless sky, the deep blue-green of the sea, the blue of heavy trawlers and sardine boats groaning under their catch, the blue of small boats huddled against one another, the blue of shutters and doors standing out against the bright whitewash of the walls... Experiencing the Blue Hour is an absolute moment.

ETHICS

The prestigious Relais & Châteaux in Essaouira stands out for its eco-conscious approach and rational management of water usage. The 3 years of renovations have allowed local artisans to express themselves and revive a glorious past. Today, L'Heure Bleue is a valued source of income for the people of Essaouira.