The Heure Bleue Palais is not an ordinary hotel, it is a house steeped in history but also men and women serving their guests. Like a pearl in an exceptional setting, the Heure Bleue Palais welcomes you in Essaouira.

At the heart of the bay of the ancient Mogador, this palace has for word of order the well-being of its guests. Welcome to this superb riad, member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association!

The hotel aims to make every guest’s stay unique and unforgettable. By definition, Morocco has always been a haven for genuine, warm hospitality. This art is practiced every moment by L’Heure Bleue’s more than 50 employees ensuring the wellbeing of our guests.

L’Heure Bleue Palais is born of a magnificent dream: to give Essaouira a prestigious address worthy of its rich past at the crossroads of African, European and Arab civilizations.

The establishment has retained the cachet of a traditional Moroccan mansion and offers all the comforts of a large hotel brand. The living rooms, bedrooms, suites and lounges, converge on the patio, a meeting place where a fountain sings and throbs at the heart of the riad.

Originally built at the end of the 18th century, on the ruins of an ancient ‘fondouk’ – hostel for travelling traders – the ‘sleeping beauty’, as it was called by the locals, initially was the sumptuous residence of the pasha Caïd Mbark Saidi.

Later acquired by a wealthy merchant, it then served as an orphanage until the 1960s, before being abandoned. It was then that the Azoulay family – a family with long roots in Mogador – and associates decided to restore this once noble residence and bring it back to life.

L’Heure Bleue Palais opened its doors in June 2004 after three years of renovation and reconstruction, now with a new identity as a luxury hotel. Today L’Heure Bleue Palais is the pride of Essaouira to which countless craftsmen and artisans brought their passion and unique know-how.

Rooms
Heure Bleue Palais is first and foremost a charming house before being a luxury hotel, a place where privacy and comfort are synonymous with the size of the riad – just 33 non-smoking rooms & suites are available in this historic home where the art of Moroccan hospitality is demonstrated at its very best.

Like most authentic Oriental buildings, the rooms & suites are spread around a central courtyard that immerses the house with the light of the East.

Premium Suites
Premium suites are located on second and third floors of the riad. With design and decor of Oriental, African or British style, Deluxe suites are distinguished by attention to detail, with working fireplace separating office, living room, bedroom and bathroom.

Restaurants & Bars
Chef Ahmed proposes ‘Friday nights at Heure Bleue’, honouring the Oriental tradition of delicious couscous, on Saturdays a new ‘Discovery’ menu is offered, paired with a different Moroccan wine every week.

Ahmed opens his kitchen for cookery classes too, as he loves to share his culinary secrets, tips and special recipes with guests.

Salon Oriental
The Oriental restaurant is the heart of the gastronomy at Heure Bleue Palais – an elegant Moroccan lounge with a sophisticated, yet cosy atmosphere welcoming its guests on a culinary stepping stone to the realm of exotic flavours.

Ahmed Handour, young Head Chef of the Heure Bleue Palais kitchens, offers a nightly menu which is both authentic and of highest gastronomic standards, serving modern and inventive cuisine that combines to perfection the creativity of classic Moroccan cuisine.

On weekends the atmosphere is more festive with theme nights like the Oriental evening on Fridays. We offer endless options in the discovery of new flavours in a magical place.Today’s Essaouirian cuisine by Ahmed Handour

On weekends the atmosphere is more festive with theme nights like the Oriental evening on Fridays. We offer endless options in the discovery of new flavours in a magical place.

English Lounge
The English Lounge is open throughout the day and in the evening, welcoming its guests in a warm atmosphere with Colonial-inspired decor, precious woods, leather and Oriental rugs.

It’s good to share a moment in front of the fireplace with a cocktail, a selection of authentic teas or finest spirits and liqueurs.

Kemia, Original Tapas and Cocktails
In the evening, the Kemia extends the time of the aperitif in the Salon Anglais with a selection of Oriental tapas and a fabulous selection of wines and cocktails.

It is not widely known that Kemia are Oriental tapas which are prepared from the seafood market, perfect to accompany a time with friends around a fire with the additional discovery of Moroccan wines.

Terrace Grill
The Terrace Grill is located on the top floor roof terrace of Heure Bleue Palais. Here – between deck and pool – you can while away the afternoon in the open-air restaurant with fantastic views and light menu revolving around the sea.

Breakfast
When the buffet – prepared each day at dawn in the heart of the house – sends out the delicious aroma of toast and Argan oil, it is the moment for all guests to come together and marvel at the rich tradition of the Moroccan morning meal alongside Western classics.

Wine
Heure Bleue Palais in Essaouira has distinguished itself yet again by the introduction of its own and unique ‘Heure Bleue Val d’Argan’ wine label.

Hence Heure Bleue is Morocco’s first luxury hotel to create and launch its wine label – a delicate blend of white musk, floral aromas and mature fruit blending with notes of spice and honey.

Born from Passion
The Heure Bleue Val d’Argan is born of the passion of three men dedicated to improving the already excellent dining experience at Heure Bleue Palais: director François Laustriat, photographer and publicist Jacques Bachelerie and Val d’Argan estate owner Charles Melia.

All three are enthusiasts of Morocco and of fine wine, their partnership was appropriately founded at Heure Bleue Palais – a historic setting to launch a legendary wine: ‘Heure Bleue Val d’Argan’. The Val d’ Argan domaine was created in 1994 in the region of Essaouira by Charles Melia, now the cradle for this exceptional wine.

The estate, conveniently located just a few miles from Heure Bleue, produces quality wines from Rhône grape varieties – perfect matches for Chef Ahmed Handour’s exciting and innovative cuisine, a cuisine born of sunshine, blending Oriental spices with the flavours of the Mediterranean and Morocco.

The Heure Bleue Val d’Argan awaits your discovery at Heure Bleue’s Salon Oriental restaurant and is also available for purchase at the hotel boutique.

Cooking courses
Staying at Heure Bleue Palais is living for a short time in a unique house. Ahmed Handour, passionate about Oriental cuisine, wishes to extend this experience to his kitchen by sharing his knowledge and passion.

Cook and Taste
The cookery classes at Heure Bleue Palais are a perfect opportunity to enter into the intimacy of a cuisine with a thousand flavours and a chef. Cook and taste, this is the programme of the practical sessions around Moroccan cuisine.

Le P’tit Spa de l’Heure Bleue Wellness
The Orient has always been a land of wellbeing and Morocco is no exception to this tradition – it spreads the art of Oriental treatments from one generation to the next, much to the delight of its inhabitants and visitors.

In the region of essential oils and Argan, Heure Bleue Palais in Essaouira offers precious interludes of wellbeing around the tradition of the traditional Hammam and massages. Hammam & treatments at Heure Bleue Palais demonstrate that everyone can fully experience invaluable moments of relaxation.

The personalised care programme in this intimate space with a traditional Hammam and two treatment rooms revolves around scrubs, wraps, massages and various treatments with essential oils and natural products.

Hammam & treatments
Discover the Oriental Hammam at Heure Bleue Palais, extend the Relais & Châteaux experience and enjoy traditional Moroccan treatments, this is wellness renowned around the world for its revitalising properties.

The traditional Hammam spreads its warmth through the walls of black marble in an intimate environment, the atmosphere is conducive to utter relaxation. The treatment rooms with their soft lighting and Oriental decoration

Meetings
On Fridays in Morocco, it is the custom for families and friends to get together for couscous tasting. Dine by candlelight on the patio or in the dining room by the fireplace, the choice is yours!

Chef Handour looks forward to initiate you in this tradition with a Friday night culinary signature featuring the tastes of the Orient and local ingredients; garden vegetables, Argan oil, orange, orange blossom and cinnamon are expertly combined with a light touch of innovation – all awaiting your enjoyment on discovering this gastronomic escapade.

Sunday at Heure Bleue Palais
Sunday evening’s aperitif hour at Heure Bleue Palais is the time when kemia take centre stage. Kemia – the equivalent to Spanish tapas or Lebanese mezze – are traditionally served with drinks in the early evening; they are indigenous to North Africa, though there are subtle differences between Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco.

Piquant olives, almonds and pistachios are considered the ‘basic’ kemia – all are bite sized appetisers served with an aperitif. Heure Bleue Palais offers a kemia menu consisting of mini briouates, various fish & seafood, a trio of goats’ cheese tarts, to name but a few and all especially created by the our gifted Head Chef Ahmed Handour for the kemia evenings.

Let us tempt you with the different earth or sea flavoured kemia trilogies accompanied by a glass of wine at your convenience, served in the Salon Anglais or on the patio – the ideal opportunity for a get together with family or friends in the early evening.

Relax and Explore
Heure Bleue Palais has an extraordinary location: at the gates of the historic old city known as the Medina, the hotel is also just minutes away from the beach and surrounds of the city.

The many activities and leisure options available are tailored to a clientele with many interests in a city which combines a huge spectrum of culture ans sportness

Enjoy Essaouira’s beach is 2.5kms long from the port to Oued Ksab estuary in the south. Heure Bleue Palais is ideally placed for visiting the Medina, where you will find artisan’s ateliers and tiny shops all along the streets.

Discover nature in the region around Essaouira
Sidi Magdoul lighthouse

Approx 1.5kms from the port at the exit from Essaouira is Sidi Magdoul lighthouse, dating from 1914 and 15m tall. Not open to visitors.

Sidi Kaouki Beach

A popular surf spot and ideal for camel riding. 30km south of Essaouira towards Agadir. Don’t miss the freshly caught grilled fish at kiosks in the square!

La plage de Moulay bouzerktoune

Moulay Bouzerktoune beach – 25km north of Essaouira – is well known to surfers. This pretty village, powered only by a single wind turbine, is reached by the coastal road passing through spectacular countryside.

The Val d’Argan winery

Nestled in a valley between the sea and inland plain, the Val d’Argan area benefits from the mixed climate of ocean breeze and Saharan heat, producing wines with unexpected flavours. The 50ha property includes olive and Argan trees, from which the domain has taken its name. These trees grow only in Morocco and yield an olive-like fruit. The estate also produces Argan oil.

Fromagerie Meskala

10 minutes from Essaouira you’ll find the ancient Kasbah Abderazak. Opening the door of the old building, it is a surprise to find a beautiful patio and the old stables housing the Fromagerie Meskala: here cheese making traditions are followed, producing a formidable goat’s cheese which can be eaten right there or taken away.

Swimming Pool
Heure Bleue Palais offers its guests unforgettable moments on the terrace. With stunning views of the ocean and the Medina, the rooftop panoramic terrace invites with heated pool and loungers.

The turquoise waters of the pool promise a refreshing swim, the sun loungers invite to relax and the nearby bar responds swiftly to your every wish.

Billiard & Home Cinema
Discover the billiard room and home cinema at Heure Bleue Palais . Adjacent to the courtyard patio, the billiard room gives players the opportunity to test their skills, American or French style. Next door in the home cinema, guests gather to view a major sports event or enjoy a classic movie.

Golf
Both the Mogador Golf courses overlook the Atlantic Ocean. Designed by Gary Player, the South African Golf legend, they combine harmoniously wide fairways, wild bunkers, water points and overhead obstructions.

Fairways are wide, greens are meticulously manicured, bunkers are challenging and the surrounding scenery is spectacular.

Adventure Tours
Horse or camel riding: Explore the landscape around Essaouira – beach, countryside and beyond – on horseback or by camel with an experienced guide. All levels catered for.

Hiking: Essaouira and its surrounds have many walking routes that invite to discover places inaccessible by other means – enjoy a wilderness in the safe company of experienced guides.

Quad biking: A thrilling guided excursion riding through the dunes of Essaouira! Several routes are available depending on your ability and requirements, ranging in length from 1 hour to 1 day. Quads are for one or two.

Mountain biking: Let us organise mountain bike hire for you. Discover the town, beach and countryside at your leisure… Your bike is dropped off for you at the hotel and collected afterwards.

Surf: Essaouira and nearby regions are famous worldwide for their surfing. With beautiful, diverse beaches and surfing spots, Essaouira offers an ideal combination for beginners and experienced surfers alike.

Kitesurf: Amongst the ‘new generation’ watersports kiteboarding is proving very popular. In Morocco, the Essaouira region is the top destination for lovers of ‘aérotractée board’, as we say in French. The city also hosts a stage of the Kiteboard Pro World Tour World Cup.

The Tuareg Trail
Heure Bleue Palais is a most convenient and appropriate set off point for ‘the Tuareg trail’, the discovery of the unspoilt Essaouira countryside with forests, dunes and coast line.

Explore Essaouira’s beach on camelback going south towards Wadi Ksoub with Tuareg guide Rachid – take in the spectacular 180° views and go on to the ruins of the Sultan’s ancient palace, the Portuguese fort and the village of Diabat where Jimmy Hendrix stayed 50 years ago.

The Amazigh Route
The region around Essaouira offers a fascinating and ever changing landscape: south of the city lies the ancient Berber tribal territory, the Haha country covering old Mogador to the south of Taghazout.

The old Amazigh ways of life are perpetuated with the Essaouiran Berbers enriching the hinterland with an extraordinary crop dating back to time immemorial : the Argan. Just a few kilometres inland from coastal Essaouira, discover an authentic and completely unique environment of limestone cliffs, rocks, plains, hills and wadis.

Meet Berber families in the heart of unspoilt villages in the Argan planted foothills of the Atlas, between earth and sea. Heure Bleue Palais invites to a trip on ‘the Amazigh route’ with our Berber guide accompanying you with a driver in a 4X4 vehicle for a half a day exploration of the Essaouiran hinterland.

Cross the foothills of the Atlas Mountains amidst stunning scenery unknown to commercial tourism, visit a weekly souk: in accordance with pure Berber tradition, traverse sandstone paths far away from the roads to visit an Argan oil cooperative and share breakfast with an Amazigh family – moments steeped in tradition.

A voyage of discovery with the Val d’Argan Wines
Heure Bleue Palais invites you to a totally unique and exclusive experience at the home and heart of the Domaine Val d’Argan: you can enjoy this wine – as well as other Val d’Argan vintages – in the company of the cellar master, followed by a leisurely lunch under the olive trees in the estate’s tranquil, beautiful garden.

The half day tasting experience with lunch included is bookable 24 hours in advance, leaving the hotel at 9am.

Website: www.heure-bleue.com

Rooms: 35

Price: from 170 EUR per night