Travel & Leisure

After Marrakech, the "ryads" trend comes now to Essaouira.
For a few years, in the streets of the old médina of the former Mogador, houses of guests are opening. They are more often open by french lovers of this white city which boards the ocean, hidden by the battlements built by a Vauban student.
Country child, Robert Azoulay has had the chance to own one of the best and widest villa of the city, the former palace of the caïd Mbark Saïdi, built at the place of a fondouk near the  Gate of Marrakech.

A narrow work of restoration

It took almost 3 years to the young french architects Karl Fournier and Olivier Marty, to turn this building into one of the most elegant and charming hotel in Marocco. 
With its 35 rooms and suites divided in two floors around the central patio, L'Heure Bleue looks more alike a wide family house than a classic hotel. It was the aim wanted by its creators who have been focused in decoration as well as in the amazing service offered 24/7, to make the guests feel very comfortable, just like home.
All this finespun work by the architects, their incredible selection of the best craftsmen of the city, their serious to find furnitures of the century or to make copies when they would not exist any more, all this brings to the establishment an incredible charm.

Worldwide influences

The 16 rooms and 19 suites have several atmospheres:oriental, english, portugese and  african. It is a tribute to the multicultural nature of this beautiful city which has built its personality  from these influences coming from the sea.
Meals are served in an oriental living-room. A magnificient syrian chandelier enlights illumine slowly the fabrics and sofas of Byzance. Gold pillows, red and green ... A perfect site to appreciate at best the light and inventive food Sylvain Scotti. Originating from Lyon, the young chief of L'Heure Bleue has had lessons at a  La Villa Florentine and by Gérard Vignat. He is a master in fish on "la plancha" or at the barbecue.
And of course, he is also brilliant in maroccan specialities (tagines and pastilla mostly).

Cosy atmosphere

Breakfast can be taken in the bright patio which is also enlighted by thousands candles at night. When time comes to have the first drink, guests meet, comfortably sat facing the black marblr chimney of the very english style living-room, or on  the panoramic terrace to admire the sunset on the ocean and on the roofs of the city.
Add a swimming-pool on the huge terrace, a spa covered of grey tadelakt, a billiard room, a private cinema room,  and then you will understand why l'Heure Bleue is already the favourite adress of the luxury lovers in Essaouira.