Dar Emma

An Elegant and Eclectic Escape in Essaouira

This playful little house bills itself as a hippie hideaway, but it's so much more than that. It's located in the heart of Essaouira, tucked away on a small side street populated by local families. It's also right by the fortified medina and minutes from Place Moulay Hassan.

Essaouira has impeccable hippie credentials. Part of an alternative trail since the late Sixties, it was graced by Cat Stevens and Jimi Hendrix among others, and today it still has a reputation for arts, crafts and music. Each June it plays host to the world-famous Gnaoua World Music Festival or 'Moroccan Woodstock', as well as other events throughout the year.

We love the traditional thick stone walls of this 200-year-old house, with their clever recessed shelves and nooks. It's the adobe of Taos Pueblo meets the Tatooine of early Star Wars. Which pretty much sums up the eclecticism of this little place.

The simple palette is brought to life with assorted brightly-colored tile floors, carved wooden doors, eclectic modern Sixties furniture, flea market finds, vibrant upholstery, and local pottery. There's a little of everything here - Ikea, anthropologist and just a little hippie.

The house is cosy enough for a couple but can sleep four comfortably. The ground floor is built around an outside courtyard, perfect for unwinding with a Morocccan feast (which can be delivered on demand), and has a kitchen and dining area with fireplace. The second and third floors each have a bedroom as well as a further two outdoor terraces.

Additional features

The house is cleaned daily. Features include an iPod dock, books, CDs and board games, locally-made Argan soap and bath robes.

Around

The guest house is located in the center of the beautiful little town of Essaouira, at the front of the medina within easy reach of shops and restaurants. Essaouira is southern Morocco's favorite beach town, and is located within a few hours of Marrakech.

Unlike the big city, Essaouira is laid-back and timeless with sandy-colored ramparts, whitewashed avenues, French-style piazzas, and a port full of azure blue fishing boats.

The guest house's owner greets each visitor personally and starts their stay with a guided tour of the locality. An information booklet with a restaurant guide, information on Hammams, quad biking, horse riding and other activities is available at the house.

Location

Essaouira, Morocco. Transfers can be arranged to and from Marrakech, which is approximately two and a half hours drive away. There is a small airport five miles from the town that has regular flights to and from Paris-Orly and Casablanca.