Dar Maya
Pared-down Moroccan luxury. Think understated European restraint applied to a traditional riad — muted palettes, polished plaster, no visual clutter. Intimate and quiet.
The Gnaoua Festival at end of June is Essaouira's biggest event — rates go up 20% and the medina gets very lively. Worth knowing before you book.
Why It Matters
Only five rooms, Tablet Hotels-listed, and one of the rare riads that resists the urge to layer on every Moroccan craft trope available. The minimalist approach, combined with serious bathroom quality (two-person marble tubs, under-floor heating), puts it well above typical medina accommodation.
Dar Maya is a five-room luxury riad in the heart of Essaouira's historic medina, and it does something most riads get wrong: it doesn't try too hard. Tadelakt walls in earthy tones, marble bathrooms, working fireplaces — the place has character, but it stays calm about it. Breakfast is included, the rooftop hot tub looks out over the ocean and the medina rooftops, and the whole property can be booked exclusively for up to 10 guests.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Akal (Earth)
From EUR145 / nightSuede-upholstered bed, open fireplace, and its own balcony. The en-suite bathroom has elegantly shaped Persian arches and a two-person marble bathtub.
Double
Akshood (Wood)
From EUR120 / nightMellow mocha walls, a relaxing seating area, and an open fireplace. The colonial-inspired en-suite bathroom includes a marble bathtub.
DoubleAmane (Water)
From EUR120 / nightCosy seating and dressing area, open fireplace. The en-suite bathroom has espresso-coloured tadelakt walls and a marble bathtub.
Double
Laafit (Fire)
From EUR145 / nightSoft stone tones throughout, open fireplace, and a private balcony. The en-suite bathroom features traditional Moroccan arches and a two-person marble bathtub.
DoubleTignna (Sky)
From EUR145 / nightLight-filled room in calm grey tones with an open fireplace and its own balcony. The bathroom has a distinctive two-person polished tadelakt round bathtub.
DoubleThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A camel trek into the argan forests surrounding Essaouira — a genuinely memorable half-day. Organised by the hotel.
Two 18-hole golf courses are accessible from Essaouira. The hotel can arrange tee times.
Wide, sandy beaches just a short walk from the riad make for excellent horse-riding. Arranged through the hotel on request.
Quad-biking along the Atlantic beaches. Arranged through the hotel on request.
Essaouira's Atlantic winds create near-perfect kite-surfing and surf conditions. The hotel can arrange access and instruction.
Traditional Moroccan cooking courses can be organised through the hotel.
Guided shopping tours through Essaouira's souk, removing the guesswork (and the haggles you'll lose) from navigating the medina markets.
Pottery courses available through the hotel's concierge.
On certain evenings, a barbeque is set up on the roof terrace for alfresco dining under the stars.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Third-floor lounge with comfortable seating, a feature fireplace, a well-stocked library, Bose sound system, and a PC with free internet access.
Ground-floor central courtyard with a traditional fountain. A quiet spot to sit and dip your feet.
Staff will arrange restaurant bookings and excursions throughout Essaouira and the region.
Heated dip-pool on the terrace, separate from the rooftop hot tub.
Rooftop hot tub with ocean views and views over the medina rooftops and minarets. Loungers alongside.
All bathrooms have under-floor heating and heated towel rails.
All five rooms have air conditioning.
Working open fireplace in every room.
The entire riad can be booked exclusively for private parties or family celebrations, accommodating up to 10 adults. Standard €605/night, high season €715/night.
The hotel can arrange a taxi to meet guests at Essaouira, Marrakech, or Agadir airports. A staff member escorts you from the taxi or bus drop-off to the riad.
BUILD YOUR DAR MAYA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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