Villa de l'O
Colonial-meets-oriental boutique riad. Think dark wood panelling, tadelakt plaster, leather furniture, velvet drapes, sculpted doors, and quirky antique objects. More Indiana Jones than minimalist spa retreat.
Request a sea-view room specifically — the patio-facing rooms are atmospheric but the bay views are the real payoff
Why It Matters
Selected by both Tablet Hotels and the Michelin Guide. Sits right on the edge of the medina walls with some of the best rooftop views of Essaouira bay and Mogador Island you'll find anywhere in town. Each of the 12 rooms is genuinely different — same riad, totally different experience depending on which room you book.
An 18th-century riad — reportedly a former almond storage depot — converted into a 12-room boutique hotel right against the medina walls in Essaouira. The French owners have filled it with custom finishes, Moroccan and European antiques, high-end linens, and objects sourced from all over the world. The result is equal parts colonial and oriental, modern and classic: a place that has more personality than most hotels twice its size.
Where You'll Stay
8 room types available
L'Obe
Golf-inspired theme with wood panelling, Scottish fabric, and beige-cream tadelakt. Subdued lighting scattered through furniture of natural leather, wood, and brass. Washbasin and shower in chocolate, gold, and beige tones.
Double (160cm) · 40 sqm
L'Octane
Safari-styled from top to bottom — ochre and natural tadelakt, leather furniture, porcelain washbasin and bathtub housed in wood. The mix of antique and modern works well. Sea-facing.
King (180cm) · 40 sqm
L'Opium
Rococo in style, with red and black tones, stainless steel fittings, and natural tadelakt walls. The standout feature is the bathtub positioned with a direct view over Essaouira bay. Italian-style shower also included.
King (180cm) · 50 sqm
Opium Suite
Glitters with colored glass drops and draped in warm velvet tones from prune to old pink. A Moroccan salon sits within the space. Traditional architecture with patinated woods, tadelakt, and zelliges tiles.
Double
Sea View Terrace Room
On the edge of the sea-view terrace, this room channels open-ocean travel — materials inspired by a boat's cabin, with mahogany and iroko wood throughout the bathroom. Comes with a semi-private terrace.
Double
Unik Prestige Room (Safari / Patio)
Safari atmosphere in red, black, and white tones with natural tadelakt. White porcelain shower and washbasin. Patio-facing. Twin beds — works well for friends or families sharing.
Twin (2x 90cm) · 30 sqmUnik Prestige Suite (Sea View)
The standout rooms of the riad. Spacious sea-facing suites with views of Essaouira beach and the Atlantic. African and oriental artifacts, wood panelling, fresh flowers. Tadelakt bathrooms with wooden brass washbasins and either oversized shower or wood-inlaid bathtub.
King (180cm) · 40 sqm
Unik Suite (Medina)
Travel-themed suite in the spirit of adventure — trunk-shaped dressing room, modular furniture, leather fabrics, shades of turquoise. Tadelakt walls with wooden shelving. Patio or medina-facing.
Double (160cm) · 30 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Bicycles available for rent at the property to explore the medina surrounds and coastal path.
Canoeing can be organised through the hotel.
The hotel can arrange windsurfing and kitesurfing sessions. Essaouira's consistent Atlantic winds make it one of Morocco's top spots for both sports.
The hotel's owners are golfers and arrange access to the 18-hole Golf de Mogador course designed by Gary Player — a short drive from the medina. Golf packages available through the hotel.
Golf lessons can be arranged by the hotel. Golf caddies also available.
The LÔxygène rooftop terrace is where guests spend most of their downtime. Panoramic views over Essaouira bay and the Mogador Island. Sunbeds available, breakfast served here too.
Yoga sessions available — confirm availability and scheduling with the hotel directly.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
The central courtyard of the riad — planted with greenery, with natural light filtering through. A calm, shaded space for drinks or simply reading.
Two intimate salon spaces within the riad — designed as reading rooms, conversation corners, or spots for a pre-dinner aperitif.
A reading room with computers and internet access sits adjacent to the main lounge area.
Breakfast is included in the rate. Served in-room or on the rooftop terrace.
The main rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Essaouira bay and Mogador Island. Multiple seating areas, sunbeds, used for breakfast, drinks, and sundowners.
Airport transfer service available. No on-site parking.
The hotel does not have parking. The medina is pedestrian-only — guests arriving by car will need to park outside the walls.
BUILD YOUR VILLA DE L'O PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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