G&T visit Essaouira and Heure Bleue Palais

Just under 3 hours drive from Marrakech is the delightful coastal town of Essaouira. Probably the best known coastal tourist town of Morocco, this is more of a town on the sea than a beach resort. Despite having had regular tourists since the 60’s (the old hang-out of Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley), it remains unspoilt by tourism and offers a real souk, charming people, no hassle, a great harbour and lots of fantastic seafood in the restaurants. It still has a relatively hippy feel about it probably due to the number of young travellers who travel here for the outstanding surfing.

A stay in the charming Heure Bleue Palais is a must. This elegant and colonial in style Relais & Chateaux property has a fantastic location at the entrance to the Medina and is an absolute gem. It offers a truly authentic Moroccan experience alongside excellent service, great facilities and without doubt the best food I have had in Morocco! The rooftop terrace has a pool and restaurant and has panoramic views of the surrounding medina and port. Treat yourself to a stay in one of the suites, which have separate sitting areas, some with wonderful fireplaces and I highly recommend a hammam followed by a massage!

The weather tends to be lovely in the months of February and March - blue skies, wall-to-wall sunshine and no wind or rain. G&T are delighted to offer 2 nights for the price of 1 until 1st March, 2012.

Julia Townsend

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