Riad Zahra

In 2006, Xavier and Edith Panades bought this established hotel in Essaouira's Quartier des Dunes and set about adding to its already wide range of rooms and amenities. Zahra is a large hotel constructed in a traditional design, with most rooms surrounding a two-level, columned central courtyard while offering full or partial sea views. The spacious and airy rooms feature brightly colored local fabrics and large bathrooms with ocher or pale yellow tadelakt-rendered walls. There are four newer rooms on the rooftop terrace that are Moroccan in design, with carved-cedar wood and Berber carpets. These rooms in particular are family-friendly, as they are separated from the other rooms and share a common entrance, although some of the large suites -- with two beds and a sea-view balcony -- are also options for those with children. A large pool is protected from the strong sea breeze and is surrounded by plenty of sun lounges, with a shady Berber tent located in the corner. The in-house restaurant features low-lying tables with cloth lounges of bright oranges and reds, and offers an all-day snack menu of hamburgers, chicken dishes, and pastas, although I recommend dining out for dinner.

Facilities:
Restaurant; pool

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Back to Top