Madada Mogador

Rooms

The beige and sandstone shades of the bedrooms give a soothing uniformity to Madada Mogador. These were once the upper floors of a rich Souiri merchant’s house so all are blessed with high ceilings and an airiness enhanced by the pleasing tang of sea air. Every room comes with warm honey-colored tadelakt walls, soft pink terracotta floors, rattan furniture, Chinese-style box lanterns and large, comfortable beds dressed in sumptuous bed linen.

The Loft Suite is the largest with two bedrooms and a palatial living area. The spacious Suite Cherifa has a wonderful private sea-view terrace overlooking the city ramparts, harbour front and beach. We were quite taken with simple Pacha and Salma rooms, whose entrances lead onto the spacious communal roof terrace. Perfect for lounging on its array of low-slung wicker chairs.

For 180-degree views and a little more privacy, go for the newest addition, the Panoramic Cabana room. This cosy and secluded white wooden cabin sits on the second terrace, where you can enjoy breakfast for two on a tall table while watching the world go by.

Every ensuite bathroom has ivory tadelakt showers or roomy bathtubs, plus beautiful aged brass hand-basins from Fes. All rooms come with WiFi, air-conditioning and heaters.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Central heating
• Cots available
• WiFi

Eating

The generous breakfast is a beautiful array of pastries, yogurt, fresh fruit and juice, eggs and pancakes. It can be served in your room or on the terrace… also the perfect setting for afternoon lemonade and cake. Of course, many also gather here for the requisite sunset aperitif.

As night sets in it’s time to meander down to La Table by Madada, the elegant and buzzy restaurant, for one of the best dining experiences in Essaouira. Food is French and classic Moroccan, with an emphasis on fresh fish (lemon-grilled mullets, monkfish tagines, salt-crusted cod) and indulgent desserts. You’ll be welcomed with a cocktail list and jazzy music. We sat by the fireplace and settled in for a cosy evening of superb food and delightful service. Be sure to book a table in advance - this restaurant is popular with both hotel guests and locals from the area and beyond.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby

Activities

• Sip cocktails and enjoy a sunset view on the spacious terrace with fabulous coast views
  
• Go shopping at the souks (markets): friendlier, cheaper and often better quality than in Marrakech, especially for wooden furniture and carvings
  
• Explore the sea ramparts of this ancient Portuguese (and formerly) Roman town
  
• Unwind with a traditional hammam or thalassotherapy spa in town; both can be organsied by the staff at Madada Mogador
  
• Windsurfing and kitesurfing from the sandy beach are popular sports (equipment can be hired)
  
• Go quad biking or take camel rides in the sand dunes; horse riding on the beach can be arranged from a nearby stable
  
• Explore wild beaches, waterfalls and forests on a 4x4 excursion
  
• A Pool and Lunch Day can be organised by the hotel in either Les Jardins de la Villa Maroc, a restaurant which sits within a garden of argan and olive trees, or at Le Jardin Des Douars for a heated pool within a botanical garden

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cooking classes
• Horse riding
• Nightlife
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Windsurfing

Kids

Although children are catered for there aren't any specific activities for them, so it's not ideal for active noisy kids. That said, the staff will do their best to make families welcome and can assist you in arranging local activities, such as camel trekking, horse riding and quad biking.

Best for:

Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

The Loft Suite has a mezzanine double bedroom and a twin room, plus two bathrooms and lots of living space. Most rooms can hold a baby cot.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Madada Mogador is in the medina (old city) of Essaouira, on the west coast of Morocco. It's just inside the ramparts opposite Orson Welles Garden.

By Air
Fly in to Essaouira (20km / 30 minutes' drive) or Marrakech (175km / 2 hours away) if you're visiting as part of a wider trip around Morocco. From the airports, you can either take a taxi, drive or take a bus.

By Car
You won't need a vehicle to get around Essaouira itself but you may want to hire a car to drive there from Marrakech or generally explore the wider area.

By Bus or 'Grand Taxi' from Marrakech
There are regular buses as well as a constant stream of 'grand taxis' ploughing the route between Marrakech and Essaouira.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.