Villa de L'O

Activities

• Essaouira is well-known in the windsurfing fraternity for its strong winds and long sandy beach; or, if this is too passé for you, try kite-surfing
  
  
• Essaouira's golf course is on the spot and the hotel can fix up some golfing packages on request
  
  
• The Gnaoua festival in June is a lively 4-day musical celebration of the descendants of Morocco's African slaves: unique chiming cymbals and string instruments complement trancelike vocals
  
  
• Essaouira's souks (markets) are friendlier, cheaper and often better quality than those of Marrakech or Agadir – especially for wooden furniture and inlay products such as backgammon sets
  
  
• Be sure to wander down to the bustling fishing harbour to feast on freshly-grilled fish at one of its many covered stalls: this is a highlight of any visit to Essaouira
  
  
• There are art galleries, museums and city walls to be explored
  
  
• Magical to walk the beach as sunset approaches and the camel-ride vendors have gone home: be thrilled by crashing surf and the distant silhouette of tumbled ruins
  
  
• Just offshore lie the purple islets, so-called because of the dye extracted by the Romans from ‘murex’ shells; they now harbour Eleonora’s falcons, egrets and other birdlife, which you can observe from a boat-trip (you’ll need a permit, obtained locally)
  
  
• Pamper yourself in the Villa de l'O's hammam and spa where, as well as a trad gommage, you can book a massage, manicure or pedicure: only the best Sothys creams and oils are used
  
  
• Or book a place on one of the daily cookery courses that take place at the impeccably managed Madada school: it's just yards from from the Villa de l'O