THE BEST ESSAOUIRA HOTELS & RYADS FOR GOLF HOLIDAYS
The best places to stay for a Mogador golf break.

The Sofitel Mogador golf resort lies just south of the town of Essaouira, on the coast and shrouded in dense foliage.  Despite being quite a large hotel, it offers a little haven of golfing tranquility as the resort spreads over a large area of gardens between it, the golf course and the ocean.

A very stylish hotel with an outdoorsy feel (witness the green wall and tree in reception) it has rather modern décor throughout.  Bedrooms are pretty funky with beds in the middle of the room facing the balcony with its golf course and ocean view.

The bar and restaurant have been designed in a similar cutting-edge style (as is the Clubhouse).  The cuisine is quite European due to the hotel's French roots, so for a taste of real Moroccan dining it is best to take the five-minute trip into town.

For water babies there is a large variety of pools to choose from: the vast pool on the sundeck behind the hotel, the 'eco' salt water pool in the walled garden to one side, the indoor pool in the impressive spa building, which also has several plunge pools allied to various relaxation therapies.

In 2006 one of Essaouira's oldest Ryads was bought by a French hotelier keen to create the most stunningly luxurious hotel in Essaouira: he has succeeded.  The best Moroccan craftsmen lived in the old shell for a year and have transformed every inch of it into a work of art.  The plasterwork, intricate detailing and carved wooden ceilings are masterful.

The Palais is located just inside the Medinah walls and in typical Moroccan fashion appears very plain from the outside - in fact you have to search for the nameplate!  Inside, in true Ryad style, the bedrooms are positioned around a central courtyard blossoming with trees and shrubs.  The bedrooms are Moroccan through and through, tiles, carpets, furniture, linen, soaps are all locally sourced and show off the best of Morocco.  Superior rooms and Junior Suites are truly magnificent if you can run to the extra few Dirhams.

On the ground floor you will be treated to a sumptuous breakfast each morning amidst the greenery with freshly prepared Msimin (crepes), fresh fruits and a raft of homemade pastries.  Also on the ground floor is the small bar with a very 'Ernest Hemingway' feel to it and across the courtyard the cosy restaurant where you will find one of the finest chefs in Morocco creating Moroccan masterpieces every evening.

On the roof, you will find the Palais' swimming pool with fine views over the town from the surrounding decking and rooftop pool bar.  A beautiful spot to soak up the sun and the unique ambience of Essaouira.