After the bedlam that can be Marrakech arriving in Essaouira is like an oasis of calm and tranquillity. Within minutes of arriving in the UNESCO World Heritage site it is obvious that there is someting special and charming about the town. The blue and white buildings, the sun faded facades, the compact and traffic free Medina, the beautiful sheltered beach on the south side of the old fishing port and the vast Atlantic ocean on the other. Add the 350 days or so of sunshine each year, Essaouira has its own micro climate, never too hot in summer and mild in the winter and the friendliness of the people, the town has charm and an instant and seductive appeal.

Situated on the ramparts adjacent to 'La Skala' (the original Portugese fortifications that guards the town with cannons) with its nearby artisan shops and stunning ocean views, 'Dar Olivia' after almost a years work has been lovingly and stylishly restored using local craftsmen and materials in traditional Moroccan style to European standards. Tadelect plasterwork, Zelige tiles, Moroccan doors, window frames and shutters and a combination of European and Moroccan lighting. With its inner courtyard the house is light and airy and is an ideal base for exploring this charming little town or to simply to relax in the usually warm weather.

Vehicles are not allowed in the Medina but everywhere is within a short walk. The House is a few minutes stroll from: the main square with its numerous cafes, La Skala, the port and open air sea food restaurants, the shops, other restaurants and souks of the Medina, the fish and fresh food markets or the beach with its horse and camel riding, quad biking, kite and wind surfing schools, that will provide tuition for all levels or just hire out equipment as required. Bicycle hire is available and there are many Internet cafes for those who want to keep in touch but do not want to bring a laptop on holiday 

'Dar Olivia' is aranged over three floors plus the rooftop terrace with its magnificent Ocean Views,seating and sun bathing areas and is built around a small central courtyard. The house has a number of stairs and is not suitable for the physically challenged.

Ground Floor
Entrance Hall, Fully equipped kitchen, inner courtyard/dining area, sitting room with fireplace, cd player, laundry room with washing machine, tumble dryer and wc.

First Floor
Two double bedrooms, one looking out over the ramparts and the ocean. A Tadelect bathroom with shower, bath and wc, wifi connection

Second Floor
Two double bedrooms, one being the master bedroom with its Moroccan four poster bed, Tadelect walls and magnificent ocean views. A Tadlect shower room with shower, two sinks and a wc.

Rooftop Terrace
Stunning Ocean Views, ample areas to sunbathe and a shaded area under the pergola with plenty of seating to relax, read or eat out. A kitchenette with hot and cold water
Magnificent sunsets (April to October) as the sun disapears over the ocean's horizon 

Dar Olivia is rented out 'per week' as a whole house to ensure exclusive use by your party.

Subject to availability the owners will accept bookings for a 3 (three) nights stay at a cost of £500.--. or for 4 (four) night stay at a cost of £665.--, Except during High Season: all of July and August plus Easter, Christmas and New Year when a minimum cost will be £600.--. for a three night stay and £800.--. for four night stay
 

Thre is a 'wifi' connection for those bringing their own laptops. Portable heating is available if needed. Todd or Susie will be happy to give a short guided tour of the town and its amenities: restaurants, wine shops and places of interests and will be available for any help or advice should it be needed. A welcome basket of: tea, coffee, milk, fruit etc and a good map of the town will be at the house for your arrival. The house will be cleaned every day during your stay except Sundays by Rashida, the 'femme de manage'. Please note; WE DO NOT SUPPLY BEACH TOWELS. Dining/Moroccan Cuisine.. Rashida, the housekeeper is also an excellent cook who for 100 Dirhams per person (approx £6.50) will prepare if requested a delicious Moroccan meal. The money should be paid directly to her so that she can obtain the fresh ingrediants.

The house comprises 4 bedrooms in total; 4 double. . This gives room for up to 8 people. Bed linen and towels are provided for your use.

The house has 2 bathrooms and 3 WCs for your party's use.

The house has dvd. The music system will play cds. If you need to keep in contact there is a telephone for incoming and outgoing calls.

There is room for 8 in the living room and 8 in the dining room. The open fire can be used to create a comfortable atmosphere. To prepare food you will find a cooker, an oven, a fridge, a freezer, a kettle, a toaster. You will also find a washing machine, a clothes drier, an iron and ironing board. The owner has also provided cutlery, crockery, glassware, cooking utensils.

This is a non-smoking house

Pets are not welcome 

Not suitable for wheelchairs 

The house is in a very quiet area. It has a west facing patio area, sea views, panoramic views.

The house is right beside a beach, swimming, cycling, historic sites, a museum, shopping areas, a restaurant, a food shop.

Close to the house you will find wind surfing, walking, horse riding.

Within easy reach of the house you will find ...nothing specified.

Quad biking, horse/camel riding, kite and wind surfing. Bike and Car hire is available in the town

Stunning woodlands and other seaside villages with secluded beaches and the vinyards of Ounagha

The house is....

180 km from Marrakech airport.
180 km from Agadir .
15 km from Essaouira Airport. No flights from UK as yet.

Any day of the week.

Any day of the week.

3 days.

2 PM

10 AM

Liz says: "What an amazing location on the ramparts! Quite incredible to have to climb up into bed to be able to gaze out of the window and watch the sea crashing on the waves and listen to the force of it. We were well look after by Rashida who met us and took us to the Riad and would have done what ever we asked in the way of preparing meals, going shopping or tidying up. Although we mainly looked after ourselves taking many meals up to the terrace much to Rashidas amusement! The Riad has been modernised beautifully. Very simply but effectifly. It is mainly white interior very fifferent from the rich earthy colours of Marrakech. The bathromms are fun and different with the big deep bath. It was totally ideal for our family. It had everything we could have wanted. Beautiful crockery, good beds and linen and enough deck chairs on the terrace for all of us to be able to sunbathe. It is only a short walk into town down a rather dark alley which gave us no problems but could be slightly scary. Todd the owner was very helpful in answering our questions beforehand and arranging transport for us by an incredibly efficient mini bus service. We honestly couldnt have wanted for anything more apart from slightly better weather. Apparently the week we went was one of the worst for a long time with flooding etc. But we still saw lots of sun. Essaouira it self is a facinating town. more run down than we had imagined but lovely and its easy to quicly get to know the place. lots of good restaurants and many not that expensive which was good for us as there were 6 of us. Everyone we met was very friendly and helpful and once we had got used to everyone trying to get us to buy things we all had a fantastic time. We would certainly highly recommend it to all our friends. Thank you for a facinating and comforatble holiday. The Turners "

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Long stay discount!! 25% discount if booking length is more than 4 weeks. (applies Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec only)
Long stay discount!! 17.5% discount if booking length is more than 3 weeks. (applies Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec only)
Long stay discount!! 12.5% discount if booking length is more than 2 weeks. (applies Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec only)