Castles in the Sand

Award winning boutique luxury holiday houses to rent in Essaouira, Morocco

“Austin Powers would love Dar Beida” – The Times
“A Glowing Pop Art Cavern...” – The New York Times

“Drop dead chic medina guesthouses” – Travel + Leisure

Our quirky, bohemian guesthouses are situated within Essaouira's Old Medina, well located for all the shops and restaurants and just 10 minutes walk from its vast sandy beach. They serve as an ideal base for exploring the local area, or simply as a means to relax and unwind in unique and magical settings.

Dar Beida

“The interior is so thoughtfully and imaginatively appointed we felt like we were in a set from the coolest magazine on earth” – Marty

The White House – Essaouira
A very cool 200-year old traditional style 4-bedroom ‘dar’ (Moroccan house) situated at the back of Essaouira's fortified medina. Dar Beida is in the more Moroccan quarter, near Bab Doukkala, just minutes from the food markets.

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Dar Emma

“Amazingly stylish bijoux house in the heart of the medina... Beautifully decorated in a modern Moroccan way” – Andrea

The Little Hippy House – Essaouira
A charming, little 2-bedroom hippy house nestled at the front of Essaouira's fortified medina. Well situated being 2 minutes walk to the main square, Place Moulay Hassan, close to all of the shops and restaurants and the historical fortress.

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5-star concierge service

“What really stood out was the unfaltering service and support we got from Emma, who is – and this in no word of a lie – the best host ever.”

Castles in the Sand, is proud to offer award winning holiday guesthouses with a personalised 5-star concierge service. We aim to provide unique holiday experiences for an unforgettable stay in Essaouira.

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Relax in style

“A stylish, all-white haven in the heart of the medina” – The Guardian

Our boho-chic luxury guesthouses are available for private hire so you are free to explore Essaouira and relax in style in a tranquil home away from home. Creatively and stylishly presented, these traditional riads offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets. Enjoy panoramic views across Essaouira's Old Medina from your private roof terrace.

We are family friendly! Children are welcome.

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Explore Essaouira

Experience the laid-back, hippy charm of Morocco’s historic coastal town of Essaouira, the perfect destination for bohemian travellers. With its crescent shaped expanse of sandy beach and bustling medina streets filled with folk art and tribal pieces, those seeking a more laid back Moroccan experience will be captivated by its charm.

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Foodie Mecca

Authentic Moroccan Cuisine

Morocco is a well known foodie mecca, drawing crowds of bohemian travellers, food and travel bloggers and celebrity chefs all looking for authentic flavours and some creative inspiration. Visitors to Essaouira won’t be disappointed!

The medina is a sensory overload, the souk piled high with exotic, colourful and fragrant spices and there’s plenty of fresh produce in the food quarter or fish market, we can even source locally grown organic fresh produce for your stay.

Food is a huge part of local culture and life, we encourage clients to enjoy these simple pleasures. Whether you’re looking to learn how to cook a traditional Moroccan dish, enjoy a delicious homemade meal, dine like a local at the fish grills, Berber café or sample a bbq lamb meshwi on the beach, we’ll help you develop your taste for Morocco.

Foodie Things to Do

Book Your Adventure

Castles in the Sand offers authentic bohemian travel adventures in Essaouira, no ordinary holiday! Exclusive and unique opportunities for you to experience “the real Morocco”. Discover Berber life, camp in a Bedouin tent, explore the rugged and wild Atlantic coastline, camel trek to hidden waterfalls or enjoy the simple life with authentic local foods in extraordinary settings. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that you leave here with enough memories to last a lifetime and an unrivalled travel experience. Quench your wanderlust and take a little piece of Essaouira's magic home with you.

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