Morocco
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Riad Emotion
Located in the very heart of the UNESCO-listed Medina of Essaouira, the boutique hotel Riad Emotion combines Moroccan craftsmanship, French flair and contemporary art. Five unique and charming suites, a traditional inner courtyard with fountain, as well as a terrace and lounge invite you to relax. Just a few steps from the beach, this modern riad offers a peaceful oasis filled with thoughtful details, soft lighting and the irresistible coastal charm of the Atlantic.
Central location
Surrounded by the fortified old town – a masterpiece of European-North African architecture – Riad Emotion is nestled within characteristic walls and a maze of narrow alleys. Essaouira’s beach, the harbour and the vibrant souks are all just a short walk away. The impressive city walls, including the Skala de la Kasbah, can be reached on foot in approximately 10–15 minutes.
Hotel amenities
- Rooftop terrace
- Wi-Fi
- Airport transfer
Attention to detail & design
Riad Emotion features a total of 5 bright and spacious suites, distributed across the ground floor, first floor and terrace. Soft natural light and a refined sense for essentials give each space its distinctive character.
Each suite showcases a unique, contemporary design inspired by Souiri culture, blending tradition and modernity in a harmonious way.
- Thuya Suite
- Les Alizés Suite
- Arganier Suite
- Mogador Suite
- Gnaoua Suite
Breakfast with a sea breeze
Whether in the lounge or on the terrace, breakfast at Riad Emotion reflects the care and attention to detail that make your start to the day truly special.
Enjoy French crêpes with a hint of orange, accompanied by honey, homemade cakes and orange marmalade. Fresh coffee or a selection of teas ensure a gentle awakening.
Souiri art experience
Dedicated to art, Riad Emotion showcases works throughout the year by artists from Essaouira, Berber regions and across Morocco – many of which are available for purchase as a lasting memory of your journey.
Relax with a book, unwind in a lounge chair or enjoy a tea in the peaceful patio.
Our Pur Life Maroc concierge service offers tailor-made travel experiences designed around your wishes. Discover the most beautiful and authentic sides of Morocco up close, guided by our local experts and Pur Life insiders. Immerse yourself in your own personal Pur Life Maroc journey.
Essaouira
Enjoy a guided walk taking in the Skala, the harbour and the city, including the old town with its souks, the consular district and the Mellah (Jewish quarter). Stroll through lively alleyways dotted with shaded squares and traditional Moorish café terraces.
How about a half-day cooking class at L'Atelier, a former warehouse beneath the stone arches at the entrance to Essaouira's medina? Guided by a top chef, you'll uncover the secrets of Moroccan cuisine and learn how to master tajines, couscous, pastillas and gazelle horn cookies.
Looking for the perfect blend of eco-tourism and walking? Choose from guided half-day or full-day hikes, complete with a tea break or lunch in a traditional Moroccan eatery. Discover the natural beauty of the Essaouira region at a more relaxed pace.
A network of trails linking local villages makes the countryside around Essaouira ideal for mountain biking. Your guide will lead you along winding paths to some of the region's most scenic spots. Of course, you're also free to explore on your own, with mountain bikes and e-bikes available for hire.
A quad tour is an exhilarating way to explore Morocco's stunning landscapes. Our off-road routes take you straight into the dunes, with two- or three-hour excursions leading you along rocky tracks to Cap Sim, where you'll get up close to the dramatic sand dunes and Atlantic beaches.
Discover the beaches, sweeping dunes south of Essaouira and unforgettable sunsets on horseback. Setting off from the town of Diabat, your guide and their experienced team will lead you on a one- to three-hour ride, suitable for both seasoned riders and beginners alike.
No trip to Essaouira is complete without a camel ride. A favourite with both children and adults, this experience offers a memorable way to explore the region's dunes and beaches. Our camel guide looks forward to introducing you to these fascinating animals, perfectly suited to gentle journeys across the sand.
Set against a stunning natural backdrop, Golf de Mogador offers perfect conditions year-round to enjoy challenging greens and superb fairways. Designed by Gary Player, this 18-hole championship course (par 72) in Essaouira is a top-class golfing destination.
Experience first-hand how argan oil is traditionally produced by women under fair working conditions at the Marjana Cooperative. Taste premium-quality argan oil and purchase products directly from the source. Afterwards, visit the coastal village of Sidi Kaouki, whose five-kilometre Atlantic bay is considered one of the world’s finest surfing beaches.
Would you like to experience the hippie flair of the early 1970s? Your guide will accompany you to the Jimi Hendrix Café in the village of Diabat as well as to the ruins of the Dar Solatane Palace, which is said to have inspired Jimi Hendrix’s song Castles Made of Sand. The beach of Diabat captivates visitors with its untouched nature, dunes and peaceful atmosphere, connecting Essaouira with the surfer paradise of Sidi Kaouki.
Spend a night in a traditional Berber tent on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Discover the secrets of Moroccan cuisine, enjoy dinner on the beach and warm yourself by the campfire. Look forward to breathtaking views of the surrounding nature with argan and tamarind trees, as well as a spectacular sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
Discover the hinterland of Essaouira on a guided excursion. The route takes you through impressive landscapes, past a traditional weekly market and into a village where you will enjoy an authentic lunch in the home of a Berber family. Afterwards, take part in a traditional Moroccan tea ceremony.
A special half-day excursion takes you to one of the largest and most authentic souks in the hinterland of Essaouira. Far away from classic tourist routes, you will experience a lively weekly market where farmers, fishermen and local traders offer their goods — from fresh fruit and vegetables to spices, olives, livestock and traditional handicrafts. Accompanied by a local guide, you will gain fascinating insights into the daily life and culture of the region. Afterwards, enjoy a classic tagine lunch in a traditional Moroccan restaurant.
