After purchasing the ruins of a Riad in 2017, founder Philippe oversaw the entire reconstruction to reflect his desire to create a Riad reflecting the bohemian spirit and rich artistic heritage of Essaouira. Respecting the traditional form of a Riad townhouse around a central courtyard, Philippe and Noémi integrated wider staircases alongside bright, spacious rooms matching modern building regulations, while adding designer furniture from Le Corbusier and luxury amenities such as the glazed plunge pool in the Prestige Suite. Using local artisans to fulfil his vision of style, Noémi has infused the Riad with a style mixing classic Moroccan features with bold industrial design. The finished Riad is now a seamless blend of local wood, metal, raw concrete, and ornate stonework providing a perfect backdrop for the Riad’s art collection and designer furniture that combine to create a cosy, chic, arty atmosphere. At the heart of everything at the Riad is hospitality. Our caring and experienced team ensure that everyone enjoys their stay. Guests are invited to breakfast on the rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean or in the calm of the inner patio. Café Esprit Bleu offers a tempting range of refreshments and snacks throughout the day. Philippe Bloch – the owner Philippe worked for the international Hyatt group as a hotel general manager around the world for 20 years before creating Brigit’s Afternoon Tea in London and embarking on this new adventure with Riad Esprit Bleu. Noémi Bloch – the director Following a career in design and catering, Noémi joined Philippe to create, select, and supervise the interior decoration of the Riad, and after falling in love with Essaouira she decided to stay on and manage Riad Esprit Bleu.

Welcome to Riad Esprit Bleu, the new addition to Essaouira’s historic medina. Nestled in the heart of the ancient city, this hidden gem is for those seeking a new experience in a boutique hotel setting on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. The Riad spans four floors around a light-filled central courtyard. High ceilings, columns, chandeliers, designer furniture, and unique artwork combine to make this a place of relaxation and calm, giving you the chance to unwind. On entering the ground floor, also open to visitors, you are invited to browse the Miss Keren Concept Store. Full of new creations you can shop before savouring a gourmet meal of local or international flavour at the Café Esprit Bleu. Riad EspritBleu has six luxury suites across the first and second floors. The third floor houses a magnificent suite with a private glazed pool and a shared terrace with plancha and maxi brazier. Finally, the fourth floor features a roof terrace offering breathtaking views across the medina and ocean. All rooms are equipped with high quality bedding and mattresses combining comfort and exceptional support. We also offer a choice of natural and synthetic pillows and duvets. All sheets and towels are 100% cotton. The impressive wooden entrance doors and high ceilings give each room a sense of grandeur. Inside the suites concrete beams, bespoke ironworks, and traditional louvred windows will be the backdrop to your nights. The wood burning stoves will be lit at the coolest times of the year and the air circulation, designed according to Moroccan tradition, will keep you cool at the warmest times of the year. Breakfast is included in all room rates and can be enjoyed on the roof terrace or the Café between 8am and 2pm. Free access to WiFi is available throughout the Riad. Our team can organise bespoke outings or you can even book the entire Riad to create that unforgettable moment.

Essaouira is a vibrant, coastal town situated on the Atlantic west coast of Morocco. The name of the town, which means “little picture” in Arabic, is due to its incredibly picturesque setting. The charming blue-and-white Medina, encompassed by sand-colored ramparts and stone gates, is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage city and is a model of a fortified town from the late 18th century. The bustling streets of the Medina are an artist’s haven, with colourful souks, charming boutiques that showcase local artisan products, and friendly proprietors lounging outside their shops and art galleries. It is easy to navigate too, with a series of interconnected streets forming a central backbone that leads directly from the northern gate, Bab Doukkala, to the main square, Place Moulay Hassan, by the waterfront. Well-known for its relaxed atmosphere, this bohemian walled-town became a popular destination for creative types in the 60’s. Jimi Hendrix even made a stop in Essaouira in 1969 and there is a café named after the legendary musician. Essaouira is also nicknamed the “Ville du Vent” because of the local Alizés winds, which make it a favorite spot for windsurfers. Even in the winter months, the weather remains mild and sunny. Whether you prefer to take advantage of the waves, explore the local art galleries, or wander the medina, Essaouira has plenty of interesting things to offer first-time visitors. Some key attractions to visit in Essaouira include the Skala Port Ramparts, the fishing port, the fortress tower Borj El Barmil at the port, the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah Museum, and the Sunday open-air market (Sunday Souk). You can also enjoy the beach on foot, by horse, camel, or quad, visit the Jimmy Hendrix sandcastle (Dar Sultan Castle) in Diabat, admire the craftwork of local artisans, enjoy a hammam, have your hands painted with henna tattoos, and try surfing and kitesurfing.