Riad Fès
Hidden in the heart of the ancient medina of Fez, Riad Fès is one of the most exclusive addresses in the city. Behind its traditional façade lies a world of refined elegance, where Morocco's rich cultural heritage seamlessly blends with contemporary comfort. Once owned by prominent families from Fez, today it serves as a special retreat for travelers seeking authenticity, tranquility, and exceptional hospitality.
The riad has been carefully restored with great respect for its historic character and exudes the grandeur of bygone eras. Spread across several patios, you will discover atmospheric courtyards, elegant mosaics, richly decorated salons, and quiet corners where the sound of bubbling fountains creates a soothing backdrop for your stay.
After exploring the vibrant medina, you return to an oasis of calm. Relax by the pool in the Andalusian patio, enjoy a refined dinner, or admire the view of minarets, palaces, and rooftops of Fez from the rooftop terrace as the sun slowly sets. Riad Fès offers a unique combination of history, luxury, and personalized service.
What you can expect:
- A historic riad in the heart of Essaouira's medina.
- Within walking distance of the harbor, the souks, and the beach.
- The personal service of a Relais & Châteaux property.
- The sea-oriented Moroccan cuisine of Chef Ahmed Handour.
- A panoramic rooftop terrace with a heated pool and an intimate black marble hammam.
Your Stay
The rooms and suites are arranged around the central patio, reminiscent of a traditional Moroccan house. No two rooms are exactly alike; everywhere, elements of local craftsmanship can be found, from the smoothly finished tadelakt walls to the marble bathrooms and refined details that reflect the artisanal traditions of Essaouira. Thanks to the intimate scale and personalized decor, your stay here feels more like residing in an elegant city palace than in a hotel. All 33 rooms and suites are non-smoking.
Accommodation
Heure Bleue Palais features 33 rooms and suites, distributed across various categories.
- The Classic Rooms are located on the first floor and overlook the patio. Covering approximately 27 m², they accommodate two people and are furnished with a king-size bed or, upon request, two separate beds.
- Additionally, there are more spacious Deluxe Rooms, comfortable Suites, an exclusive Premium Suite, and a generous Family Suite, ideal for families.
All rooms feature a marble bathroom with a walk-in shower, bathrobes, slippers, and amenities from Les Sens de Marrakech. They are also equipped with air conditioning and central heating, a flat-screen TV with French and English channels, free Wi-Fi, a safe, and a hairdryer. Room service, laundry, and shoe polishing services are available. Breakfast can be served in the patio or in your room.
Restaurants
The kitchen is in the hands of chef Ahmed Handour, who gives a contemporary twist to the traditional Souiri and Moroccan cuisine with a view of the sea. The Salon Oriental forms the gastronomic heart of the house: an elegant Moroccan lounge where a menu is served in the evening, with an Oriental-themed evening on Fridays. On the rooftop terrace, the Terrace Grill offers a light menu around fish and seafood during the day. Breakfast is served in the patio, featuring homemade pastries, Moroccan bread, msemen and beghrir, amlou, local honey, and smoked salmon from Essaouira. The English lounge is open all day — a warm space with hardwood, leather, and Oriental rugs, where you can relax by the fireplace for a cocktail, tea, or a good glass. Starting at 6:30 PM, kemia is served: Oriental tapas of fresh seafood and market produce, with a selection of Moroccan wines. Guests who wish to learn the kitchen secrets themselves can take a cooking class with the chef.
Wellness and Spa
Le P’tit Spa de l’Heure Bleue is an intimate wellness space with a traditional hammam in black marble and two treatment rooms. The program focuses on scrubs, wraps, and massages with essential oils and natural products – with argan oil and prickly pear cactus taking center stage. You can choose a hammam ritual, an argan oil massage, or a facial treatment. The spa is open from Monday to Saturday.
Swimming pool
On the top floor, there is the panoramic rooftop terrace with a heated pool, sun loungers, and views over the medina and the ocean. Especially at sunset, this is the most beautiful spot in the house. During the day, you can enjoy a light lunch at the pool with the 'Pool & Lunch' package.
Activities
Essaouira is a destination where relaxation and activity effortlessly go hand in hand. Thanks to the almost constant sea breeze, this coastal town has become a popular destination for surfers, windsurfers, and kitesurfers of all levels. It is no coincidence that Essaouira frequently hosts international kite competitions. For those who prefer to explore the surroundings at a slower pace, horseback riding or camel rides along the beach, or guided walks along the coast and through the hinterland are available.
From Heure Bleue Palais, various excursions can be organized, including:
- A round of golf at the two courses of Mogador Golf, designed by Gary Player and beautifully situated between the dunes and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Quad, mountain biking, and 4x4 trips through the pristine landscape south of Essaouira, including a picnic along the way.
- The Tuareg Trail, a camel ride along the beach towards Wadi Ksoub, passing the ruins of an ancient sultan's palace, a Portuguese fortress, and the artist village of Diabat, known for its connection to Jimi Hendrix.
- The Amazigh Route, a half-day 4x4 tour through the Berber interior, including visits to a local souk, an argan oil cooperative, and a traditional breakfast with an Amazigh family.
Even within the hotel itself, there is no need to get bored. Relax in the billiard and cinema room overlooking the patio or discover the flavors of Morocco during a cooking workshop led by chef Ahmed Handour. This way, you not only gain insight into the local cuisine but also take a piece of Essaouira home with you.
Sustainability
Heure Bleue Palais is a member of Relais & Châteaux and holds the Green Key certification for sustainable business practices.
Accommodation
Heure Bleue Palais features 33 rooms and suites, distributed across various categories.
- The Classic Rooms are located on the first floor and overlook the patio. Covering approximately 27 m², they accommodate two people and are furnished with a king-size bed or, upon request, two separate beds.
- Additionally, there are more spacious Deluxe Rooms, comfortable Suites, an exclusive Premium Suite, and a generous Family Suite, ideal for families.
All rooms feature a marble bathroom with a walk-in shower, bathrobes, slippers, and amenities from Les Sens de Marrakech. They are also equipped with air conditioning and central heating, a flat-screen TV with French and English channels, free Wi-Fi, a safe, and a hairdryer. Room service, laundry, and shoe polishing services are available. Breakfast can be served in the patio or in your room.
Restaurants
The kitchen is in the hands of chef Ahmed Handour, who gives a contemporary twist to the traditional Souiri and Moroccan cuisine with a view of the sea. The Salon Oriental forms the gastronomic heart of the house: an elegant Moroccan lounge where a menu is served in the evening, with an Oriental-themed evening on Fridays. On the rooftop terrace, the Terrace Grill offers a light menu around fish and seafood during the day. Breakfast is served in the patio, featuring homemade pastries, Moroccan bread, msemen and beghrir, amlou, local honey, and smoked salmon from Essaouira. The English lounge is open all day — a warm space with hardwood, leather, and Oriental rugs, where you can relax by the fireplace for a cocktail, tea, or a good glass. Starting at 6:30 PM, kemia is served: Oriental tapas of fresh seafood and market produce, with a selection of Moroccan wines. Guests who wish to learn the kitchen secrets themselves can take a cooking class with the chef.
Wellness and Spa
Le P’tit Spa de l’Heure Bleue is an intimate wellness space with a traditional hammam in black marble and two treatment rooms. The program focuses on scrubs, wraps, and massages with essential oils and natural products – with argan oil and prickly pear cactus taking center stage. You can choose a hammam ritual, an argan oil massage, or a facial treatment. The spa is open from Monday to Saturday.
Swimming pool
On the top floor, there is the panoramic rooftop terrace with a heated pool, sun loungers, and views over the medina and the ocean. Especially at sunset, this is the most beautiful spot in the house. During the day, you can enjoy a light lunch at the pool with the 'Pool & Lunch' package.
Activities
Essaouira is a destination where relaxation and activity effortlessly go hand in hand. Thanks to the almost constant sea breeze, this coastal town has become a popular destination for surfers, windsurfers, and kitesurfers of all levels. It is no coincidence that Essaouira frequently hosts international kite competitions. For those who prefer to explore the surroundings at a slower pace, horseback riding or camel rides along the beach, or guided walks along the coast and through the hinterland are available.
From Heure Bleue Palais, various excursions can be organized, including:
- A round of golf at the two courses of Mogador Golf, designed by Gary Player and beautifully situated between the dunes and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Quad, mountain biking, and 4x4 trips through the pristine landscape south of Essaouira, including a picnic along the way.
- The Tuareg Trail, a camel ride along the beach towards Wadi Ksoub, passing the ruins of an ancient sultan's palace, a Portuguese fortress, and the artist village of Diabat, known for its connection to Jimi Hendrix.
- The Amazigh Route, a half-day 4x4 tour through the Berber interior, including visits to a local souk, an argan oil cooperative, and a traditional breakfast with an Amazigh family.
Even within the hotel itself, there is no need to get bored. Relax in the billiard and cinema room overlooking the patio or discover the flavors of Morocco during a cooking workshop led by chef Ahmed Handour. This way, you not only gain insight into the local cuisine but also take a piece of Essaouira home with you.
Sustainability
Heure Bleue Palais is a member of Relais & Châteaux and holds the Green Key certification for sustainable business practices.
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