Heure Bleue Palais is a luxurious riad in Essaouira, nestled in the heart of the city's medina. This former palace turned luxury hotel has been beautifully restored to all its former glory. The hotel boasts panoramic views of the port of Essaouira, the new town, the medina and its ramparts, making it an ideal retreat in this laid-back seaside city.

The facilities

An excellent range of facilities on offer here. A dip in the rooftop pool helps guests cool off from the heat of Morocco.There's a sumptuous hammam and massage room, and even a billiards and cinema (available for private screenings); perfect for a relaxing night in. The top-notch restaurant opens out onto an expansive terrace, and serves French-Oriental fusion cuisine.

The rooms

The 33 bedrooms of Heure Bleue Palais are split into 15 standard rooms and 18 suites. The standard rooms look out onto the terrace and are decorated in a traditional, colonial African style. The suites are decorated in a range of designs, from traditional African, to Portuguese, to quaint British. Most suites have double sinks and some even have their own fireplace; all suites have separate sitting areas.