Dar Al Bahar by Joanna Monkhouse

Maisons d’hôtes are springing up in Essaouira all the time and Dar Al Bahar is one of the more recent, opening in summer 2002. French owned but Moroccan run, this guesthouse is right on the sea wall and has uninterrupted views of the sea, but this proximity means increased dampness. Rooms on the sea-side have double-glazing to keep out the humidity and also the sound of the waves breaking on the rocks below. Shutters have been decorated by a local artist and they add personality to the rooms. There is a tiny suite with a very low ceiling that has a small kitchenette.