When I booked my stay at Riad Zahra, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this relatively new addition to Essaouira’s accommodation scene.
Location: The Two-Minute Beach Walk
Riad Zahra sits just two minutes from Essaouira’s beach, which I’ll admit is one of the cleaner stretches of sand I’ve encountered along Morocco’s coast. The beach has lifeguards and several cafes nearby, making it a solid choice for those who want easy beach access without the chaos of some other coastal destinations.
The walk to the medina takes about 10 minutes, so you’re close enough to explore but far enough to escape the crowds when needed.
The Riad Itself: Modern with Traditional Touches
The property tries to blend modern comfort with traditional riad architecture. It’s run by a Spanish family from Barcelona, which gives it a different vibe from typical Moroccan-owned riads. There are 23 rooms with varying standards and views – the top floor rooms do have better ocean views, though they’ll cost you more.
The décor leans toward what you’d expect from a riad – tiled floors, arched doorways, courtyard setting – but it feels newer and less weathered than some of the centuries-old riads you’ll find elsewhere in Morocco.
The Pool Area
The swimming pool is probably the riad’s strongest feature. It’s tucked away in the back courtyard, so you get privacy from street noise and passersby. The pool is a decent size with comfortable loungers around it.
There are indeed tortoises living around the pool area – they seem to have made themselves at home and wander around as they please. It’s amusing, though not everyone might appreciate sharing their swimming space with reptiles.
Food and Dining
The rooftop restaurant offers grilled dishes for about 13 euros, which is reasonable for the location and view. The food is decent – nothing groundbreaking, but satisfying after a day of exploring. The ocean view from the restaurant is nice, especially during sunset.
Breakfast comes included and covers the basics: pastries, spreads, pancakes, fruit, and standard drinks. It’s a good spread, though not particularly extensive. Enough to fuel your day without being Instagram-worthy.
The Practical Side
Room prices range from around 45 to 80 euros per night with breakfast included. For Essaouira, this sits in the mid-range category. The Spanish owners speak multiple languages, which can be helpful for communication.
The rooms are clean and comfortable, with modern bathrooms. The WiFi works adequately. Air conditioning is available in rooms, though Essaouira’s coastal breeze usually keeps things comfortable.
What Could Be Better
The soundproofing between rooms isn’t perfect – you might hear your neighbors. The pool area, while private, could use more shade options during peak sun hours.
Some traditional riad charm gets lost in the more modern approach, so if you’re looking for that authentic, centuries-old atmosphere, this might not hit the mark.
The Bottom Line
Riad Zahra works well for travelers who want comfortable accommodation near the beach without paying premium prices. It’s not going to blow you away, but it covers the essentials competently. The Spanish management brings a different perspective to hospitality in Morocco, which some guests appreciate.
If you prioritize beach proximity, a swimming pool, and straightforward comfort over authentic Moroccan ambiance, it’s worth considering. If you’d rather trade the pool for personality, compare it with the riotously colorful Salut Maroc or the ocean-view boutique Villa de l’Ô — my two other tested Essaouira stays.
You can book here .
Planning your Essaouira stay? Check whether Essaouira is worth visiting and my 2-day Essaouira itinerary — and if you’re new to Moroccan courtyard houses, here’s what a riad actually is.
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