Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa

Set in a secluded area between the desert and the beach, the Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa has an unexpected focus on design. Far from having the traditional refined French style the brand is known for, the hotel features cheerful stylish interiors that draw heavily on bold colors and natural woods. The lobby features a striking mix of nature-inspired elements and touches that are modern takes on traditional Moroccan style. Large gray poufs that resemble stones are placed around natural wood tables dotted with delicate Moroccan teapots; huge columns that look like massive tree trunks hold high ceilings decorated with purple lights, and the traditional wooden Mashrabiya screens are replaced by large, wiry latticework in metallic hues. Other common spaces, such as the restaurants, have a similarly colorful palette but a more subdued style with cleaner lines. 

Outside, landscaped lawns are inviting and relaxing, with olive trees, palms, and plenty of areas with daybeds. The golf course wraps around the western side of the grounds, offering serene sea views from some of its holes. Guests tend to be couples or families with young children, and although there are well-equipped meeting rooms available for small and large corporate events, few business travelers can be seen around. 

The hotel is located in a secluded area bordered by the desert on the east and the ocean on the west. There is little aside from arid plains and the hotel’s own golf course within an easy walk, but the hotel provides free shuttle service several times a day to Essaouira’s medina. Taxis are also readily available and inexpensive. A UNESCO World Heritage listed city, the walled medina is home to a number of historic buildings, and its narrow alleys are lined with art galleries, small restaurants, cafes, and arts and crafts shops. Although the beach is right on the other side of the golf course, it is a 20-minute walk there, and the hotel doesn’t provide shuttle service. There are a couple of other beautiful beaches within a short drive of the hotel, but the area is known for its strong winds, and sitting on the sand can be uncomfortable at times. The Essaouira Mogador Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel; airport transfers can be arranged at front desk for a fee. 

The hotel has 175 rooms ranging from spacious, colorful standard units to stylish suites and elegant contemporary stand-alone villas. All rooms feature spacious terraces furnished with chairs, tables and daybeds, and villas have large gardens with private heated pools and outdoor living areas. Decor is colorful and chic throughout, with a smart contemporary design that incorporates modern interpretations of traditional Moroccan elements, and a bright palette with aquamarine, lime, yellow, orange and fuchsia accents. Rooms feature high-tech amenities such as remote controlled curtains, as well as flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and safes. Free water is replenished daily, but coffeemakers are only available on request except in suites and villas, which come equipped with Nespresso machines. Open bathrooms are separated from the bedroom by beautiful modern latticework screens similar to traditional Mashrabiya panels, and many also have sliding doors for privacy. All bathrooms feature large walk-in rain showers, upscale toiletries, and deep stone soaking tubs.

The hotel is home to a wonderful 18-hole golf course designed by South African golfer Gary Player. The course is divided into the north and south sections, and each has its own technicalities. All holes have six tee positions, and most offer serene ocean views. Services such as equipment rental and golf clinics are available. Amenities for non-golfers are also varied here, including two beautiful outdoor pools ringed with tons of loungers and daybeds, a small but wonderful spa with an indoor heated pool, and a spacious fitness center with large windows and personal trainers. 

The hotel features four restaurants, including a casual cafe, a pool bar with a seafood and fish menu, a bistro, and a fine-dining option serving Moroccan and French cuisine paired with wonderful wines. All serve excellent food, but only some of them are open during the off-peak season. Additionally, there are three bars on-site, including Le Tiki, offering drinks and snacks, a pool lounge, and a nightclub. There are also a kids’ club with daily activities, and babysitting services (for a fee). The hotel provides free Wi-Fi throughout, as well as free outdoor parking and free shuttle service to Essaouira several times a day.