Chez Rebecca ...

On Morocco’s Atlantic coast, about 170 km west of Marrakech, is the delightful little town of Essaouira. With its romantic fortified medina (a UNESCO world heritage site), photogenic fishing port, French style piazzas, beautiful beaches, world class watersports, characterful restaurants, art galleries, music scene, easy-going people and excellent climate it is not hard to see why so many people have fallen in love with the place.  

In the heart of the ancient medina, yet just 10 minutes walk from the beach, is Chez Rebecca - an exceptionally light and airy rooftop apartment. The apartment has plenty of space for open-air living, including a sheltered private terrace (perfect for a leisurely breakfast or lunch) and a large rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the medina and the Atlantic Ocean. This is shared by the two other Mogador apartments so is a great place to meet other people and possibly share a barbecue or glass of wine as the sun goes down.  

The interior, which has recently been restored, is decorated mainly in the blue and white which is so characteristic of Essaouira. The bright and airy living room, which opens onto the private terrace, has a traditional open fireplace, bench seats and a dining table which can accommodate up to six people. It is also exceptionally well-equipped with ADSL internet television, DVD player and HiFi. There is even a WiFi connection for your laptop in case you need to catch up on work or simply want to surf the net, listen to your favourite radio station or check on the latest weather forecast.

The main bedroom has a double bed, an open fireplace and double doors which open onto the sunny private terrace. In the second bedroom (which doubles as an extra sitting room when there are only two occupants) there are two bed/settees and a window which opens onto the terrace. Unlike a dar or riad (courtyard house), Chez Rebecca's windows face the outside so you can go to sleep to the sound of Atlantic waves and wake up to blue skies and sunshine (most of the year!). 

The bathroom has a large bath/shower made out of honey-coloured tadelakt (the pigmented polished plaster that is traditionally used for hammams).  There are plenty of niches for candles or glasses of wine!

For eating, you are spoilt for choice. The food souks are just a stone's throw away so you can buy super-fresh raw ingredients to cook in the well-equipped open plan kitchen. If you want to eat in but don't fancy cooking you can order in delicious home-cooked food - anything from breakfast to a traditional Moroccan meal or even a barbecue. But with numerous characterful and good value small restaurants within 10 minutes walk of the apartment you will probably want to eat out most of the time!

The apartment is cleaned daily and there is a guardian on hand to carry out minor repairs and keep an eye on security. The local manager of the apartment – a former Moroccan surf champ who  speaks English, French and Arabic – is on hand  whenever you need to organise transfers, or arrange watersports or other activities.

If you are interested in renting Chez Rebecca, click here to check prices and availability

Click to enlarge photo