Ah, Essaouira! Just saying the name makes me feel the ocean breeze on my face. This coastal gem has always had a special place in my heart, with its ancient medina walls standing strong against the Atlantic waves, blue fishing boats dancing in the harbor, and seagulls soaring overhead.
For years, I've been telling travelers about this magical city, but today I want to share something truly special with you - my virtual journey to Salut Maroc in Essaouira, a place that redefines what it means to experience Moroccan design.
I recently came across a short video that took me through this extraordinary place, and wallah! I was completely mesmerized. Let me take you along this colorful journey that has moved Salut Maroc to the very top of my must-visit list in Essaouira.
Walking Through a Living Painting: The Entrance Experience
The moment the video begins, you know you're about to see something unique. The entrance hallway alone is enough to make your jaw drop - a stunning chevron pattern of blue, yellow, and white zellige tiles covers the floor, creating a path that leads to a beautifully ornate archway.
I've seen many riads and hotels in my travels across Morocco, but this entrance feels different. It's like someone took all the traditional elements we love about Moroccan architecture and infused them with bold, fearless energy.
There's a bright orange bench near the entrance that caught my eye immediately. In most Moroccan spaces, you might find more subdued colors, but not here! At Salut Maroc, they embrace vibrant colors that make you smile the moment you arrive.
Moroccan Design Tip: Traditional zellige tilework is a cornerstone of Moroccan architecture, typically featuring geometric patterns. What makes Salut Maroc special is how they honor this tradition while playing with bolder colors and modern arrangements.
The Heart of Salut Maroc: A Courtyard Like No Other
As the camera moves through that beautiful archway, the true magic of Salut Maroc reveals itself. The courtyard that appears is the beating heart of this place, just like in traditional Moroccan riads.
I remember visiting my first riad in Marrakech years ago. The central courtyard provided cool shade and a peaceful escape from the busy medina streets. Salut Maroc follows this traditional layout but transforms it into something extraordinary.
The floor of the courtyard is a playground of colors - large blocks of yellow, turquoise, and deep blue arranged in geometric patterns. It reminds me of a graphic novel brought to life! Stone pillars provide the classical Moroccan structure, while potted plants add touches of greenery among all those vibrant colors.
What I love most about this space is how it maintains the purpose of a traditional riad courtyard - offering that cool, central gathering place - while completely reimagining its appearance. It's both familiar and surprising at the same time.
Rooftop Dreams: The Ocean-View Terrace
The video then takes us up to what must be the crown jewel of Salut Maroc - the rooftop terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This is where my heart truly skipped a beat!
I've spent many evenings on rooftop terraces across Morocco, but the view from Salut Maroc's terrace is something special. You can see Essaouira's famous ramparts with waves crashing against them - a view that captures the raw, natural beauty that makes this coastal city so beloved.
The terrace itself is beautifully designed with thatched umbrellas providing shade over tables decorated with patterned tiles. But the moment that really transported me was seeing a hand pour golden mint tea from a classic blue Moroccan teapot into a small glass.
I could almost smell the fresh mint and hear the ocean waves! This is exactly what I tell travelers to look for in Morocco - those perfect moments when traditional customs meet breathtaking settings.
Travel Tip: When in Essaouira, always make time for rooftop experiences. The unique light of this coastal city is famous among photographers and has attracted artists for generations. A sunset mint tea with an ocean view is an essential Essaouira experience!
A Feast for the Eyes: Design Details That Tell Stories
What truly sets Salut Maroc apart is the incredible attention to detail throughout the space. As the video continues, we're treated to a tour of interior spaces that showcase the creative vision behind this unique place.
Walls That Speak
In many hotels, walls are just... well, walls. But at Salut Maroc, every wall becomes a canvas for artistic expression. One wall features a collection of colorful, patterned woven plates or baskets, arranged to create a stunning visual display.
This reminds me of the traditional craft markets in Essaouira, where local artisans proudly display their handwoven creations. Seeing these crafts elevated to art installations within Salut Maroc shows a deep respect for Moroccan craftsmanship.
Another wall showcases framed art pieces with bold, graphic designs. I love how they mix traditional Moroccan motifs with contemporary style, creating something that feels both timeless and fresh.
Furniture With Personality
If you've stayed in chain hotels, you know how forgettable the furniture can be. But at Salut Maroc, even the chairs tell a story!
The video shows chairs upholstered in rich, patterned fabrics that would never be described as boring. There's even a uniquely shaped chaise lounge covered in vibrant stripes that looks like the perfect spot to curl up with a book after a day exploring Essaouira's medina.
Tables aren't merely functional pieces - they're inlaid with geometric wood or tile patterns that continue the artistic theme throughout the space. It reminds me of the careful craftsmanship I've seen in Moroccan woodworking workshops, where artisans spend hours creating intricate inlay designs.
The Magic of Zellige Reimagined
As someone who has spent years admiring Moroccan architecture, I'm always drawn to the zellige tilework that decorates homes, mosques, and public buildings across the country. At Salut Maroc, zellige is everywhere, but used in ways that feel fresh and exciting.
The floors feature intricate black-and-white geometric patterns that play with your perception. Walls are adorned with stunning blue tile borders that frame spaces like living artwork. Even window frames become opportunities for artistic expression through carefully placed tilework.
What makes me smile is how Salut Maroc honors this centuries-old craft while giving it contemporary energy. It's like seeing an old friend dressed in exciting new clothes!
Traditional Crafts Reimagined
Look closely at the light fixtures in the video - they maintain traditional Moroccan shapes but with modern twists that make them feel special and unique.
I also noticed beautiful Berber rugs and textiles used as wall hangings and upholstery throughout the space. This celebrates Morocco's rich weaving traditions while finding new ways to showcase these beautiful crafts.
In my travels through the Atlas Mountains, I've visited Berber villages where women still weave these intricate rugs using techniques passed down through generations. Seeing these textiles featured prominently at Salut Maroc creates a meaningful connection to Morocco's cultural heritage.
The Salut Maroc Experience: More Than Just a Place to Stay
Watching this video tour of Salut Maroc, I realized it offers something more profound than just accommodation. It captures the very spirit of Essaouira - artistic, bohemian, deeply connected to its roots, yet vibrant and forward-looking.
Essaouira has long been a haven for artists, musicians, and creative souls. Jimi Hendrix famously visited in the 1960s, and the city continues to inspire visitors with its unique energy and light. Salut Maroc seems to bottle that creative essence and pour it into every corner of its design.
It feels less like a hotel and more like a living art installation, a celebration of Moroccan design where every detail tells a story. The fearless use of color, the mix of intricate traditional patterns with bold modern shapes - it's energizing and inspiring in a way that perfectly matches Essaouira's character.
Why Salut Maroc Is Now on My Must-Visit List
After this virtual journey, I'm completely convinced that Salut Maroc deserves a spot on any Essaouira itinerary. If you're planning a trip to this coastal city and looking for an experience that will stay with you long after you return home, here's why Salut Maroc should be on your list too:
Visually Stunning at Every Turn
Every angle of this place seems designed for beauty. In a world where we all love to capture memories through photos, Salut Maroc offers endless opportunities for stunning images that will make your friends back home extremely jealous!
But more importantly, these surroundings create a feast for your own eyes. Imagine waking up in a space where every glance reveals something beautiful and interesting. That's the kind of experience that makes travel truly transformative.
Authentically Moroccan With a Creative Twist
What I appreciate most about Salut Maroc is how it honors Moroccan traditions while infusing them with vibrant, modern energy. It doesn't simply replicate what you'll see in other riads across the country - it takes those elements and reimagines them in ways that feel fresh and exciting.
This balance is difficult to achieve. Some places lean so far into modern design that they lose their sense of place. Others stick so rigidly to tradition that they feel like museums rather than living spaces. Salut Maroc seems to find that perfect middle ground.
Perfectly Located for the Full Essaouira Experience
That ocean view from the terrace says it all! Essaouira's charm comes largely from its relationship with the Atlantic - the fresh seafood, the cooling breezes that provide relief from Morocco's heat, the sound of waves that forms the city's soundtrack.
Staying at Salut Maroc appears to put you right in the heart of this experience, with those famous ramparts and the endless blue horizon as your daily view. It's the kind of location that lets you fully immerse yourself in what makes Essaouira special.
Practical Information for Visitors
While my journey to Salut Maroc was virtual, I want to share some practical tips for those looking to make this colorful dream a reality:
Getting to Essaouira
Essaouira is about 2.5 hours from Marrakech by car. You can take a private taxi, but I always recommend the public bus for travelers on a budget. Supratours runs comfortable buses several times daily between Marrakech and Essaouira for around 80-100 dirhams one way.
If you're coming from Casablanca or other major cities, you'll likely need to connect through Marrakech, as it has the most frequent services to Essaouira.
Best Time to Visit
Essaouira is known for its wind - locals call it the "Wind City of Africa." This makes it a paradise for windsurfers but can be a bit much for casual beach-goers in the windiest months.
The best time to visit is between April and October when temperatures are pleasant. July and August bring more tourists, so consider May, June, or September for a perfect balance of good weather and fewer crowds.
Exploring Beyond Salut Maroc
While Salut Maroc looks so incredible you might never want to leave, Essaouira has much to offer:
- The Medina: A UNESCO World Heritage site with blue and white buildings, art galleries, and craft shops
- The Port: Watch blue fishing boats return with the day's catch and enjoy the freshest seafood
- The Beach: Perfect for long walks or learning to windsurf
- Gnaoua Music: If possible, time your visit with the annual Gnaoua World Music Festival in June
The Magic of Moroccan Design: Why It Captivates Us
What is it about Moroccan design that speaks to so many of us? After years of traveling this beautiful country, I believe it's the perfect balance of mathematical precision and sensory delight.
Moroccan architecture and design are based on complex geometric patterns that follow precise mathematical rules. Yet within this structure, there's an explosion of color, texture, and light that delights the senses. It's both orderly and exuberant, thoughtful and joyful.
Salut Maroc seems to understand this duality perfectly. The video reveals spaces that respect traditional forms while playing with color and arrangement in ways that feel fresh and exciting.
In my many conversations with Moroccan craftspeople over the years, I've learned that this balance is intentional. There's deep meaning behind the patterns and arrangements, a philosophy about beauty and harmony that has evolved over centuries.
Final Thoughts: The Joy of Discovery
What excites me most about places like Salut Maroc is how they remind us that Morocco is a living, evolving culture. While we treasure the historical sites and traditions, the country continues to reimagine itself in creative new ways.
For travelers, this means Morocco offers endless discoveries. Even after years of exploring this country, I'm still finding new experiences, new interpretations of traditional ideas, and new expressions of Morocco's creative spirit.
Salut Maroc seems to embody this ongoing evolution - respecting tradition while embracing bold new ideas. And isn't that the most exciting kind of travel experience? One that honors the past while celebrating the present and imagining the future?
I can't wait to move beyond this virtual visit and experience Salut Maroc in person someday soon. Until then, I'll keep dreaming of mint tea on that ocean-view terrace, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of Moroccan colors.
Have you visited Salut Maroc or other uniquely designed places in Morocco? I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Faq
Salut Maroc is located within Essaouira's historic medina, positioned with views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the city's famous ramparts.
Absolutely! While smaller than Marrakech or Fez, Essaouira offers a more relaxed atmosphere, beautiful coastal scenery, a UNESCO-listed medina, and a unique artistic vibe that has attracted creative people for decades.
I recommend at least 2-3 days to fully experience Essaouira. This gives you time to explore the medina, enjoy the beach, visit the port, and relax in beautiful settings like Salut Maroc without rushing.