For me, Essaouira is a destination that’s all about sun, sand and surf…but you could also add “spa” into that mix. This former Portuguese trading post has a really laidback feel after the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and it’s the kind of place where you might just want to treat yourself to a little pampering experience.
Thankfully, there are a handful of wonderful spa hotels in Essaouira, including big-name international chains by the beach, charming countryside retreats and boutique riads in the medina. While some of Essaouira's spa hotels are really focused on offering hammam rituals and massages, others have sprawling wellness complexes with thalassotherapy and hydromassage treatments.
In this article, I'll share with you 5 of the best spa hotels in Essaouira, which cater to everyone from solo travellers and couples to spa-loving families.
A colourful fountain and dining area at Hotel Le Medina Thalassa Sea & Spa (photo courtesy of Expedia)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best hotel in Essaouira with a thalassotherapy spa
Best romantic riad in Essaouira with a spa
Best luxury spa hotel in Essaouira
Best Essaouira riad with a spa
Best spa hotel in the Essaouira countryside
Best hotel in Essaouira with a thalassotherapy spa
Overlooking Plage d’Essaouira, this oceanfront boutique hotel forms part of the luxurious MGallery Collection. It boasts 117 contemporary rooms and suites, as well as several restaurants that include L’Arganier and MBeach. As part of its cultural offersings, Hotel Le Medina hosts changing art exhibitions and regular music/DJ nights.
At the heart of this upmarket Essaouira hotel is its Thalassotherapy and Spa Institute, where you can embark on a sensory journey of wellness and rejuvenation. It offers a range of traditional sculpting and beauty treatments using locally-sourced organic products, as well as boasting several hydromassage cabins. Not to miss is the authentic hammam ritual, followed by a swim in the heated saltwater pool.
"Great hotel in a fantastic location with all the amenities needed…The spa was really lovely and had different types of offerings, which I appreciated.” - Jacqueline (read more reviews here)
Best spa hotels in Essaouira for 2025
A traditional hammam at the Hotel Le Medina Thalassa Sea & Spa in Essaouira (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best romantic riad in Essaouira with a spa
Occupying a former school, this eclectically designed Essaouira hotel has been carefully restored to maintain its traditional architecture while offering modern comforts and amenities. Each of its 10 rooms is colourfully decorated with Moroccan-inspired furnishings and decor, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship of local artisans. The couple suites feature king-size beds and cosy sitting areas, with some also including fireplaces for a romantic touch.
When you're not out sightseeing in the medina, you can relax in the authentic Moroccan hammam where scrubs and massages are offered by professional practitioners. All of the products used are naturally derived, creating an authentically local spa experience. The lovely rooftop terrace and friendliness of the staff only add to the experience.
"A perfect home away from home in Essaouira: you won’t want to leave!” - George (read more reviews here)
Best spa hotels in Essaouira for 2025
Sky blue balconies decorate the interior courtyard of Ryad Watier & Spa in Essaouira (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best luxury spa hotel in Essaouira
Under the prestigious Relais & Châteaux brand, this luxury Essaouira hotel offers enchanting stays in the heart of the medina. It features 33 beautifully appointed rooms and suites set around a plant-filled patio, as well as a rooftop pool offering incredible views across the medina. Le Salon Oriental dishes up everything from locally caught sardines to lobster for those nights when you don't want to venture out.
At Le P'tit Spa, you’ll find an intimate wellness facility where traditional hammams and massage treatments are available. Covered in black tadelakt, the hammam is particularly atmospheric and offers a quintessential Moroccan experience. For more cultural immersion, you can join one of the hands-on cooking classes run by Chef Ahmed Handour.
"Wonderful, elegant, had a hard time leaving the hotel for sightseeing.” - Emre (read more reviews here)
Best spa hotels in Essaouira for 2025
A black marble hammam at Heure Bleue Palais - one of the best spa hotels in Essaouira (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best Essaouira riad with a spa
Set smack-bang on the ramparts, this boutique Essaouira hotel offers spectacular views across the Atlantic Ocean. It offers six beautifully appointed rooms and four luxurious suites (each of which is individually decorated), plus a table d’hôte serving elevated Moroccan cuisine.
In terms of relaxation, this Essaouira spa hotel boasts an onsite hammam where you can enjoy an authentic beldi experience with natural essential oils. Massages using deep pressure and fluid movements are also available and tailored to individual needs. Riad Perle d’Eau is staffed by a team of enthusiastic locals, who are always happy to share their insights into the local culture.
“Beautiful little gem of a hotel…You would never guess what lies behind the single front door.” - Donna (read more reviews here)
Best spa hotels in Essaouira
One of the charming rooms at Riad Dar Etto, a spa hotel in the Essaouira countryside (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best spa hotel in the Essaouira countryside
Nestled in the countryside around six kilometres from Essaouira, this atmospheric riad receives rave reviews for its impeccable cleanliness and warm hospitality. The charming stone architecture of Riad Dar Etto enhances the property's appeal, while the beautiful garden, complete with a swimming pool, provides a serene escape from the lively medina.
While the spa facilities here are limited to a traditional hammam, you can also book massages and foot reflexology treatments on request. In the grounds, there are plenty of cosy corners perfect for enjoying a good book, along with a fireplace that brings a comforting warmth during the winter season.
"We had a fantastic stay in Riad Dar Etto, the staff are extremely helpful and friendly. The rooms are lovely, spacious and clean. The pool is beautiful and a great place to relax.”- Matthew (read more reviews here)
Best spa hotels in Essaouira
Enjoying the indoor pool at Hotel Le Medina Thalassa Sea & Spa in Essaouira (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Tips for selecting a spa hotel in Essaouira
When selecting a spa hotel in Essaouira, there are a few things to consider to ensure your stay is exactly what you envisioned. Firstly, do you want to stay at a traditional riad with just a handful of wellness facilities, such as a hammam and a massage treatment room? If so, somewhere like Riad Perle d’Eau or Ryad Watier & Spa will be ideal. Or perhaps you want a sprawling resort with extensive spa services, such as Hotel Le Medina Thalassa Sea & Spa.
Before booking, be sure to read reviews from previous guests to get a sense of their experiences with the spa and the hotel in general, from the rooms to the service and dining experiences. While many of the spa hotels in Essaouira are luxurious (with a price tag to match), such as the gorgeous Heure Bleue Palais, you don’t have to break the bank. Both Riad Perle d’Eau and Ryad Watier & Spa are relatively affordable options.
When searching for the perfect Essaouira hotel with a spa, I’d also consider the location, with some situated at the beach and others in the middle of the medina. While the medina can be disruptive for light sleepers with the call to prayer ringing out from its many mosques, it also offers a wonderful insight into daily life in this historic city. Another positive is that the medina is car-free, so you won’t hear any noise from motorised vehicles at night. Alternatively, consider staying in the peaceful countryside surrounding Essaouira at somewhere like Riad Dar Etto.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.