This riad is stunning, tastefully decorated, and run by a delightful Swiss couple. In particular the husband is very entertaining especially in French, although his English is good too. It's a little tricky to find, but this place is just fantastic.

We arrived at Perle D'Eau mid afternoon the week before Christmas for a 4 day stay before heading to Marrakech. Not having been to Morocco before or stayed in a Riad, we didn't really know what to expect. And a week later we can say with confidence that Perle D'Eau must be one of the best Riads in the country. 

It's a wonderful combination of the beauty and friendliness of a Riad with the comfort and luxury of a hotel. Everything, from the lampshades in the room, to the beautifully restored courtyard, to the soap in the bathroom is beautiful. There is a roof terrace that displays the sea, crashing wildly against the wall of the Riad. The beds in the rooms are enormous, and I did wish I'd brought pyjamas as it gets cold in the evenings and the size of the bed makes it hard to snuggle! But everything is immaculate, with wonderful baths and gorgeous decorations in the room. It's just lovely and elegant. 

The other bonus of Perle D'Eau is Ernest and Gisele. They are really fun, full of tips and recommendations about Essaouira and Morocco, and will help you out with anything. And they have had really interesting lives - ask Ernest about being Carpenter of the Year in 1964! And I hope you are lucky enough to visit when Ernest makes his chocolate covered citrus fruit. They know all the restaurants, so get a couple of recommendations, and if you want to buy something in particular, or book a horse riding trip, just ask. They will be very helpful. And eat the fig purée at breakfast! I'm going to miss it - figs are delicious and not a lot of people try it. 

We had a Hamman with the Riad as being a couple, we wouldn't have been able to go into a public Hamman together. They have a heated room downstairs and bring local girls in from a spa in town to scrub you down, shampoo you then massage you with Argan oil. It's a very relaxing experience, and while it's more expensive than the local Hammans, if you are a couple, I recommend it. Ernest again was helpful on how much we should tip them! 

We simply had a wonderful stay and were really sad to leave. Essaouira is a very chilled place and it suited us, although after a while I think we might go a little crazy! We plan on returning, and I really wanted to give Perle D'Eau a bad review to put others off from booking because I think it's going to be hard to get a room soon! But we couldn't - if you want a relaxing weekend with the flavour of Morocco without the hassle you get in Marrakech, head straight to Perle D'Eau in Essaouira. You won't regret it. 

As you arrive and walk up the backstreet you come to this smart wooden door. As you go through the door you will be amazed at the contrast. It seems that no expense has been spared in taking a pile of rubble into a beautiful riad.

The owners, Giselle and Ernest both Swiss, spent 4 years creating a magnificent riad facing the sea wall of the Atlantic. We enjoyed breakfast on the roof terrace with the Atlantic sea waves crashing on the rocks below.

Ernest made recommendations each evening at which restaurant we should eat at, each was excellent.

This could be the best riad in the medina of Essaouira. The owners, both Swiss, gutted an old residence and created a magnificent riad facing the sea wall of the Atlantic. As others have written, everything about this riad is magnificent. We especially enjoyed relaxing on the rooftop terrace soaking up the sun, watching the waves crash into the offshore rocks, and listening to the sound of the ocean. What a wonderful way to spend our last days in Morocco.