Villa Maya

Five kilometres along the Route d'Agadir from Essaouira's medina walls, Villa Maya trades the old city's winding derbs for open Atlantic sky and a garden pool framed by argan and eucalyptus. Beach loungers are set on a sun deck that catches the afternoon wind coming off Cap Sim — a practical detail in a town where that wind is the defining feature.

The property runs a full massage menu (back, neck, foot, couples) alongside horseback riding and windsurfing access, making it a working base for the coast rather than a transit stop. The restaurant handles special diet requests and the bar runs a happy hour; the kitchen can organise BBQ evenings on the outdoor terrace.

Essaouira's ramparts and Thursday spice market are a short drive north; the tour desk books cultural classes and the airport shuttle removes the need for a hired car.