Riad in Essaouira
8 guests · 4 bedrooms
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
Top-tier experienceA high end property in this area
About this riad rental
5 Columns is in the ancient medina of Essaouira, Southern Morocco’s favourite beach town. A beautiful 200-year-old house in the authentic and friendly Chbanat area, famous for its textile and craft workshops, and near to the main gate of Bab Marrakech. The house is located at the back of the souks with lots of local shops nearby, with helpful shopkeepers on hand to provide all you will need for your stay. Essaouira is a food-lovers heaven, with cafés and restaurants all within walking distance from the house, and the beach just a 10-minute stroll.
The Medina, a Unesco World Heritage Site, and the beautiful fishing harbour are great places to explore. There is a stunning sandy beach, with many beachside cafes and restaurants, and the bustling harbour, all within walking distance from the house. The beach is great for kite and windsurfing, along with camel and horse rides to the famous crumbling fort, Bordj El Berod. If you love fresh fish and seafood, the fish stalls by the harbour offer a wide variety of local produce. Simply choose your fresh fish from the stand and they will cook it and bring to your table. Unlike the big city that is Marrakech, Essaouira is laidback and timeless with sandy-coloured ramparts, whitewashed avenues, French-style piazzas, and a port full of azure blue fishing boats.
The house has been sympathetically restored, retaining all the original features such as the sandstone columns, thuya wood ceilings and the antique tiled floor of the inner courtyard. It is furnished with a mix of vintage & modern European furniture and art, with some beautiful Moroccan antiques and paintings by local artists, alongside works by contemporary British artists. Split over four floors, the house has two garden roof terraces; one with a kitchen and bar - great for outside dining and looking out across the medina rooftops, the other terrace is perfect for late afternoon sun. There are four double bedrooms, all with en-suite wet room bathrooms, and two cosy snug lounge rooms with large open fireplaces, and comfortable chairs. The bright covered courtyard dining area with a large dining table seating eight, is surrounded by mature plants, and is located next to the fully equipped kitchen, ideal for long lazy breakfasts, and dinner at home.
Our housekeeper Fatima will provide general cleaning during your stay and is also available to prepare food on request, at an additional cost. You will be met on arrival by our house manager Rachid, who will also be your point of contact during your stay. On your arrival, you will be taken on a short tour of the medina by Rachid, who can also help arrange excursions, taxis, or anything else you may need.
We offer a minimum 7-night stay, but shorter stays are available on request, and will be quoted based on the number of guests, and the number of nights. The minimum would be 3 nights for 3 people for shorter stays.
Also available for location shoots on request.
Essaouira airport is a short 20-minute taxi ride to the house. You can also fly to Marrakech airport; the journey time is approximately 2.5 hours to Essaouira. We can arrange taxi transfers from all airports - costs will be provided upon request.
LOCATION: Essaouira, Morocco.
CLOSEST AIRPORT: Essaouira (20 mins drive); Marrakech (2.5hrs drive).
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Essaouira has a pleasant temperature all year round with high temperatures from early April, through to late November.
POPULAR EVENTS: The Gnaoua World Music Festival, Essaouira's biggest annual event, is held for three days, every June - early booking is recommended. Moga Festival - October
ADDRESS: 90, Rue Moulay Ismail, Medina, Essaouira, Morocco.
The Medina, a Unesco World Heritage Site, and the beautiful fishing harbour are great places to explore. There is a stunning sandy beach, with many beachside cafes and restaurants, and the bustling harbour, all within walking distance from the house. The beach is great for kite and windsurfing, along with camel and horse rides to the famous crumbling fort, Bordj El Berod. If you love fresh fish and seafood, the fish stalls by the harbour offer a wide variety of local produce. Simply choose your fresh fish from the stand and they will cook it and bring to your table. Unlike the big city that is Marrakech, Essaouira is laidback and timeless with sandy-coloured ramparts, whitewashed avenues, French-style piazzas, and a port full of azure blue fishing boats.
The house has been sympathetically restored, retaining all the original features such as the sandstone columns, thuya wood ceilings and the antique tiled floor of the inner courtyard. It is furnished with a mix of vintage & modern European furniture and art, with some beautiful Moroccan antiques and paintings by local artists, alongside works by contemporary British artists. Split over four floors, the house has two garden roof terraces; one with a kitchen and bar - great for outside dining and looking out across the medina rooftops, the other terrace is perfect for late afternoon sun. There are four double bedrooms, all with en-suite wet room bathrooms, and two cosy snug lounge rooms with large open fireplaces, and comfortable chairs. The bright covered courtyard dining area with a large dining table seating eight, is surrounded by mature plants, and is located next to the fully equipped kitchen, ideal for long lazy breakfasts, and dinner at home.
Our housekeeper Fatima will provide general cleaning during your stay and is also available to prepare food on request, at an additional cost. You will be met on arrival by our house manager Rachid, who will also be your point of contact during your stay. On your arrival, you will be taken on a short tour of the medina by Rachid, who can also help arrange excursions, taxis, or anything else you may need.
We offer a minimum 7-night stay, but shorter stays are available on request, and will be quoted based on the number of guests, and the number of nights. The minimum would be 3 nights for 3 people for shorter stays.
Also available for location shoots on request.
Essaouira airport is a short 20-minute taxi ride to the house. You can also fly to Marrakech airport; the journey time is approximately 2.5 hours to Essaouira. We can arrange taxi transfers from all airports - costs will be provided upon request.
LOCATION: Essaouira, Morocco.
CLOSEST AIRPORT: Essaouira (20 mins drive); Marrakech (2.5hrs drive).
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Essaouira has a pleasant temperature all year round with high temperatures from early April, through to late November.
POPULAR EVENTS: The Gnaoua World Music Festival, Essaouira's biggest annual event, is held for three days, every June - early booking is recommended. Moga Festival - October
ADDRESS: 90, Rue Moulay Ismail, Medina, Essaouira, Morocco.
Amenities at A traditional Riad in the Medina of Morocco’s favourite beach town, Essaouira.
Non-smoking
Pets allowed
Family friendly
Map of Essaouira
Ratings and reviews
Summary of reviewsGuests had an amazing stay at Lisa's riad with comfortable beds, well-equipped kitchen, and helpful staff. The property is beautifully designed and recommended for a relaxing vacation.
10 / 10Outstanding·Feb 2025
Very stlylish Riad in the center of Essaouira with plenty of outdoor space. Host provided fabulous recommendations on best places to eat, shop, local artisans, etc. Lisa was VERY responsive to all of our needs, and Fatima, the housekeeper is an excellent chef!
10 / 10Outstanding·Jan 2025
We really loved our stay at 5 Columns. It's a gorgeous space and decorated with a funky/fun design sense that I really appreciated. Winter guests should know that it definitely gets cool at night, but every room has a heater, and for us that wasn't an issue. The house design, with the vast inner courtyard that typifies a riad, does funnel sound up and around in sort of echo-like fashion. But tbh I liked that: the small sacrifice in terms of privacy is more than made up by the fun communal sense of a shared space with friends/family. Lisa wasn't around during our stay, but she was very responsive and friendly. And Fatima (the manager/chef) is very sweet (and makes delicious breakfasts). Highly recommended.
10 / 10Outstanding·Nov 2024
Property is wonderfully furnished throughout. Location is perfect for exploring and very central. Fatima and Rachid were super helpful. Will be back!
5 / 10·Jan 2015
An authentic, luxury house in a great part of the medina of Essaouira. All (double) rooms are beautifully decorated, clean and highly stylish down to the owner being an interior designer and you can certainly tell by the quality of decor and interesting pieces dotted around.
There's plenty of space in this Riad with two sun terraces on the upper levels ensuring total privacy and tranquility.
If your looking for a spacious, authentic yet modern Riad experience to share with friends and/or with family then 5 columns is the perfect choice.
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Top rated by guests
9.7Outstanding
(29 Ratings)
Guests had an amazing stay at Lisa's riad with comfortable beds, well-equipped kitchen, and helpful staff. The property is beautifully designed and recommended for a relaxing vacation.
From real guest reviews summarized by AIDon't miss out! Price and availability may change
