The Berber Duchess Sea & Surf Tour
The scent of the sea and a cool ocean breeze are the perfect antidote to Marrakech’s hectic holiday hustle. With sunny weather year-round, we want to share the ultimate Atlantic break – The Berber Duchess Sea & Surf Tour. Seaside charm, an abundance of surfing beaches and a rich history await.
Windswept Essaouira has been a vital trading port and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It makes a refreshing change from Marrakech’s dust and hot desert hues. It is an environmentally conscious destination, with the city supporting the fishermen and farmers to bring fresh produce to your table daily. The ancient fortress city with its white-washed walls and blue-painted shutters is just two and a half hours from Marrakech with our driver.
Whether you prefer to set up by the pool, or explore the region more fully, we will show you the hot spots and tailor something unique for you around your time schedule and budget.
Choose from three options:
Day Trip
Overnight getaway
Two-night total recharge, including the magical Taghazout to hit the waves and soak up the good vibes.
Day 1 starts with a pick-up in our minivan from the Marrakech Medina to Essaouira. En route, keep an eye out for the famous tree-dwelling goats as they feast on the plentiful fruits of the argan trees.
On arrival in Essaouira, check into your hotel – choose one of our three favourites. Then it’s time to select your preferred activities:
- Attend a private cooking class on the beach, curated especially for your delicious lunch on Day 1.
- Enjoy a horse-ride or camel-ride along the beach.
- Hit the shops in the medina and at the Elixir Complex: a blend of Aladdin’s Cave and a Jacques Tati film set with its 1970s vintage vibe.
- Succumb to the blue waters of the Atlantic with a surfing or kite-surfing class at Ocean Vagabond. Here, you’ll find the most boho atmosphere in Essaouira – and the best coffee.
- Walk the ancient Essaouira ramparts and fortress walls and admire the architecture of this vibrant sub-Saharan trading port of olde as well as the beautiful blue fishing boats beyond.
- Check out the hippie history of Jimi Hendrix’s café.
- Relive your favourite Game of Thrones moments with a visit to the real Slaver’s Bay and King’s Landing.
- Savour a long lunch and relax by the pool or on the beach.
- Follow our tip-offs for the daily catch of Dakhla oysters, fresh from the southernmost part of Morocco.
Closing a perfect day in Essaouira, aperitifs are served on the panoramic terrace of Heure Bleue Palais, a five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel (if they can squeeze us in!). Enjoy a sundowner while gazing out across the town’s white walls and the ocean beyond.
Dinner can be arranged at a wonderful restaurant famous for its innovative menu that includes specialties such as Lobster Pastilla and fresh fish tagine, all beautifully paired with local wines. Alternatively, enjoy a colourful, fun night in the Medina with music, cocktails and beach chic vibes.
Day 2 starts with breakfast, after which we have the option to return to Marrakech or journey on to charming Taghazout. This tiny fishing village boasts a laid-back vibe and traditional white and ochre houses. Most notably, Taghazout was a hippie haven in the 1970s, which has transformed to become a go-to destination. It boasts kilometres of waves, beautiful sunsets and a myriad of boutique guest houses. Steeped in warm temperatures year-round, this off-the-radar gem is the perfect place to soak up the sun. The village is accessible by foot and taxis are nearby.
The day can be spent lunching, stretching out in a yoga class, enjoying a massage, walking around the village or just soaking up the vibe in a seaside café or roof-terrace restaurant. The more adventurous will enjoy a 40-minute hike to Paradise Valley, a haven of palm trees and waterfalls and a great place to take a dip in a natural pool.
Allow us to curate something special for you around your availability, budget and group size.