‘Buildings, too, are children of Earth and Sun.’ Constructed in the late 18th century, the building once belonged to the Jewish merchants, Meyer Rosilio et frères. In the 19th century, it housed a famous pastry shop, which Essaouira fondly remembers to this day. Since June 2022, Casa.b has been celebrating a resplendent renaissance as a maison d’hôtes and insider tip for individualists and explorers. Behind unassuming doors, the Bilic family’s precious jewel unfolds its eclectic splendour. This architectural gem combines the best of Morocco and France to create spaces of beauty and comfort. The simple name chosen by the owners matches the modernist-inspired, cocooning ambience: Casa.b – for Casa Bilic, Casa Boutique or Casa Blanca – perhaps a reference to the famous city of Casablanca, 4.5 hours upcoast from Essaouira, and the eponymous film starring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart.

The hosts’ philosophy is encapsulated in the motto – s’isoler, se retrouver, vagabonder – a vision of life lived with ease and freedom … precisely what Casa.b offers its guests.

The interiors of the six spacious, themed suites on three floors have all been individually fashioned. Three highly individual salons and a small library create additional moments of retreat, small oases of calm and sources of inspiration.

Stone, brick, wood, glass and concrete are the materials used to endow Casa.b with its highly original and charming character. Each of the six generously sized suites, with either a king-size or queen-size bed, radiates joie de vivre. The rooms are designed and furnished in a style that is eclectic, unique, and serene combining modernism with timeless pieces of Moroccan craftsmanship. Covetable, classic items of furniture, part of the family’s long-standing collection, jostle with vintage portraits of former kings. The six themed suites adjoin open salons or face the beautifully planted terraces.

The day begins on the sunlit terrace with the best breakfast in town, consistently pleasant temperatures and a light ocean breeze. Guests enjoy freshly squeezed, seasonal fruit juices; home-made jams – e.g. tomato and vanilla, apricot and lavender or strawberry and mint – Moroccan eucalyptus and lavender honeys; soft cheeses and the local olive and argan oils. Their taste buds are also regaled with seasonal fruit and a large selection of teas, coffees and hot chocolate. The local breads are delicious and, for those with a sweet tooth, there are home-made crêpes and freshly baked cake.

No holiday in Morocco is complete without sampling the country’s cuisine. The best way to enjoy it is to gather around a table with family and friends and enjoy Morocco’s national dish, couscous. The table d’hôtes at Casa.b offers an unparalleled experience with freshly prepared ingredients sourced daily from the market or the family’s own, organic kitchen garden.