Eucalyptus Ethnic Hotel: Boutique Hotel in Essaouira, Morocco

Between the medina, eucalyptus trees and the art of slowing down

Located in El Ghazoua, just outside Essaouira, Eucalyptus Ethnic Hotel is perfectly positioned for combining cultural discoveries with a peaceful retreat. The medina, beaches, and landscapes of the surrounding countryside are all within easy reach, while the hotel itself feels intentionally removed from the bustle. Essaouira-Mogador Airport is around 12 kilometers away, with transfers available upon request. Behind its walls, the pace changes. A lush Mediterranean-style garden filled with eucalyptus trees, bougainvillea, and palms surrounds a heated pool maintained at 28°C year-round. Guests can have lunch here, read in the shade, linger over a drink, or simply do nothing at all. There is no imposed schedule: spend the day exploring Essaouira, head to the beach, or let the hours drift between the garden, pool, and spa.

An old family home transformed into a boutique hotel

The story of Eucalyptus Ethnic Hotel began long before its current incarnation. In December 2024, Nathalie and Patrick discovered Riad Eucalyptus, an old family home that had become one of the first guesthouses in the Essaouira countryside. It was love at first sight. Six months later, they decided to take over the property with the ambition of creating their own interpretation of “chic Moroccan Beldi.” The property already had a story to tell. Over the years, the house had gradually expanded without a master plan or architect, evolving according to practical needs and the expertise of local craftsmen. Nathalie, who brings 40 years of experience in high-end hospitality and interior design, chose not to erase that history, but rather to reveal it. Together with Patrick, she envisioned an intimate hotel where Moroccan hospitality, contemporary comfort, and a relaxed approach to living could naturally coexist.

Moroccan architecture that celebrates imperfection

There is no spectacular architectural statement or famous architect behind Eucalyptus Ethnic Hotel. Its charm comes precisely from what was never designed to be perfectly polished. Slightly uneven walls, rounded passages, organic volumes, and elements inherited from the original house reveal a property shaped over time by Moroccan craftsmen. Nathalie chose to preserve this character rather than standardize it. Tadelakt, wood, natural materials, vintage finds, and local craftsmanship create interiors that move between Moroccan tradition, Berber influences, bohemian touches, and an ethnic aesthetic. The result feels less like a hotel conceived as a decorative statement and more like a living home, complete with its own textures, memories, and patina.

14 rooms and suites, three Moroccan-inspired worlds

Eucalyptus Ethnic Hotel currently has 14 rooms and suites, spread between the historic riad and the newer section surrounding the pool. Three distinct decorative worlds give the rooms their character: Berber Tradition, Ethnic Deluxe, and Bohemian Superior. They are joined by the Beldi Suite and Rooftop Suite. Each room is different, with Moroccan materials and craftsmanship at the heart of the design. The Ethnic Deluxe and Bohemian Superior rooms offer views over the pool, while the Rooftop Suite looks out toward the garden. Room sizes range from more intimate spaces of around 15 to 16 square meters to the 44-square-meter Beldi Suite. Every room comes with a private bathroom, quality hotel bedding, a safe, fan, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Moroccan cuisine with the feeling of a long summer lunch

At Eucalyptus, food naturally becomes part of the journey. Breakfast, served either beside the pool or in the garden, sets the tone for the day with a relaxed Moroccan-inspired experience. Lunch is designed to feel informal and unhurried, while dinner takes a deeper dive into Moroccan culinary traditions. Guests can enjoy dishes such as slowly simmered tagines, couscous, pastillas, grilled specialties, freshly baked breads, and traditional Moroccan pastries. Moroccan dinners are available by reservation, allowing the kitchen to focus on the generous, home-style cooking that is central to the hotel’s identity.

An intimate spa and the Moroccan art of letting go

The Eucalyptus spa continues the hotel’s sensory approach with a traditional hammam and a selection of massages and treatments inspired by Moroccan rituals. The hammam experience begins with black soap, followed by a kessa glove exfoliation and a Ghassoul clay wrap. The result is the unmistakable feeling of having left a little of the outside world behind. Massages continue the journey with argan oil and traditional techniques, while the heated 28°C pool offers the perfect place to spend the rest of the afternoon. The hotel can also help organize experiences around Essaouira, from horseback riding and beach outings to discovering the surrounding countryside and local culture. Private parking and Wi-Fi are also available.

A different way to experience Essaouira

Eucalyptus Ethnic Hotel does not try to impress at first glance. Instead, it tells a story, welcomes guests warmly, and allows time to do the rest. In this garden just outside Essaouira, Morocco reveals itself as much through a home-cooked tagine as through a hammam ritual, a tadelakt-lined room, or a conversation with a team deeply connected to the region. It is an address for travelers who understand that the most memorable journeys often begin when there is nothing left to rush toward.

We love Eucalyptus Ethnic Hotel & Spa for:

• 14 intimate rooms and suites, each with its own personality
• Three distinctive design worlds: Berber, Ethnic, and Bohemian
• Authentic Beldi architecture, shaped by Moroccan craftsmanship
• Home-style Moroccan cuisine, rooted in local traditions
• Heated 28°C pool and intimate spa with a traditional hammam and massages
• Peaceful location, just minutes from the medina, beaches, and energy of Essaouira