Dar Emma – 2-Bedroom Holiday House in Essaouira Medina
Your Own Little Moroccan House in the Heart of Essaouira
A characterful two-bedroom holiday house tucked inside Essaouira’s Old Medina, with original Moroccan details, two private terraces and the Atlantic beach around a 10-minute walk away.
Sleeps 2–4 · 2 bedrooms · Entire house · 2 private terraces · Daily housekeeping
“We loved the house. It was full of character and in the most wonderful location. It felt like having our own little home in Essaouira.”
– Andrea B.
A Characterful 2-Bedroom Holiday House in Essaouira
A Traditional Moroccan House with Its Own Character
Somewhere between a private home and a quiet hideaway, Dar Emma is a beautifully individual Moroccan house in Essaouira’s historic Medina. It sleeps two to four guests and combines thick stone walls, original patterned tiles, a traditional central courtyard and an eclectic mix of 1960s furniture and Moroccan pieces.
At the same time, contemporary comforts sit naturally alongside the older details. As a result, the house feels relaxed, lived-in and easy to settle into. Rather than feeling like a conventional holiday rental, Dar Emma has the atmosphere of a real Moroccan home.
Space to Settle Into
Across four floors, Dar Emma gives you plenty of space to settle into your own rhythm. Downstairs, there is an open-plan kitchen and dining room around the central courtyard. Above, you’ll find two double bedrooms, a private terrace with outdoor dining and a second roof terrace at the top.
Together, these spaces make the house ideal for unhurried mornings, long breakfasts and evenings after the beach. Afterwards, there is always somewhere quiet to retreat to, whether that means settling into the courtyard, reading on the terrace or simply enjoying the calm of the house.
Life in the Medina
And then there is the location.
Step outside into the narrow, atmospheric streets of Essaouira’s Old Medina, with cafés, restaurants, artisan shops, galleries and souks all around you. Just a short walk away, you’ll find Place Moulay Hassan. From there, the harbour and Skala are easy to reach on foot.
Meanwhile, the long sandy Atlantic beach is around ten minutes from the house. So, although Dar Emma feels tucked away, you are never far from the places that make Essaouira special.
Your Own Place in the Medina
That is what makes staying here so enjoyable.
For example, you can have coffee in the square, lose an hour in the souks or stop somewhere for lunch. Then, when you feel like heading to the coast, spend the afternoon by the sea. Afterwards, wander home through the Medina as the city begins to quieten.
There is no need to plan every moment. Instead, Dar Emma puts you in the middle of it all, with your own private place to come back to.
It is not a hotel or resort. Instead, it is a house of your own in Essaouira.
Dar Emma at a Glance
Two Bedrooms · Sleeps 2–4 · Four Floors · Entire Private House
Dar Emma has two double bedrooms, a traditional central courtyard, an open-plan kitchen and dining area, a private dining terrace and a second roof terrace. As a result, there is plenty of room for couples, friends or a small family to spend time together while still having quiet corners to retreat to.
Traditional Character · Contemporary Comforts · Daily Housekeeping
Thick stone walls, original patterned tiles, Moroccan details and eclectic 1960s furniture give Dar Emma its character. At the same time, modern comforts make the house easy to enjoy. These include an open fireplace, a traditional courtyard, a rain-shower bathroom and free Wi-Fi. In addition, daily housekeeping is included.
Thoughtful Touches · Everything You Need for an Easy Stay
Guest and beach towels are provided, along with tea, coffee, milk and sugar on arrival. You’ll also receive an information pack with local recommendations, so you can settle in and start exploring easily. For stays of seven nights or more, there is also a complimentary fruit bowl waiting for you.
Heart of the Old Medina · Around 10 Minutes From the Beach
Step outside into the winding streets of Essaouira’s Old Medina, with cafés, restaurants, artisan shops, galleries and souks all close by. Just as importantly, Place Moulay Hassan is only a short walk away.
From there, the harbour, Skala and Atlantic beach are easy to reach on foot. Consequently, you can spend the day exploring Essaouira without needing a car, before returning to your own private house in the Medina.
Four Floors. One Very Special Little House
Dar Emma unfolds over four floors, each with its own character. From the courtyard below to the rooftops above, the house gradually reveals itself as you move through it.
First, the ground floor brings everyone together around the courtyard. Then, the bedrooms and private terrace unfold on the floors above. Finally, the roof terrace provides a peaceful place to end the day.
Ground Floor
The heart of Dar Emma is downstairs: an open-plan kitchen and dining space arranged around the traditional central courtyard. An open fireplace adds warmth, making this the natural place to gather, cook, linger over breakfast or settle in for the evening.
First Floor
The first double bedroom retains the character of the original house, with thick stone walls and traditional details giving it a calm, timeless feel. Meanwhile, a shower room sits just opposite.
Second Floor
The second double bedroom sits one floor higher, with its own small private terrace and outdoor dining area. It’s a lovely spot for morning coffee, breakfast in the sun or an al fresco meal. At the same time, the terrace gives you a little breathing space above the bustle of the Medina.
Top Floor
At the top of the house, a second private roof terrace opens out above the Medina. Furnished with cushions and director’s chairs, it’s made for slow mornings, afternoon reading and evenings watching the light fade across the rooftops.
Together, the two terraces give you different ways to enjoy the house — one set up for outdoor dining, the other for stretching out, reading or simply taking in the view.
Why Dar Emma Feels Different
Some houses are memorable because everything is perfectly polished. Dar Emma stays with you for a different reason: it has a personality of its own.
The house retains the character of a traditional Medina home, from its thick stone walls and original patterned tiles to the central courtyard and open fireplace. At the same time, Emma has brought together an eclectic mix of 1960s furniture, Moroccan pieces, textiles and objects.
Rather than feeling overly styled, the rooms feel collected over time, relaxed and entirely individual. As a result, Dar Emma feels more like a real Moroccan home than a conventional holiday rental.
A House Made for Slowing Down
Dar Emma is designed around the simple pleasures of being on holiday. For instance, breakfast can stretch into late morning, and a book can follow you up to the roof terrace.
After a day at the beach, there is no need to go anywhere else. Instead, the courtyard is waiting downstairs, while two private terraces catch the changing light across the Medina. Ultimately, the house feels comfortable without being formal, relaxed without trying too hard and made for slowing down.
Dar Emma never feels removed from Essaouira. Instead, you hear the life of the Medina outside, then close the door and have your own private space within it. Somewhere to return to after the beach, an afternoon in the souks or dinner in the Medina.
For a few days, you are not simply visiting Essaouira. You get to live a little bit of it.
Make an Evening of It
A Home-Cooked Moroccan Feast
Some evenings are simply better spent at home.
After a day by the sea or wandering the Medina, come back to Dar Emma, settle around the table and let Emma arrange a home-cooked Moroccan feast for you. There is something especially lovely about eating this way.
Instead of heading back out into the Medina, generous dishes arrive at the table while the house fills with the warmth and aromas of Moroccan cooking. Afterwards, there is nowhere you need to be, so you can simply linger over dinner and enjoy the evening.
For 300 dh per person, you can make an evening of it — good food, good company and your own little house in the heart of the Medina. Just ask Emma if you’d like to arrange a feast during your stay.
Your Time in Essaouira Starts Here
One of the pleasures of staying at Dar Emma is that you can do as much, or as little, as you like.
For example, spend the morning wandering the souks, head to the beach for the afternoon or take a long lunch in the Medina and see where the day leads. Alternatively, try your hand at Moroccan cooking, go surfing or kitesurfing, explore the dunes or book a traditional hammam.
Of course, you can also simply find a sunny rooftop and stay there.
Emma can help arrange experiences and recommend places she knows and loves. At the same time, there is no need to fill every day with plans.
Sometimes, the best part of Essaouira is simply being here.
A Note About Essaouira’s Cats
A Little Part of Medina Life
Cats are part of everyday life in Essaouira. You’ll see them wandering through the souks, curled up in sunny doorways and occupying the quiet corners of the Medina as if they own them.
At Dar Emma, they occasionally make an appearance too. The house is built around an open central courtyard, so a curious visitor may wander in from the Medina, particularly during the warmer months. For many guests, an unexpected feline hello is simply part of the charm of staying in an old Medina house.
Of course, we know that cats aren’t for everyone. If you have a significant allergy, Dar Beida is the better choice. Its enclosed central layout means cats do not visit the house. As a result, you can enjoy your stay without worrying about an unexpected four-legged guest.
Guest Reviews
A House Guests Remember
Dar Emma is perhaps best understood by the people who have stayed here. Guests often mention the character of the house, its private terraces and wonderfully central position.
Just as often, though, it is Emma’s hospitality and the feeling of having a home of their own in Essaouira that stays with them. For many guests, that combination is what makes the experience so memorable.
Read what previous guests have to say about their time at Dar Emma.
Dar Emma Rates & Availability
Dar Emma is available throughout the year, with rates varying by season and length of stay.
Peak Season
£700 per week · Minimum stay: 7 nights
Off-Peak
£100 per night · Minimum stay: 3 nights
Shorter Stays
From £100 per night · Subject to availability
We’re always happy to be flexible where we can, particularly around dates and shorter stays. If your plans don’t quite fit the stays listed above, just send Emma a message with your preferred dates and number of guests. She’ll let you know what’s possible and help you find the best option.
Let Essaouira Set the Pace
You arrive with a few plans.
Then Essaouira has a way of changing them.
A morning meant for sightseeing becomes coffee in the square. Before long, a quick wander through the souks turns into an afternoon of browsing. Eventually, you walk down to the beach for an hour and stay until the light begins to soften.
Later, you make your way home through the Medina. You climb the stairs, open the door to the roof terrace and settle into one of the chairs. Below, the city carries on around you. Meanwhile, somewhere beyond the rooftops is the Atlantic.
There is nowhere else you need to be.
For a few days, Dar Emma is your little house in Essaouira. Somewhere to come back to, slow down in and make your own.
Looking for More Space?
Dar Beida, a Larger Medina House for 2–8 Guests
If you love the idea of staying in the Old Medina but need more space, discover Dar Beida, our much-loved four-bedroom house sleeping up to eight guests. It is full of character, with distinctive Moroccan interiors and two private roof terraces. What’s more, it has been featured in leading design, movies and travel magazines.
With more room to come together, Dar Beida is ideal for larger families, groups of friends and multi-generational stays. At the same time, you remain right in the heart of Essaouira.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dar Emma in Essaouira?
Dar Emma is tucked inside the Old Medina, near the front of the historic walled city and a short walk from Place Moulay Hassan. Step outside and you’re straight into the life of Essaouira — cafés, restaurants, galleries, artisan shops and winding souks. The harbour and Skala are easy to reach on foot, while the Atlantic beach is around a 10-minute walk away.
How many people can stay at Dar Emma?
Dar Emma sleeps up to four guests across two double bedrooms and is rented as an entire private house. It’s particularly well suited to couples, two friends or a small family, giving you the freedom and space of your own house rather than a hotel room.
Is Dar Emma suitable for couples and families?
Yes. For couples, Dar Emma offers an intimate private base with four floors to spread out across and two roof terraces for slow mornings and evenings above the Medina. Families can enjoy the same sense of space and independence, with much of Essaouira, from the souks and cafés to the beach, easily explored on foot.
Is Dar Emma a private house with a roof terrace?
Yes. The whole house is yours during your stay, including two private roof terraces. The furnished top terrace, with cushions and director’s chairs, is an especially lovely place for breakfast, reading in the afternoon or watching the Medina settle into evening.
How far is Dar Emma from the beach?
The Atlantic beach is around a 10-minute walk from the house. It’s an easy stroll through the Medina, making it simple to spend the morning by the sea, stop for lunch in town and return home to the roof as the light begins to change.
What is Dar Emma like inside?
Dar Emma is a characterful traditional Medina house with thick stone walls, original patterned tiles, Moroccan details and eclectic 1960s furniture. A traditional central courtyard and open fireplace sit alongside contemporary comforts, creating a house that feels personal and lived-in rather than like a conventional holiday rental.
Does Dar Emma have Wi-Fi and housekeeping?
Yes. Free Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping are included, so you can enjoy the character and independence of a private Medina house without giving up the practical comforts that make a holiday easy.
What is included with a stay at Dar Emma?
Guest and beach towels are provided, along with tea, coffee, milk and sugar on arrival. You’ll also receive an information pack with local recommendations. For stays of 7 nights or more, there is a complimentary fruit bowl waiting for you.
Can Emma arrange a Moroccan meal or help plan our stay?
Yes. Emma can arrange a home-cooked Moroccan feast at the house for 300 dh per person, as well as recommend restaurants, beaches, activities and local experiences. She can help arrange things before or during your stay, whether you’d like a few plans in place or prefer to arrive and see where the days take you.
What is the minimum stay and how do I check availability?
The usual minimum stay at Dar Emma is 3 nights, with a 7-night minimum during peak season. Shorter stays may sometimes be possible depending on availability, so it is always worth asking.
To check availability, simply send Emma your preferred dates and number of guests through the enquiry form. She’ll confirm what’s available and help you with the next steps.
Make Yourself at Home in Essaouira
Wake up in the Medina.
Wander down to the sea.
Come back for the evening light on the roof.
Dar Emma gives you a little house of your own in the heart of Essaouira’s Old Medina.
Somewhere to slow down, settle in and experience Essaouira at your own pace.
Ready to make it yours?