Sofitel Essaouira Beach & Spa has reopened. Its official inauguration took place on 10 November 2026 at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local authorities, institutional representatives, tourism partners, and teams from Sofitel and RISMA, the hotel’s owner.
The hotel stands on the oceanfront, a few minutes from the medina. It returns to the brand under which it first opened in December 2000, as noted in our global hotel news round-up of 7 November. Following major works, RISMA and Accor’s luxury brand aim to make Essaouira an essential stop for luxury travel on the Atlantic coast, without erasing what gives the town its character.
A long-standing partnership gathers fresh momentum
RISMA is the leading historic hotel operator listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange. The reopening extends its partnership of more than 30 years with Accor, reaffirmed in the spring during Sébastien Bazin’s visit to Morocco. At the time, the two groups announced a renovation programme, the future Sofitel Tangier and a training academy for tourism professions.
According to Sofia Lopez Benhamida, CEO of RISMA, Essaouira holds a special place in Morocco’s tourism landscape, with its heritage, cultural identity and growing appeal making it a destination with strong potential. She said RISMA was proud, alongside Sofitel, to support a new stage in the development of this landmark address and to help raise Essaouira’s profile among travellers from around the world.
Morocco remains a priority market for Sofitel. Since September, the brand has had Sylvain Chauvet in place as the new Vice President Operations Africa for Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems. Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems, described Sofitel Essaouira Beach & Spa as the meeting point between French elegance and the free-spirited, creative and multicultural character of the city. In her view, the address reflects everything that makes Essaouira unique – its openness to the world, its cultural richness and its distinctive art de vivre – and Sofitel seeks to create hotels that are deeply rooted in their destination.
119 keys and nods to Gnawa culture
The hotel has 119 rooms and suites. Nearly a third of them look directly onto the ocean, and all have a large balcony overlooking a lush inner garden.
The renovation drew on marble, granite, wood and local craftsmanship. The interior design also references Gnawa culture, with armchairs inspired by traditional hats and guembris on display.
The work is not yet finished, however. The spa and beach restaurant will be fully transformed by the end of 2027. This second phase is intended to strengthen the hotel’s position in three segments: leisure stays, events and business meetings.
Four restaurants and bars
Dining is spread across four venues. From breakfast to dinner, Rivages serves cuisine that combines local produce, Atlantic fish and seafood, and French culinary expertise. By the pool, L’Oasis offers a Mediterranean menu. Every afternoon, it also hosts a reimagined version of Le Goûter, Sofitel’s signature ritual.
Facing the ocean, Côté Plage serves grilled fish and seafood in a relaxed, bohemian setting. In the evening, Orson’s Club takes over with cocktails and music, in the cosmopolitan and creative spirit for which Essaouira is known.
A locally recruited workforce
The hotel employs more than 100 people. Some 85% come from Essaouira and the surrounding region, and nearly 40% are women. More than 40 employees have between 10 and 20 years’ service with the hotel, ensuring operational continuity as it reopens.
RISMA has also signed two local partnerships. The first, with the Association Féminine Elkhir, focuses on the social and professional integration of women. The second, with Mahjouba Com, supplies the buffets with local produce such as amlou and argan oil. The approach ties in with the Sofitel network’s wider drive for local engagement.
A direct air route relaunched
On 28 October 2026, a few days before the reopening, Royal Air Maroc relaunched its direct Casablanca–Essaouira route. It adds to the direct flights already connecting the city with Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Nantes, Marseille, Brussels, Barcelona, Seville, Madrid, Düsseldorf and London.
For RISMA and Sofitel, a more accessible destination is essential to attracting an international clientele.
Essaouira draws upscale investors
Analysis – The reopening comes as RISMA reshapes its portfolio. In February, the group signed the sale of Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche to Pickalbatros for €41.6 million, a disposal presented as a way of moving upmarket. The extensive renovation of Sofitel Essaouira shows the other side of that strategy: investing in the hotels the group is keeping.
Essaouira is also attracting fresh capital. A consortium has announced a €200 million investment in an 800-room complex, with a first phase of 270 rooms expected at the end of 2027. As this new supply arrives, service quality at the Sofitel and delivery of its second phase of works on schedule will carry greater weight against the competition.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Sofitel Essaouira Beach & Spa officially reopens in Morocco
Owner: RISMA, Casablanca-listed hotel group; brand: Sofitel (Accor)
Official opening on November 10, 2026, following a major renovation
119 rooms and suites, nearly one-third with direct Atlantic views
Next phase: full overhaul of the spa and beach restaurant by end-2027
100+ staff, 85% hired locally; Royal Air Maroc relaunched its direct Casablanca-Essaouira route
