About us

After falling under Essaouira’s spell in the mid-2000s, we worked with local builders, artisans and artists to create Dar 91. The apartments, and ground floor space below, are carved out of a crumbling 18th century watchtower - one of four in the medina built to keep an eye on raids from the forest.

Chbanat – our sleepy, mostly residential quarter of the Medina - is still dotted with tiny weaving and thuya carpentry workshops. Whereas many parts of town have gentrified hugely in recent years, Chbanat retains a special, authentic charm.

Owner-manager Paolo Barbieri has welcomed guests from all over the world since 2006, and always takes great care to ensure you have a comfortable stay.

We operate as a registered Moroccan company, filing accounts annually and paying all taxes, fair wages and national insurance contributions for our staff. We also give 5% of our profits to local charities and neighbours who need help.

Swipe left to see more photos of Chbanat

Far better than a riad, where you’ve got no privacy at all - we loved being able to close ourselves away but still peep out through the shutters and see life going on from a distance.