Unique and charming small boutique hotel in an old Spanish church.
ABOUT: Uniquely housed in a converted Catholic church, this boutique hotel has put El Jadida deservedly back on the tourist map. Open since 2012 and bedecked in a retro 1920s and ‘30s style, L’Iglesia is a reason in itself to investigate this Portuguese-fortified, UNESCO-protected town; seafront strolls, battlement climbs, artisan shops and a chilled-out vibe only provide extra motivation. Only three hours from Marrakech, El Jadida makes an ideal stop-off along the coastal road from the north en route to Oualidia and the southern coast.
ROOMS: There are 13 rooms and suites – eight in the old convent, and five more in La Capitainerie, an annexe which was once the American consulate. Ranging from Superior rooms up to a Suite Luxe, all quarters are spacious and have Wi-Fi. Style-wise, they blend Art Deco furniture with local antique-market finds: fabulous rugs, kilims and lovely lanterns.
FACILITIES: La Capitainerie has a lovely dining salon with sunny terrace and, next to the church’s bell tower, a leafy roof terrace looking towards Bab el B'har (the sea gate). Its restaurant serves seafood as well as traditional North African dishes. Back in the former church, chandeliers and Barcelona chairs decorate the nave-turned-lounge-bar, while a games room, massage room and library are all at hand.
EXTRA INFO: Horse-riding, surfing and quad-biking on the beach can all be arranged by L’Iglesia’s staff, as can cycle rides and cultural tours of nearby Kasbah de Boulaouane. Hotel guests also receive special rates at two local golf courses.
The Lawrence of Morocco map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
We really know Morocco and have had the pleasure of making many people's dream trips become reality over the years. It has been our privilege to be asked to manage holidays, weddings and productions for so many fantastic and discerning clients. We remain small and dedicated to providing excellent honest advice to enable you to sit back, relax and enjoy the fun bits without having to manage the unpredictability of this fascinating country.
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