(Photo: Atlas Resort Poster)

Hello and welcome back to the Essaouira Blog hosted by Dar Suki. I have just returned from a great holiday in Southern Thailand and Cambodia visiting many beautiful islands and the legendary Angkor Wat. Now I am back in my favorite city in the world and here is the latest news.

Atlas Hospitality Hotels and Resorts will run the giant new hotel being built on the beach road just across the street from the Ocean Vagabond. In previous articles I referenced this as the Royal Air Maroc Hotel, so I the rumor around town was incorrect. I went to the Atlas Hospitality Hotels websight (http://www.hotelsatlas.com) and there seems to be no affiliation with RAM.

Here in Souira we have dubbed the project, 'The 5 Cranes Hotel.' We have seen building sights with 2 of the massive yellow cranes; but 5 is unheard of. From the Atlas Hospitality websight the hotel will be an Exotic 5 Star location with 130 rooms, a Spa, covered swimming pool and beach bar. Some of the rooms will be luxury apartments for stays of a month or more.

Very exciting! I look forward to cocktails in the piano bar and dips in the pool.

Official Information

Built by:

Atlas Hospitality Hotels and Resorts

Aeroport Casa Anfa - Terminal City Center

Hay Hassani, Casablanca

Web: http://www.hotelsatlas.com

Architecture - Souad and Khalid Benabdallah from Rabat

Airport Bus

It is very easy to take the Number 2 bus from the Bab Doukala to the Airport. Since the flights from Essaouira depart around 4:30 PM; it is best to take the bus that leaves at 1:00 PM. The next bus is at 3 PM and for me is too risky. The 1:00 gets you to the airport quite early, but this ride only costs you 6 dirhams.

News:

Weather - Some overcast in the mornings, sunny afternoons and small waves. The best surfing will be mornings at Safi Beach or the bay in the afternoon if the wind comes up.

Current Events:

The Alliance Françoise is hosting the exhibition «Le Maroc à contre-jour» of Jean-Claude Laffitte February 3 - 23.

For at full schedule of events at the Alliance Françoise, go to their website at:

http://www.ambafrance-ma.org/institut/afm-essaouira/index.cfm?num=948&archives=1&motcle=28

The Alliance Françoise is located on Rue Laalouj not far from Dar Suki.

Upcoming Events

Gnaoua Festival 2007 - Dates have yet to be posted.

Next Week: New Beach Projects

Blog Posted each Monday by Ron Bauer, see you soon!