Essaouira is known for its ramparts, its white-and-blue medina and above all its wind, the trade wind that surfers love. That same wind quickly cools the water in a pool. Here are the riads, guesthouses and villas where a heated pool keeps swimming pleasant. I've selected 15 places, all rated at least 8/10; the top-rated is Villa Kahina (4.99/5).
Each city has its own selection, with a page for each type of accommodation.
Places are ranked from highest to lowest rated. The yellow bubble shows the advertised water temperature, when it's known.
15 places shown
The pool. Villa with heated pool and meal service.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask whether heating is included in the price or charged separately.
The pool. Villa with heated pool and private services.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask whether heating is included in the price or charged separately.
The pool. House with heated pool, close to the sea.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the heating period confirmed before you book.
The pool. Private villa with a pool that can be heated on request, and a cook.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Heating is on request: ask for it as soon as you book.
The pool. Heated 8 m × 4 m infinity pool, usable year-round, with a cover.
The pool is the most frequently mentioned topic in reviews.
Guide's tip. Large 6-bedroom villa, sleeping up to 14, with a hammam.
The pool. 15 m × 5 m pool, heated on request for an extra charge from €150 a week.
Guests praise a big, beautiful pool, nicely placed in the garden, but say nothing about the temperature.
Guide's tip. Heating costs extra: request it as soon as you book.
The pool. Heated 8 m × 4 m infinity pool, in a secluded riad-style villa.
Two guests, who came in September and May, found the water pleasantly warm.
Guide's tip. Hammam and massages are available on request: book them along with the villa.
The pool. Heated outdoor pool, open year-round.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the heating period confirmed before you book.
The pool. Heated outdoor pool, open year-round.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the heating period confirmed before you book.
The pool. Pool on the roof terrace, advertised as heated, overlooking the medina.
Mixed reviews: in April 2026 one guest praised an excellent heated pool; in late 2022 others found it too cold to swim in.
Guide's tip. Get confirmation that the heating will be working on your dates before you book.
The pool. Saltwater outdoor pool heated year-round, plus the thalassotherapy centre's pool.
The heating is appreciated, but some guests still find the water a little cool in December and January.
Guide's tip. In the depths of winter, plan on the thalasso pool, which is more pleasant than the windswept outdoor pool.
The pool. Pool advertised by the property as heated to 30 °C, in a garden looking out to the ocean. The listing describes it as seasonal.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is described as seasonal: ask whether it will be open and heated on your dates.
The pool. Large heated outdoor infinity pool, with a children's pool.
One guest describes a big, beautiful heated pool; families appreciate the little paddling pool for the kids.
Guide's tip. Ideal for families with young children.
The pool. House on a private farm, heated pool advertised in the description.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the heating period confirmed before you book.
The pool. House with heated pool advertised in the description.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the heating period confirmed before you book.
These places don't have a confirmed heated pool, but they do have a hot tub: the water is hot all year round. A good way to relax in the warm.
These places were suggested to us directly by their owners. The heated pool is declared by them; they don't yet have enough guest reviews to join the selection.
In my selection, the top-rated is Villa Kahina (Villa for rent · Airbnb), with 4.99/5 (83 reviews · Airbnb). Next come Villa Lirio (4.97/5) and Villa avec piscine chauffée près de la mer (4.95/5).
Yes at Villa avec piscine chauffée à Ghazoua, Les Jardins de Silona, Le Clos de la Roussière and Le Médina Essaouira Hotel Thalassa Sea & Spa – MGallery: the pool is advertised as heated all year round. Either way, ask for the heating dates before you book.
Advertised temperatures: 30 °C at Riad Tamayourt Ocean View. For the other places the temperature isn't published: ask the property.
Yes, 9 villas and holiday homes are selected: Villa Kahina, Villa Lirio and Villa avec piscine chauffée près de la mer. Heating is sometimes charged extra: check the listing.
The word "heated" on a booking page isn't enough. Every place must have a rating of at least 8/10 (or 4/5) and carries one of these four levels.
Guests mention the heated water in their reviews, with the season when they say so.
A journalist or guide who stayed there describes the heated pool.
The hotel or the platform says so, but I haven't yet found a review that confirms it.
Heating isn't specified, but the water is sheltered from the wind and cold air. Ask for the temperature before you book.
I left these out because guests report water colder than advertised, or because no heating or indoor pool is mentioned.
| Place | What the sources say | Rating | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essaouira Lodge | Outdoor pool, heating not confirmed | 8,2/10 | Heating not confirmed |
| Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa | Heated indoor pool at the spa (paid access) according to Oyster, but the guest rating remains low. | 6,9/10 | Rating below 8/10 |
