If Essaouira is one of the coolest places in Morocco (style not weather) then Jack’s Apartments must be one of the coolest places in Essaouira.

Nothing flash, nothing fancy, but these sure are cute apartments from which to enjoy a self-catering stay. All the basics are there - in what seems a topsy-turvy collection of accommodations built from three very old houses - to enjoy a memorable stay.

Built on the ramparts of the ancient Medina right by the water, you can almost smell the Atlantic Ocean. You can certainly see and hear it and there’s practically an unavoidable urge to jump right in. One can also almost literally feed the sea gulls as they wiz by overhead.

The owner Jack, from whom the apartments get their name, has delightfully kept the charm of old Essaouira in each of the ten or so apartments which come in various shapes and sizes take in a living room, one or two bedrooms and Moroccan style bathrooms, in addition to the local mosaics known as “zelliges”. It simply brims with Essaouiran charm. The maze like feeling is further enhanced by the different levels, stairs (a bit of a climb to the top floor flats) and mezzanines which all add to the sense of space.

The atmosphere is laid back, as you would expect in Essaouira (you may need to get the keys from a shop in the main street, for example) and there are also not many places around where you get all the above and can see the sun rise every morning from bed!

The other great thing is that whatever apartment you choose (we suggest taking a look at the specific accommodations by in the rooms section) you are always only a few steps away from the old town and Medina.

The traditional market, port and authentic restaurants are all nearby. You also get one of Morocco’s most famous beaches, one which is renowned for providing some of the best windsurfing conditions around.

In short, it is easy to see why Jack fell in love with the place. Easy going types looking for simple, tasteful accommodation by the sea will doubtless feel the same way.