Agadir & Essaouira
Atlantic coast with Moroccan flair
Agadir lies on Morocco’s sunny Atlantic coast at the foot of the Anti-Atlas Mountains and delights visitors with its sweeping beach bay, golf courses and modern holiday resorts. Around 176 kilometres to the north lies the charming harbour town of Essaouira, known for its historic medina, creative arts scene and excellent conditions for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Our tip: hire a car and combine both destinations into a relaxed road trip along the Atlantic coast – perhaps even as far as Marrakech, which we’ll be featuring in our next newsletter. Edelweiss flies directly to Agadir twice a week.
Souks, kasbahs and Moroccan tradition
In Agadir, it’s well worth a visit to the Agadir Medina with its traditional craft workshops and charming alleyways. High above the city towers the historic Kasbah fortress – from here, there is a spectacular view over the Atlantic. The huge Souk El Had, with over 6,000 stalls, is a paradise for spices, textiles, jewellery and authentic street food. The Amazigh Heritage Museum also offers fascinating insights into Berber culture and displays jewellery, carpets and pottery.
Architecture & unusual building styles
Agadir also has plenty to offer architecturally. Particularly impressive is the Berber House of Tafraoute, which was spectacularly built amongst large boulders and is now considered a cultural landmark. Another highlight is the Mohammed V Mosque: with its elegant lines, light-coloured façades and intricate geometric patterns, it is one of the city’s most beautiful religious buildings and offers an authentic insight into traditional Moroccan architecture.
Essaouira – Art, Harbour and History
The UNESCO-protected medina of Essaouira is a labyrinth of narrow streets, galleries and small boutiques. Hundreds of blue-painted fishing boats lie in the harbour, whilst the Atlantic breeze blows across the historic Sqala du Port fortress. Film fans will recognise the setting from scenes in the series ‘Game of Thrones’. Our tip: a sundowner cocktail on the terrace of Taros with a view of the sea.
Beaches, wind and Atlantic adventures
The constant wind makes Essaouira one of North Africa’s best spots for kitesurfing and windsurfing. A camel ride along the coast offers a more relaxed experience. Just half an hour away lies Sidi Kaouki with its endless beaches – ideal for a day trip.
Cuisine on the coast
The cuisine combines fresh seafood with traditional Moroccan dishes. Specialities include harira soup, couscous, tangia stew and grilled sardines. Recommended restaurants include La Scala, Le Mauresque, La Villa Blanche and Le Tapis Rouge by Little Norway in Agadir. In Essaouira, Retro Corner, The Loft, Silvestro, Umia and La Coupole are all excellent choices, offering sea views. You shouldn’t miss out on the fresh fish sold directly from the simple harbour stalls either.
Our hotel recommendations
In Agadir, we recommend the elegant boutique hotel Tikida Golf Palace, the charming Riad des Golfs situated between two golf courses, the sustainable Atlas Kasbah Ecolodge, or the family-run Panorama Guesthouse. In Essaouira, the stylish Heure Bleue Palais: Relais & Châteaux, the Hotel Le Medina right by the sea, the Suite Azur Hotel in the heart of the medina, and the Le Golf d’Essaouira & Spa right next to the Gary Player golf course are among the most popular choices.
Hawaii
Island paradise in the Pacific
Hawaii lies around 3,200 kilometres south-west of the US mainland and comprises 137 volcanic islands. Eight main islands form the heart of the archipelago: Oʻahu with the capital Honolulu and the famous Waikiki Beach, Maui with its luxurious resorts, Kauaʻi with its lush natural surroundings, and the Big Island with its dramatic volcanic landscapes. Each island tells its own story. There are daily flights from the west coast of the USA and Canada, and island hopping is also easy thanks to short domestic flights.
Volcanoes and spectacular landscapes
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island showcases the power of nature with lava fields and craters. On Kauaʻi, the dramatic Nā Pali Coast impresses with steep cliffs and lush vegetation – particularly spectacular from the air on a helicopter flight or sightseeing flight. From December to May, catamaran tours off Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokāʻi and Kahoʻolawe offer excellent opportunities to spot humpback whales: the shallow waters between the islands are among the best spots in the entire Pacific.
Legendary trails and adventures
Maui’s ‘Road to Hana’ winds its way through tropical rainforests and past roaring waterfalls via 600 bends – a road trip not to be missed. On Oʻahu, the hike to the Diamond Head crater offers fantastic views over Waikiki and Honolulu. The 2.5-kilometre hike takes around 1.5 hours and is therefore easily manageable even for less experienced hikers. The brave can dive in shark cages off the north coast of Oʻahu and watch Galapagos and sandbar sharks in their natural habitat.
History meets Hollywood
In Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial commemorates a defining chapter in American history. A 45-minute tour of the USS Arizona Memorial begins at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theatre and includes a brief introduction, a ride on the Navy-operated shuttle boat to the memorial, and time to explore the memorial itself. Film fans can visit Kualoa Ranch on Oʻahu – known as the filming location for numerous Hollywood productions such as Jurassic Park.
Beach, culture and the Aloha spirit
Waikiki Beach, with its two kilometres of golden sand, is one of the world’s most famous beaches. Surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and relaxing sunsets round off the island experience. At traditional luaus – Hawaiian feasts – in the evenings, guests can enjoy Hawaiian dancing, music and cuisine, immersing themselves in the Aloha culture.
Hawaiian cuisine
The local cuisine combines Polynesian, Asian and American influences. Popular dishes include poke, garlic shrimp, huli-huli chicken, the rice dish loco moco and kalua pork. In Honolulu, Musubi Café IYASUME, Koko Head Café and Arden Waikiki are among the most popular restaurants. On the Big Island, Merriman’s is well worth a visit with its farm-to-table concept, and on Lanaʻi, the exclusive Sensei by Nobu offers innovative Japanese cuisine.
Hotels and resorts
Hawaii offers luxurious resorts and beachfront accommodation. The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach in Honolulu delights with infinity pools and apartments with sea views, whilst The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu Turtle Bay promises tranquil beaches, nature trails and first-class cuisine. The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea offers impeccable service right on the beach. The adults-only Sensei Lanai (Four Seasons) is dedicated to pure wellness on the exotic island of Lanai. The Grand Wailea (Waldorf Astoria) captivates with tropical gardens and five themed worlds of flowers, sound, water, light and art.
Galapagos Islands
Natural wonders of evolution
Around 1,000 kilometres west of Ecuador lie the Galapagos Islands – a unique archipelago of 19 volcanic islands in the middle of the Pacific. Only four islands are inhabited: Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela and Floreana. The islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are considered one of the world’s best destinations for wildlife viewing. Charles Darwin visited them in 1835 – his findings later shaped the theory of evolution. We recommend a 7-day cruise or, alternatively, island hopping by speedboat. Our travel expert Hedi Block will be happy to assist you with travel arrangements.
Wildlife within reach
Sea lions, marine iguanas, giant tortoises and rare bird species often live here completely unafraid of humans. Snorkelling with sea lions or tortoises is one of the most unforgettable experiences. On Santa Cruz, a trip to the Cerro Mesa Giant Tortoise Reserve is well worth it: the elevated location offers spectacular panoramic views, whilst the volcanic crater is home to numerous bird species and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the fascinating flora and fauna.
Volcanic landscapes & island adventures
On Santa Cruz, ancient lava tunnels lead deep underground, whilst on Isabela, the Sierra Negra volcano impresses with its massive crater. The ‘Wall of Tears’ also tells a powerful story of the islands’ turbulent history. Bartolomé Island, with its striking volcanic cone Pinnacle Rock, is one of the archipelago’s most iconic landscapes. Our tip: a trip to Punta Pitt – after a short boat ride, a hike through volcanic terrain leads to spectacular viewpoints where red-footed boobies can be observed in the wild.
Experience nature up close
Popular excursions lead to the El Chato Reserve, where giant tortoises can be observed in the wild. The fish market in Puerto Ayora and Las Ninfas Lagoon also offer fascinating wildlife viewing at close quarters. On North Seymour Island, the diversity of bird species is impressive, whilst the Charles Darwin Research Station provides fascinating insights into conservation projects and the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands.
Active in the water
The waters around the islands are among the best diving and snorkelling spots in the world . A dive at Kicker Rock, with its vibrantly coloured corals and fascinating underwater world, is particularly impressive. The turquoise rock crevices of Las Grietas on Santa Cruz are also perfect for swimming. Relax on idyllic beaches such as Tortuga Bay or Puerto Villamil, or enjoy the sun, sea and water sports – from snorkelling to kayaking. Our tip: at Carola Beach, you can observe marine iguanas and sea lions up close.
Culinary specialities
The islands’ cuisine is characterised by fresh fish and Ecuadorian influences. Specialities include ceviche, the spicy encebollado fish soup, langostino encocado or bolón de verde made from plantains. On Santa Cruz, the fish market is recommended for fresh seafood; on Isabela, the Isabela Grill steakhouse; and on San Cristóbal, La Pescaderia for ceviche.
Accommodation at sea and on land
Our recommendation for an immersive nature experience: discover the islands on a small luxury yacht such as the Aqua Mare or the Endemic catamaran. The Aqua Mare accommodates 16 guests and offers unforgettable trips featuring menus by Peruvian star chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. On the Endemic, guests can enjoy eight panoramic suites, a sky deck for relaxation, a jacuzzi, and menus featuring Ecuadorian organic ingredients and fresh catches from local fishermen. Among the best hotels are the luxurious Pikaia Lodge on Santa Cruz, the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, the charming Angermeyer Waterfront Inn, and the Villa Escalesia Galapagos Waterfront Hotel in Puerto Ayora.
