THE COASTAL town of Essaouira was an escape for Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison in the 60s, so perhaps it's little surprise that Dar Beida, meaning white house, has become a haven for chic film and music types. Entering Dar Beida is like being warped into a white cement moulded world where Star Wars meets The Jetsons with Andy Warhol as their guest. It is the vivid futuristic fantasy creation of two British interior designers, owners Emma and Graham Watson.

The house sleeps eight thoughtful touches like a pairs of Moroccan babbouche (Alibababa -style slippers) left out for all guests and local Argan soap in the bathrooms make you feel part of the place. Rustic sun shades cover the terraces slung with the obligatory hammock or two. The Luxury Travel Bible is particularly fond of quirky touches such as the large spotted pink pig and moulded red plastic chairs on the roof terrace.

The Watson's have created another property, Dar Emma ,which they describe as "a little hippy house" in the very heart of the medina it sleeps four and has a more traditional rustic Moroccan feel, all dark cosy corners and magic carpets. Although there are a few eclectic '60s pieces thrown in.

The name of the Dar Beida website pays homage to the Hendrix song, "Castles Made of Sand". A tribute to Essaouira's hippy heyday.