Approaching the hotel	Adult pool	Twilight beside the pool	Family pool	Dining terrace	Roof terrace
Garden Cottage	Family dining room	Adult only dining room	Hammam	Lounge dining	Stylish accommodation
Bedroom with private terrace	Family room	Spacious family accommodation	Villa Bismah - one of three 4 bedroom pool villas

Le Jardin des Douars, Essaouira, Morocco

Laid-back, bohemian and boutique, this hideaway works very well for both families and couples

Double Rooms from around £105 per night, including daily breakfast. Flights and transfers available on request.

In the argan and olive tree clad hills 10 minutes outside Essaouria, terraced boutique hotel Jardin des Douars feels like an undiscovered secret. Shrouded by palms and bougainvillea, domed villas nestle in bountiful walled gardens; French chic and North African exuberance abound in the nooks and alcoves of this laid-back palace. Two jade-green pools (one for adults, one for families), delicious seasonal menus and a sensuous, glittery hammam complete this charming bohemian hang-out, close to vast beaches on Morocco's west coast.

Accommodation

With no less than 11 different room categories choosing one can make your head spin, but on the up side, there is a configuration for just about everyone. Chambre Romantiques are scattered through the grounds and provide soothing spaces with cool plaster walls, traditional bejmat (terracotta tiled floors) and spacious bathrooms. Set in two-storey houses in the lush grounds, Luxe Rooms have a private feel, with king-size beds, private outside terraces, seductive sunken baths and a corner fireplace. Chambre Familiale are a little more colourful with tadelakt walls and separate living areas that double as kid’s bedrooms. If you want to glam it up, check into the Suite Mogador with its mezzanine bedroom and red-tinted living room, with space enough for three kids.

The hotel also has six fantastic and very private luxury pool villas, ranging from 3 to 5 bedrooms,

such as 4 bedroom Villa Basmah and 5 bedroom Villa Begonia

Activities & Experiences

A number of activities are available locally, including golf, horse riding, mountain biking, hiking, sailing, surfing, wind surfing and camel rides. Of course, Essaouira itself is a fascinating walled harbour town with a lovely car-free medina. All easily explored on foot. The Atlantic ocean and Essaouira's vast sandy beaches are close by too. The hotel offers a shuttle service to the medina.

Facilities & Services

With its laid-back vibe you’ll never want for anything and never feel crowded. The French managers have successfully managed to balance families with young children and loved-up couples by creating a handful of adult-only areas. There’s a richly decorated romantic dining room for quiet dinners, or a vast family room for groups, and breakfast and lunch can be enjoyed on the sunny terrace. The fusion of traditional Moroccan dishes with lighter Mediterranean fare and some Asian and South American options will keep your taste buds happy. There are numerous hidden corners for hiding out in the rambling gardens; one pool for adults who want to relax or swim laps, another a good walk away, for families. There's also a charming spa, free wifi, a library and a pétanque pitch.

Weather & Seasons

Spring (March to May) is pleasantly warm and sunny, and the landscape is lush and green. If you want to spend a good amount of time in Essaouira, we suggest avoiding August as the town gets swamped by large numbers of visitors from home and abroad. Autumn (mid Sept to mid Nov) is also lovely, but the countryside tends to look parched.

Getting Here

Most visitors arrive via Marrakech’s Menara Airport, which you can reach from various airports in the UK with British Airways and Easyjet. Direct flights from London Gatwick take 3 hours 45 minutes. The drive from Marrakech takes 2 hours 30 minutes. Alternatively, there are direct flights with Royal Air Maroc from Paris Orly to Essaouira.

Recommendations Nearby

If your preference is to stay in Essaouira itself, boutique hideaways include L'Heure Bleue (with its rooftop pool) and Riad Madada Mogador. If you're after something with extensive facilities and that's more family orientated, we would suggest Sofitel Essaouira. For more ideas, please see Best Hotels, Resorts & Boutique Hideaways in Morocco or ideas for a Luxury Villa Holiday in Morocco.