Le Jardin des Douars, Essaouira, Morocco: Review
Essaouira had long been on my travel bucket list - a port city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast known for its laid back culture, sandy beaches, and charming historic medina. With England’s autumn closing in, the chance to stay at Le Jardin des Douars was the only persuasion I needed to make the trip to sunnier climes, and the twice weekly (and super cheap) direct flights from Stansted were just the cherry on top.
Idyllic Setting
Located in a serene valley a short drive from both the old town and a coastline full of activities, Le Jardin des Douars is the perfect base to explore the vibrant city of Essaouira. Arriving here was like discovering a hidden paradise. The beautifully landscaped gardens. with palm trees, cacti, and vibrant flowers, are the most wonderful place to relax. With outdoor dining areas, intimate alcoves making great reading spots, two swimming pools - one for adults only - with sun loungers and parasols, padel courts and boules, you could happily spend days here unwinding and enjoying everything on offer. The bars serve delicious cocktails and ice cream all day long, but it was the 4pm complimentary mint tea and cake service that I always looked forward to the most. A perfect afternoon treat.
Stunning Accommodations
Each of the rooms and suites are uniquely and tastefully decorated, blending traditional Moroccan decor with modern comforts. With homely wooden furnishings and a lovely private terrace to soak up the sun with a coffee in the mornings, I felt completely spoilt. The room was huge, with a super comfortable king-size bed, a separate seating area, and a large bathroom with a luxurious rain shower. The attention to detail, from the handcrafted lamps to the artisanal tiles, added an authentic and cosy touch.
Fine Moroccan Cuisine
The dining at the hotel is exceptional, with a varied menu offering a delightful mix of Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine, and specials changing daily. Some of the best food I had during my time in Morocco, the flavours were authentic, ingredients were local, and presentation was beautiful. On a warm evening, it was wonderful to be able to enjoy outside on the terrace, surrounded by happy guests and ambient music. Breakfast each morning was equally delicious - a spread of colourful fruits, yogurt, freshly baked bread, eggs to order, and local specialties like msemen (Moroccan pancakes), all enjoyed leisurely with another day of relaxation ahead.
Perfect Service and Thoughtful Touches
The staff at Jardin des Douars were exceptional throughout my stay. From the warm welcome upon arrival to the attentive service during meals, every interaction came with a friendly smile. The team gave recommendations for activities and excursions in the area and arranged all of the transfers too. Evening entertainment was also a really thoughtful touch, with the chalk board updated each day - live music one live, live magic the next! This made for such a friendly atmosphere, as filling the social areas with life encouraged guests from across the world to share these wonderful experiences.
Ultimate Unwinding
The hotel’s on-site hammam and spa is quite simply glorious. I opted for a 30 minute hammam with black soap exfoliation, which left me refreshed, rejuvenated and with skin as soft as a baby - the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring. With a whole menu of treatments available and an expert team, experiencing this local ritual in such an enchanting setting is an absolute must.
Exploring the Area
While it might be tempting not to leave the hotel, the surrounding area offers endless things to do, with boutique shopping, surfing, horse riding, camel trekking, cookery classes and more. I loved simply wandering the historic streets, chatting with the locals and making every effort to resist buying all of the beautiful handmade homeware and ornaments that had no chance of fitting in my carry on luggage.
A true local experience is buying fish from the market at the port, fresh off the fishing boats, which you can then take to nearby restaurants where they will cook it for you for lunch or dinner. Sidi Kaouki, a nearby town with a wild beach, makes for a wonderful day of sunbathing and strolling and has fantastic seafood restaurants too, while watching sunset from the seafront ramparts, where the medina meets the ocean, is also a must-do and a special way to wrap up a lovely evening.
Your Next Sunny Break
With 320 days of sunshine per year, a vibrant culture, friendly locals, delicious food, endless outdoor activities (the list goes on…) Essaouira makes for such a wonderful and well rounded holiday that’s only a short flight away. Le Jardin des Douars really is a hidden gem here - luxurious understated and authentic - and a place that I would return to without a second’s thought.
Lily was a guest of Le Jardin des Douars