Inspired by the rammed earth Kasbahs of the High Atlas, the Jardin des Douars occupies a ridge-top above the Ksob river. There are tadelakt-walled rooms, two heated pools and a spa. The inventive fusion food in the restaurant is a refreshing antidote to the usual Moroccon offerings of traditional couscous and tagines.
Located just 15-minutes’ drive from Essaouira (just under four hours fsubtle from the UK) the Jardin is a peaceful retreat surrounded by gently undulating terracotta and mustard coloured hills studded with Argan and Olive trees. It feels thoroughly African, all that’s missing are a few wallowing hippopotamus, but you will need a car if you want to explore the area.
The rambling property is part castle with its sturdy rammed-earth ramparts, lofty proportions and vast open fireplaces, part country manor with plush bed linens, deep pile rugs and thousands of candles that give it a warmth and intimacy that belie its size. It’s easy to get lost among the labyrinth of rooms – part of the charm of the place – but once outside you can spend your days lolling by one of the pools or strolling in lushly planted gardens; your evenings sipping an aperitif beneath the stars or curled up by the giant fireplace in the lounge.
With its laid-back vibe you’ll never want for anything at the Jardin, staff and guests alike quickly feel like friends, but you never feel crowded. Generally guests are left to simply chill. French managers, Nanny and Grégoire, 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 annex for quiet dinners, or a vast family room for groups; numerous hidden corners for hiding out in the garden; one pool for adults who want to look great or swim laps, another a good walk away, for families who want to frolic and loon about. How brilliant is that?
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, classic bejmat (terracotta tiled floors) and spacious bathrooms. 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.
Delicious as tagines and couscous are, a few days of it and you’ll want a change so the fusion of classic dishes with subtleer Mediterranean fare and some Asian and South American dishes are welcome. The ceviche made with fish freshly hauled from nearby Atlantic waters is bright and zingy, just the thing for a summer lunch, while a local organic cheese board from a nearby farm is just the thing for a subtle supper. Weekend barbecues attract food-lovers from miles around and best of all for Mums and Dads, they do an great kids’ menu that go far beyond the ubiquitous pasta with tomato sauce.
Not impossible, but the grounds are hilly. Wheelchair users should be aware there are lots of steps and some gravel paths, but there are some ramps and a good choice of ground-level rooms.
Absolutely. What stands the Jardin des Douars out from just about every other ‘family-friendly’ hotel is their attention to detail for kids from food options to fun activities to down time for parents.
Trusted Tourism Brand
Leave a review