Le Jardin des Douars
Bohemian Moroccan ksar — earthy, lush, and genuinely warm. French chic meets North African exuberance. No TVs in rooms (by design). Fireplaces, hammocks, terrapins in the garden ponds, frogs at cocktail hour.
Book directly on the hotel website — they offer free breakfast, best rate guarantee, and possible room upgrades not available through OTAs.
Why It Matters
One of the most architecturally distinctive properties near Essaouira — a genuine ksar hotel, not a riad pastiche. The botanical gardens alone are worth a detour. Two heated pools (one adults-only infinity pool, one family pool), a candlelit hammam spa, and a Sunday BBQ that guests plan their entire week around.
A ksar — a cluster of traditional earthen buildings inside a high perimeter wall — repurposed as a boutique hotel in the argan-studded hills 10 minutes outside Essaouira. The architecture is all curves and ocher, the materials are strictly local: zellige tiles, tadelakt plaster, Berber blankets thrown over armchairs. Founded in 2004, it sits along the Oued Ksob River and backs onto 5 acres of botanical gardens that guests regularly refuse to leave.
Where You'll Stay
13 room types available
Babel Suite
The entry-level suite, sleeping up to 5 guests. Full suite setup with traditional Moroccan decor.
Double + additional beds
Beldi Room
Beldi means traditional or handmade in Moroccan Arabic, and this room lives up to it. At 36 m² with a double or twin bed plus a single bed, it's the right pick for a couple traveling with one child. On the first floor of the main ksar. All the same handcrafted materials as the Choukran, with a bit more breathing room.
Double or Twin + Single · 36 sqmBeldi Terrace Room
Same footprint and DNA as the Beldi Room but with its own outdoor terrace — genuinely useful for putting children to bed early and then sitting outside with a drink. Sleeps up to 3.
Double or Twin + Single
Choukran Room
The entry-level room and genuinely charming for it. At 25 m² it's compact, but the traditional Moroccan detailing — handmade zellige, tadelakt walls, Berber textiles — means there's nothing bare or budget about it. Double or twin bed, shower, private terrace. In the main ksar building. No TV, but a Nespresso machine and Moroccan hammam toiletry kit.
Double or Twin · 25 sqm
Douaria Suite
The Douaria Suites are the most private option that isn't a full villa. These are self-contained garden houses — independent from the main ksar — at ground level, with direct access to the gardens and nearby pool. At 55 m² with two bedrooms (sleeping up to 6), a living room with fireplace, and a terrace, they're the go-to for families wanting privacy without villa prices.
2x Double or Twin + 2 Singles · 55 sqm
Gazelle Room
The couples-focused room — named after the gazelle, Morocco's symbol of grace. Two guests maximum. Same handcrafted Moroccan aesthetic as across the property.
Double
Mogador Suite
Named after Essaouira's Portuguese-era name, this is the showpiece suite in the main ksar. At 100 m² across two levels, it has two full bedrooms (each with double or twin beds), two bathrooms (one with a bathtub), a living room, fireplace, and a terrace. Sleeps up to 6, and works beautifully for two couples. The split-level layout gives each couple genuine separation.
2x Double or Twin + 2 Singles · 100 sqmPacha Room
Named after the Moroccan governor — one step up in the room hierarchy. Two guests, double bed, standard ksar materials and aesthetic with slightly enhanced finishes.
DoublePrivate Villas (Basmah, Primera, Patio, Jasmin, Béthanie, Saada)
Six standalone villas ranging from 200 to 500 m², near the property entrance and completely self-contained. Each has 3–5 bedrooms with private bathrooms, a landscaped garden, and a private heated pool. Béthanie Villa is the largest at up to 14 guests. All villas come with a personal housekeeper who cooks breakfast and other meals on request. Think hotel services without hotel neighbors.
200 sqm
Royale Suite
The top-tier suite in the main ksar building, sleeping up to 5. Two bedrooms and a large lounge with fireplace. Full Moroccan decor throughout.
Double + additional bedsSmala Room
Smala means a large, lively group — appropriate. At 35 m² with two bedrooms (one convertible to a lounge), a double bed, and two singles, it comfortably handles a small family of four. In the main ksar, first floor. The shared bathroom is a shower only.
Double + 2 Singles · 35 sqmSmala Terrace Room
The Smala configuration with the addition of a private terrace. Ideal for putting younger children to sleep and then keeping the evening going outdoors. Sleeps up to 4.
Double + 2 SinglesSultan Suite
Two bedrooms, sleeps up to 5. Full suite in the main ksar with traditional Moroccan decor throughout.
Double + additional bedsThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
5 acres of gardens along the Oued Ksob river valley. Argan trees, bougainvillea, palms, rhododendrons. Terrapins in the garden ponds. Hammocks strung between trees. The gardens cascade down to the river below. A legitimate afternoon activity.
200 MAD per person (from age 2). Valid 11am–6pm. Includes reserved sun lounger, fluffy towel, access to both heated pools and botanical gardens, mint tea, and a complimentary afternoon snack. Must have lunch on-site (à la carte from 140 MAD; Sunday BBQ is 300 MAD). Pool bar drinks, spa treatments, and padel courts all available at extra cost. Limited numbers daily — book in advance.
Four state-of-the-art padel courts adjacent to the hotel, operated by Club des Douars. Open 9am–8pm daily. Equipment rental available on-site. Book via the Playtomic app or at reception. Dress code: sporty-chic, mostly white. Coaching and supervised games available on request.
10 minutes from the hotel. Designed by Gary Player. Two courses: 13 and 18 holes across a protected site on the Atlantic coast, with views of Mogador Island and the dunes. Suitable for all levels. Ideal conditions outside of the May–September windy season.
Half-day or full-day hikes with partner Ecotourisme et Randonnées, based on the property. Stops for tea or lunch at local residences where possible. Led by guide Edouard and team.
Adults-only infinity pool heated year-round (approximately 26°C). Wrought-iron daybeds, towels provided, and pool bar service. About 25m long — proper lap swimming is feasible. Overlooks the garden and sunset.
Family pool with a shallow area for small children, heated to approximately 28°C. Circular layout. Not supervised, but plentiful sun loungers for poolside supervision. Pool bar access included.
Arranged by the hotel through local partners. Horseback rides along Atlantic beaches. Camel rides also available.
Hotel partners with Palma Quad (2–3 hour excursions to Cap Sim via rocky trails, sand dunes, and Atlantic beaches) and Amazing Raid Buggy for buggy tours of Moroccan landscapes. Arranged through the hotel.
Half-day workshop held in a former almond warehouse (L'Atelier) under stone arches at the entrance to the Essaouira medina. Maximum 8 people. Learn tajine, couscous, pastilla, and gazelle ankle cookies under a top chef. You cook, you eat.
Pétanque pitch on-site. Classic French game in a Moroccan garden setting.
Hotel sends guests to the Ion Club at nearby Moulay Bouzerktoun and Sidi Kaouki — rated the best local provider for safety and quality. Courses for all levels. Gear rental. Hotel guests get special rates.
Yoga, Pilates, Body Training, and Breathwork & Meditation sessions available through Club des Douars, set within the grounds. Open to all guests. Scheduled throughout the day.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Indoor lounge with a large fireplace — particularly useful during Essaouira's cool evenings.
Available throughout the entire hotel — rooms, gardens, and common areas.
Continental breakfast buffet included with all room bookings (when booking direct): Moroccan crepes, French toast, fresh fruit, local dishes, eggs. 7:30–10:30am.
The property can be hired for private events — gardens, pools, and ksar buildings available. Hotel has local partner network for Moroccan weddings and celebrations.
Available by reservation.
All rooms are air-conditioned and heated — relevant since Essaouira can be cool year-round.
Staff help with booking local activities, restaurants, guides, and transport. Board in the lobby advertising local events.
Sells argan oil beauty products, jewelry, and clothing made by local Essaouira designers.
Regular shuttle into Essaouira medina — 175 MAD return per room. By reservation.
BUILD YOUR LE JARDIN DES DOUARS PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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