Rebali Riads

Rooms

The 7 riads sit side by side in a terrace of ascending size, from one-bedroom Dar Etoile to 4-bedroom Riad Valmar. All have balconies, patios and roof terraces swathed in flowering creepers.

Modern in construction, yet with traditional craftsmanship throughout in fabrics, tassels, rugs and tadelakt walls, the immaculately presented riads come with well-equipped kitchens, squashy sofas and fireplaces. All except Dar Etoile have triple-height ceilings topped by a remote-controlled skylight giving a wonderful sense of space and light.

The 3 smallest share access to the swimming pool. The remainder have a private pool within walled gardens apiece, and 4-poster beds in master bedrooms. Riad Valmar comes with internal courtyards and Riad Sila (where we stayed) has a 14m living-dining room, perfect for larger groups and family gatherings. We have yet to see the latest addition, Dar Jamila, sited a few steps from the main hotel entrance in its own grounds, and has 3 bedrooms and views down to the beach.

Nearly all the supremely comfortable bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms. You get twin sinks, showers and baths in each riad; rose petals and argan oil potions await your arrival.

During low season, you can take an individual room in Riads Sila and Valmar; during school holidays you must book a riad in its entirety. Note that it costs extra to heat the private pools in Dar Jamila, Riad Sila and Dar Mevada in winter.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Fan
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

Let Mohamed and Fatima know when and where to serve breakfast. We partook of coffee, fresh fruit, fresh juice, yoghurt, crusty bread and Moroccan pancakes on our sunny poolside terrace.

A light lunch of salads, grilled fish of the day, lamb kebabs or sandwiches can be delivered from nearby cafes. Complimentary afternoon tea of mint tea, biscuits and freshly baked cake is served in the open-sided salon daily; a chance to meet your fellow guests.

Dinner needs to be confirmed by midday; the chef will check the planned menu with you. We had ham salad to start followed by a stunning vegetarian tagine with fresh fruit salad for dessert. You get a bottle of wine for booking through i-escape; for soft drinks choose from the honesty bar. Rebali Riads can purchase wine and beer locally on request but doesn't have an alcohol licence.

Sidi Kaouki has some nice cafes and restaurants for a change of scene. We really enjoyed our tasty lunch at fresh fish restaurant la Mouette et Chameau, a short camel ride (or 20-minute walk) up the beach.

Features include:

• Breakfast
• Coffee maker
• Dinner by arrangement
• Fridge
• Full kitchen
• Hob or stove
• Lunch by arrangement
• Oven
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Our highlight was a camel ride along the beach to a fish restaurant for lunch. You can also take a beach picnic, visit the Cap Sim headland, or visit local waterfalls on longer journeys. Or stay overnight and camp in a Berber tent
  
• The coastline here is renowned for windsurfing, surfing and kitesurfing; there are operators in the village
  
• Luxuriate in the hammam with an all-over scrub treatment, or have a deep-tissue massage, face mask, or mani- or pedicure treatment
  
• Cooking classes and pastry-making demos are a treat: purchase ingredients in the souks of Essaouira with the chef, then return to your riad where he assists in preparing your chosen dish for lunch or dinner
  
• There's a tennis court, with racquets and balls to borrow
  
• Yoga classes are held once or twice a week on request
  
• Walk up the road for a delicious chicken tagine lunch with a local lady in her homestead
  
• Go horse-riding on the beach

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Boat trips
• Camel rides
• Cooking classes
• Fishing
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Kitesurfing
• Private guided tours
• Shopping / markets
• Stargazing
• Surfing
• Swimming
• Table tennis
• Tennis
• Traditional cultures
• Well being
• Windsurfing
• Yoga

Kids

Our children really loved it here and were very disappointed to leave. The set-up of a terrace of separate riads connected by a garden to romp around and heated pool to splash in allowed them to make easy playmates with our neighbours. Best of all they enjoyed meeting the tortoises and chameleons. The staff were unfailingly kind to kids. In short, this is our favourite family escape around Essaouira.
Note that if you're travelling with children under 12 you need to take a riad in entirety.

Best for:

All ages

Family friendly accommodation:

The 3 largest riads (Dar Mevada, Riad Sila and Riad Valmar) have 3 or 4 bedrooms apiece so work well for a large family party, and each has a private swimming pool in a walled garden. The 3 smaller riads (Dar Etoile/Azreq/Jeseli) have 1 or 2 bedrooms apiece. All riads can fit an extra bed and/or baby cot.

Distances:

• Airport: 15 minutes' drive (Essaouira)
• Hospital: 30 minutes' drive
• Shops: 5-10 minutes' walk

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Rebali Riads is in Sidi Kaouki, to the south of Essaouira on Morocco's Atlantic Coast.

By Air:
Fly into Essaouira (15 minutes' taxi) or Marrakech (195km / 3 hours' drive), or Agadir Agadir (187km/3hr20m drive).

From the Airport
Rebali Riads can organise a transfer from all airports. We don't think it necessary but if you want to hire a car here are our rental recommendations. You can park for free beside the riads.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.

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