Kasbah d'Eau
Sidi Kaouki, Essaouira & Atlantic Coast, Morocco
Kasbah d’Eau is the perfect spot to take all this in. With 17 rooms, a sun-lit atrium, a large, heated outdoor pool and spectacular views across the beach, this hotel feels both expansive and exclusive. And though it's a contemporary standout against the bohemian village backdrop, Moroccan textiles, carved woodwork and Moorish tiles give it a warm, authentic feel. You can pack your days full of camel trekking, horse riding, quad biking and cooking classes, or lose a few hours drifting between the terrace, library, spa and hammam. Then, curl up in front of a crackling fire with a view of the beach.
Highs
- The ocean views from the sun loungers on the terrace, around the outdoor pool, are breathtaking
- There's a great range of activities both on-site and nearby, including the beach a 2-minute stroll away
- The spa treatments and hammam are the perfect way to unwind and cleanse after a day at the beach
- You can't beat the location being just steps from the beach
- The Master Suites feel especially luxurious and perfect for a romantic getaway or special occasion
Lows
- Sidi Kaouki is no bustling metropolis, but Essaouira is a short drive away if you want a wider range of restaurants and shopping
- Depending on the season, the wind off the water can be quite strong, so keep this in mind when you're heading to the beach
- The less expensive rooms have smaller windows and not all have sea views. If this is important to you, book a Sea Suite or Master Suite
- No children below 10 can be disappointing for families, but may be a benefit for couples on a romantic getaway
Best time to go
Our top tips
- Boutique Hotel
- 17 rooms
- Restaurant
- Over 10s welcome
- Open all year
- Heated Pool
- Spa
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Pool Table
- Laundry Service
Rooms
Kasbah d’Eau has 17 luxurious rooms with vibrant Moroccan textiles and intricately carved woodwork that give each space a cosy and bohemian flair. Each have superking beds, ensuite bathrooms and rural or ocean views.
The 8 Mountain Rooms, with partial sea or mountain views, have super-king or twin beds and ensuite bathrooms in polished tadelakt with large walk-in showers and double stone basins.
The 6 Sea Suites all have uninterrupted views of the ocean from the bed, private balcony, and even the bathrooms. They have super-king beds that can be split into twin beds if required, a sofa that can be converted into an extra bed (at an extra cost) and ensuite bathrooms with a stone bath, walk-in shower and double stone basins. The balconies have a daybed and bistro table and chairs - perfect for gazing out at the sea while enjoying your morning tea.
The 3 Master Suites each have their own separate lounge, fireplace and large beach-facing terrace. Each terrace has a table and chairs for private dining, a sofa and sunloungers. Two of the Master Suites have views over the pool and the beach, while Master Suite - Mariam is more sheltered, with a south-facing view along the beach - the ideal pick for sun worshippers. All of the sitting rooms can accommodate an extra bed (at an extra cost) and the ensuite bathrooms have a large carved bath, shower and double stone basins.
Each room has WiFi access, a smart TV, a mini-fridge and tea and coffee making equipment. Bath towels, robes and pool towels are all provided.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Coffee / tea making
- Minibar
- Pool towels
- Safe box
- Toiletries
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
The complimentary breakfast is varied and delicious, (don’t miss the Berber omelette) and normally taken in the restaurant or the adjoining terrace for the morning sun and views down the coast, although the atrium overlooking the pool is also an option.
Lunch and dinner is served on request, so just let the manager know in the morning if you are hoping to dine in. The menu changes daily depending on local ingredients, and can be changed to accommodate dietary requirements, but often ranges from grilled, locally caught fish to chicken tagine with preserved lemon and olives.
The hotel doesn’t have an alcohol license yet, so guests can bring their own alcohol to enjoy in their rooms.
There are a few restaurants nearby, but if you're looking for a little more variety, Essaouira is just a 25-minute taxi ride.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Dinner by arrangement
- Lunch by arrangement
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- Take a day trip to nearby Essaouira and explore the buzzing medina
- Swim in the outdoor infinity pool with views over the beach (heated November through March)
- If you're interested in watersports, the conditions are ideal for surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing year-round.
- Take a cooking lesson and accompany the chef to the souks to find the freshest ingredients before helping them prepare a delicious meal. These are in high demand in peak seasons, so make sure to arrange before or as soon as you arrive
- Kasbah d’Eau guests get free access to their sister property, Rebali Riads' tennis court, just a few minutes walk down the road
- This is one of a few hotels in the area that offers door-to-door camel treks. Take a short circuit around the beach, or go further afield on a ‘camel picnic’
- Quad bikes are a great way to explore off the beaten track. The hotel will arrange a single quad or a double quad with a reputable guide.
- Yoga instructors can be arranged on request for private or group classes
- Hire a horse from the doorstep for a gallop across the beach
- Indoor activities include the library, pool table and gym
- Book a spa treatment or relax in the Hammam at the end of a long and adventurous day
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Camel rides
- Cooking classes
- Hammam
- Horse riding
- Kitesurfing
- Pool table
- Quad biking
- Stargazing
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Walking
- Windsurfing
- Yoga
Kids
This hotel has an adult feel and only allows children over 10. But the long list of activities and proximity to the beach, make this a great pick for families looking to get their teens off their screens. The Sea Suites and Master Suites can fit an extra bed for an additional cost for families of three, but larger families would have to book two rooms.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Extra Beds Available
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Kasbah d’Eau 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:
Kasbah d’Eau 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. Onsite parking is available and free of charge.
Airports:
- Essaouira Airport 15.2 km
Other:
- Beach 0.3 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km