Kasbah d'Eau

Sidi Kaouki, Essaouira & Atlantic Coast, Morocco
Book from GBP 142

A beachfront boutique hotel with 17 rooms and a large infinity pool in a sleepy surfer village south of Essaouira

A beachfront boutique hotel with 17 rooms and a large infinity pool in a sleepy surfer village south of Essaouira

The quiet, coastal village of Sidi Kaouki still feels off the beaten path, but for those in the know, it’s a haven of surf and serenity. Just 10 miles south of Essaouira, this wind-blown and white-washed outpost boasts a quieter stretch of beach, a smattering of casual restaurants, and perfect swells for beginner surfers. Many blow through town on a day trip, but they miss the moment the magic of Sidi Kaouki comes to life – when the sun begins to set and a string of horses gallop along the surf, sillouetted against a golden, hazy sea.

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: the perfect itinerary for families with adventurous teens. 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 just across the road
  • The spa treatments and hammam are the perfect way to unwind after a day at the beach
  • The friendly and attentive staff are always around to help organise activities or make recommendations
  • The Master Suites are especially luxurious and perfect for a romantic getaway

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
  • 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, so if you're travelling with little ones, check out their family friendly sister property Rebali Riads

Best time to go

There's a reason Essaouira is known as the "Windy City of Africa", and Sidi Kaouki is no different. Strong gales blow year-round, but the windiest season lasts from April to August. The beach can also get crowded in July and August. Spring and autumn can be the best times to visit for warm, pleasant weather and lots of sunny days.

Our top tips

Sidi Kaouki is known for its watersports, with surfing dominating the winter months and kitesurfing and windsurfing in the windier summer months although all 3 sports can practised all year round. You can bring your own equipment or rent from the surf club or one of the cafes in the square. And kitesurfing lessons can be arranged in the village or on the beach outside Essaouira.

Great for...

Beach
Great Outdoors
Romantic
Spa
  • Boutique Hotel
  • 17 rooms
  • Breakfast & Restaurant
  • Over 10s welcome
  • Open all year
  • Heated Pool
  • Spa
  • On the beach
  • Pet Friendly
  • Disabled Access
  • Car not necessary
  • Parking
  • Restaurants Nearby
  • WiFi
  • Air Conditioning
  • Guest Lounge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gym
  • Pool Table
  • Laundry Service
Room:

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. We stayed in Master Suite - Amina, and loved the warm and vibrant furnishings and sheltered private terrace with plenty of spots to lounge.

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, and can be enjoyed in the restaurant or the adjoining terrace for the morning sun and views down the coast.

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, but it can be helpful to let the staff know in advance when you'll be dining. The menu features a simple range of delicious local dishes like fresh salads, grilled, locally caught fish and chicken tagine with preserved lemon and olives. All this is served alongside an extensive list of local and European wines. We were introduced to the local Gris, which pairs perfectly with garlic prawns and a stunning beach sunset.

There are a few casual 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
Eating:
Activity:

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

Kid Friendly:

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 0.1 km
  • Shops 0.1 km
  • Restaurant 0.1 km

Our guests' ratings...

Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests

10/10
Room
10/10
Food
10/10
Service
10/10
Value
10/10
Overall

Rates for Kasbah d'Eau