Sidi Kaouki has become one of the most popular yet under-the-radar villages in Morocco. Surfing aficionados of every form, including kite and wind, flock to this laid-back spot for the reliable Atlantic winds which create perfect breaks, in a metronomic manner, onto its long sandy beach.
Our perfect break, however, did not involve surfing in any form. We had washed up here to stay at this unique riad set-up. It consists of a terrace of 6 serviced riads, with a heated lap pool, large lawn, tennis court and hammam alongside. The 4 larger riads also have private swimming pools and walled gardens. All work brilliantly for families, with full kitchens, though all meals can be cooked for you, and there are restaurants nearby. Interiors have warm Moroccan hues set against clean white walls, huge lamps hanging from triple-height ceilings, and lanterns at dusk. Days went swimmingly: a camel ride up the beach to a delicious fish restaurant, a spot of ping-pong, a deep massage. Memorably, we also visited a local Berber lady in her home for a simply delicious tagine. At day's end we ascended to our roof terrace for the sunset, devoured a wonderful dinner, then relaxed fireside in cosy comfort. A perfect break indeed.
Highs
- Immaculately kept and efficiently run by Mohamed, Fatima and their excellent concierge team
- A very flexible set-up, with riads of various sizes; or you can just take a room or suite in quieter months
- Delicious food served in your riad at the time and place of your choosing - plus complimentary afternoon tea with yummy homemade cakes!
- A great range of activities both on-site and nearby, including the beach a 2-minute stroll away
- An impressive commitment to investing in the local economy, including financial support for the village school
Lows
- Be aware that Sidi Kaouki is a tiny place with just a handful of cafés and restaurants; for a wider choice, head into Essaouira (25 mins’ drive)
- School holidays fill up way in advance (and no wonder, this is our favourite family bolthole around Essaouira); book early
- We found the swimming pools a little chilly, even though they're heated in the winter months; note that there's an additional charge for heating the private pools in the three three-bed villas
- We have yet to see the latest addition, Dar Jamila, in person, although it looks terrific
Best time to go
As you're close to the coast, the local winds will temper some of the heat in summer, but the best times to visit remain spring and autumn, and we really enjoyed soaking up some winter sun on our February visit.
Our top tips
We loved star gazing from our roof terrace (you get given a star map on arrival) and got up before dawn to see Jupiter, Saturn and Mars in an ecliptic line, as well as Scorpio, Sirius and the Southern Cross. Heavenly!
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. 
More on getting to Morocco and getting around
Airports:
- Essaouira 15.0 km ESU
- Marrakech 195.0 km RAK
Other:
- Beach 0.1 km
- Shops 0.5 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 14 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Wonderful riad and wonderful team. Rooms were lovely, and spacious and breakfast and mint-tea at odd, jet-lagged hours, made us feel genuinely welcomed. Most importantly for us, the slight distance from the main souk (short walk) made the kids and my wife feel calmer and happier - and we found wonderful little vendors on our street that were our deepest pleasure in Marrakech. Amazing.
This was a lovely oasis with incredibly helpful and friendly staff. We had breakfast brought to the villa every day which was a treat. The food was good, always well made and tasty. Only downside is that you can’t choose what you order (although they did cater for kids and vegetarians so there’s certainly flexibility). The villa we stayed in was spacious and clean with everything we needed to make our stay comfortable.
A lovely, relaxing stay in these beautiful apartments. Made all the more special by Mohammed, Fatima and all the team who pulled off the trick of always being at hand while allowing you complete privacy and peace. Look forward to visiting again!
I cannot recommend Rebali enough. The place is amazing. Clean, tidy, comfortable with lots to keep you occupied. From tennis to ping pong, finding the tortoises. Brilliant massage & hammam. Delicious food, the dinners are amazing, very generous and the staff go above and beyond to make your time here as special as they can. Fatima & Mohammed are brilliant and kind. Fatima makes delicious cakes at tea time everyday. A chance to meet other travellers.
The manager (Mohammed) even hand delivered our bag that we left behind.
We will definitely come back to this special place. Sidi Kouki is a very very special place. Like stepping back in time. The beach is lovely and you have enough little restaurants to keep you happy. The sky at night is lit with uninterrupted stars. We were here over Christmas and they all went above and beyond to make it feel special, including a little Christmas tree in our house. There is an open fire and heaters in the bedrooms to keep you warm in the cooler December evenings. This is a hidden gem that we’d rather keep for ourselves.
The hotel is amazing. The riads are beautiful, the food is delicious and the staff could not be more helpful or kinder. It is a wonderful place to stay.
Rebali Riads is a truly beautiful place. The attention to detail on every level is excellent. The best pool ever, total peace and quiet, amazing food and incredible service. It’s a 10 out of 10 definitely.
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