A Photojourney of Le Jardin Des Douars

The driver goes painstakingly slow up the long driveway to Le Jardin Des Douars. He’s got a nice car and clearly doesn’t want to get it dirty, in fact at this rate it feels like we’d arrive faster by going on foot. This is part of the charm of our next visit, it’s tucked in a corner in the Essaouira region and welcomes you with it’s open and spacious property begging to be explored.

Amidst piles of rocks, deeply pockmarked roads and old farm houses which are either in disrepair or on their way to becoming the next out of the way resort lays Le Jardin Des Douars.

It looks just like in the photos and I’m taken away with the idea that we’re going to call this home for the next two nights. On arrival Camille, the owner, quickly welcomes us and hands us off to one of her staff of over 40 people.

Walking Through the Secret Garden

We take our bags to our room – a small two bedroom cabin in the rear of the property – and leave them there while we take a tour of the estate. Le Jardin Des Douars was constructed over 10 years ago but still has a brand new feel.

The grounds are lovely and even though the second pool (for families) is not open at the moment there’s still another infinity pool which is adults only – thank goodness.

Each morning when we walked to the breakfast we’d tread over a fresh carpet of flower petals that the bouganvilliea had dropped in the nighttime. Breakfast is served buffet style in the main dining room in winter so you enjoy private nooks with plush pillows, floor to ceiling windows, and stupendous garden views. This was a breakfast haven for us since we’re used to the typical staples of only bread and jam.

We had granola and could add in our own dried fruits and nuts, there were several brands and flavors of tea to choose from along with expertly poured Moroccan mint tea. Maddy loved the different varieties of cereal and we both enjoyed the toasted baguettes. Fresh orange juice is the second life blood of Morocco behind the mint tea they call “berber whisky” and we savored every drop.

Coffee was fresh and hot and I helped myself to three cups which was two too many. Even though I was working on a massive freelance copywriting project at the time I was able to do it with lightning speed and tranquility — my shoulders weren’t even in line with my ears by the end!

A Small Spa Awaits You

The rooms are an homage to nature, there was even a large stepping stone in the bathroom! The basketful of chopped wood next to the fireplace was a homey touch and the hanging purses on the wall gave off a very tribal vibe.

The cool beaded floating elephant head lamp wasn’t lost on me, either.

My favorite little discovery was the spa package full of Moroccan treasures that’s welcoming you in the bathroom : an herbal soap disc, clay face mask, pumice stone for exfoliating your feet, massage disc to stimulate blood flow, and orange water to use to freshen your skin or wash your hands.

It was a lovely touch that made the difference between feeling at home and feeling you’re a guest in a well-loved home.

We had dinner at their restaurant the first night since the chef was able to cater to our vegan diet for a main course.

The food was definitely European in portions, influence, and price but I suppose that is part of Le Jardin des Douars’ charm – it feels like another world transplanted into this North African land.

When it came time for us to say goodbye to Le Jardin des Douars we took advantage of their shuttle service which you should do, too. The van is well equipped to handle the dusty road and their prices are much lower than that of other taxis in the area plus their driver was professional and safe which is always a huge bonus here in Morocco.

This would be the perfect place to come and hide away from life — the solitude is complete. For city slickers who simply can’t unwind, head here and recharge yourself poolside while enjoying the bounty of Mother Nature.

We’re so grateful to Le Jardin des Douars who hosted us for two nights and coincidentally met another couple when we went off to the Kasbah du Toubkal who had also stayed here — we overheard them gushing about the beauty and tranquility of this property and they said it was their #1 place from their entire Moroccan vacation!