Villa Daba

A blue gate set in thick stone walls opens to Villa Daba's garden grounds, planted with little orchards of eucalyptus, olive trees, and bougainvillea. A gravel road leads up to the villa, and other landscaped stone paths spread out across the grounds around the white and blue building. The French couple who owns the property have decorated it in an attractive mix of handcrafts from around the world, and the result is a colorful atmosphere where African sculptures, Asian artwork, and French bistro chairs might come together in one room with Moroccan tile floors. Most guests are couples, along with some families looking for a quiet atmosphere that's still within a short drive of the beach.

Villa Daba is located just outside the city of Essoauira, down a long dirt road in a quiet rural area. There are a few small hotels and riads in the surrounding area, but no bars or restaurants within walking distance. The city center requires a 20- to 25-minute drive (on a bumpy road) where there are numerous restaurants and sights, along with some attractions like Musee Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah, and Essaouira Citadel overlooking the small port. Tagharte Beach stretches along half the city's western shoreline, and is less than a 20-minute drive away. It's great for strolls and camel rides, but not ideal for swimming or sunbathing. Essaouira-Mogador Airport is a 17-minute drive, and it's just under a three-hour drive to Marrakesh.

The hotel has seven individually decorated rooms each done in a different a cultural theme, with artwork and furnishings from across Africa, Japan, India, and of course, Morocco. Simple, colorful decor paired with rustic elements is a common thread, and there's a hint of eclectic style, but it isn't overdone. There are colorful quilts on beds, tiles floors, and whitewashed walls, and all rooms have double beds and seating areas with small tables and chairs or couches. Some add twin beds or second double beds, and there's a two-bedroom Family Suite with two double beds and a twin bed. All open to either a ground-floor terrace, or a large shared terrace on the second floor, partially shaded by cane awnings. Most are furnished with tables and chairs, along with a mix of loungers and daybeds, though privacy is at a minimum. The suite has its own private terrace with a large lounge area with comfortable patio furniture and a covered daybed. Free Wi-Fi comes standard, but rooms lack typical amenities like TVs, mini-fridges, and kettles. Bathrooms have tile walk-in showers partitioned off by glass-bock walls, and they're equipped with rainfall and removable showerheads, hairdryers, and toiletries. 

The villa's manicured garden grounds wrap around the property with gravel or stone paths, crossing through sections planted with different local trees and flowers. Two petanque courts can be found here, along with a pet farm with a donkey, goats, and turtles that kids enjoy. The gardens also have quiet places to relax under shade trees, as well as a rustic tent with colorful cushions to lounge in. A more luxurious blue-and-white striped cabana, filled with couches and pillows, is set by the heated outdoor pool. The tile sundeck has several comfortable loungers and a few tables, and there's a grassy lawn with space for a few extra loungers nearby. Indoors, there's a cozy lounge with a fireplace and a flat-screen TV, as well as a small spa that has a treatment room, a scrub room, and a hammam.

For dining, the house restaurant serves Moroccan and international cuisine, along with seafood specialties chosen by the chef, who goes to the port each morning to select fresh fish, shellfish, and other seafood for the evening menu. Cocktails and various local wines are also served, and guests can eat in the dining room, by the pool, or on a covered veranda. A free breakfast of pastries, Moroccan crepes, yogurt and homemade jams is included, as is parking and Wi-Fi throughout. Airport shuttle service comes at an extra charge.