This ksar, perfectly isolated in the foothills outside Essaouira, has open-air hallways decoratively tiled and set with small pools, supported by pink marble columns and roughly hewn wood beams, and hung with traditional textiles. The sprawling terraced gardens are set throughout with sitting nooks and crannies, as well as chairs and parasols. The combination of soft-clay-colored buildings, winding stone trails, and an endless array of green plants is remarkably soothing. Guests, who include many couples and families, can stroll around small ponds filled with lily pads, and curl up inside brightly colored hammocks strung up between the trees. The gorgeous adult-only infinity-style pool, with its aquamarine tiling and clay-colored deck, is surrounded by sunbeds from which guests can gaze out upon the serene landscape. Inside, the richly hued walls are decorated with small metal-framed mirrors and colorful paintings, providing much to gaze upon while dining on fresh dishes from the oft-changing restaurant menu. 

The hotel is situated in the scrub brush-covered hills about 15 minutes outside of Essaouira, along a river. It is accessible via a dirt road that branches off the N1. The hotel runs shuttles to and from Essaouira, as well as a nearby golf course. The Mogador airport is a 12-minute drive from the property. There are no businesses or other buildings in the immediate surroundings.

These large, slightly dark apartment-style rooms have terra-cotta tile floors, slatted-wood lathe ceilings, traditional textile wall-hangings, and handsome, traditional carved-wood furniture. Multiple room configurations are possible, accommodating groups of up to four people, and each has a separate living area; most have some sort of terrace, which consists either of a small seating section built into the carved rock of the exterior and furnished with cushions, or a more extensive patio with tables, chairs, and some potted plants. Bathrooms have walk-in tiled showers with rainfall showerhead fixtures; rooms at the Luxe level on upwards have bathtubs in addition to showers. Locally made argan oil products are stocked in bathrooms, as well. 

The gardens alone at this property are a huge draw, and are open to those wishing to come have a meal and a dip in the pool. Set among the luxuriant greenery are two pools, a family one with a shallow end specifically for children, and a separate adult-only pool. There is an attractive spa whose waiting room is carved into the pink mud walls, with small craft wares and luxury toiletries for sale, and a full array of massage and beauty services. In addition to indoor and outdoor patio seating, the main restaurant -- which serves fresh North African-French dishes that change daily, as well as a large Sunday barbecue lunch -- offers indoor and outdoor lounge areas, with low-lying, cushioned couches meant for relaxing. More private dining areas are to be had immediately around the interior courtyard’s fountain. There is also a private dining room with a separate menu best suited to couples -- babysitting is available. The included breakfast is an enticing spread of Moroccan pastries and breads with cooked eggs, fruits, fresh juice, jams, and hot drinks.