Riad Baoussala

I booked the Baoussala because most places in Essaouira-town seem to be full. We loved the architecture, the roof-terrace and especially the tranquill location. I don't know how it could happen… we arrived one day too early (guess, we got confused with so many internet bookings). Even the Riad was full the owner was very nice and helpfull and arranged a room for us. She also gave us many hints about things to do in the area and booked other riads in Morrokko for us. The dinner one night was excellent and the other day OK. The rooms are... more

Baoussala is a charming little compound of a hotel located several kilometers away from the town of Essaouira at the end of a very very long dirt road. It is run by a lovely French woman who designed the hotel herself. The best thing about the hotel is that it is intimate--you walk through a kitchen of smiling moroccan women on your way breakfast and get to know other guests (if you so desire). Their dinners are exceptional--the french thing is definitely working in their favor. The pool is virtually non-existent though. Don't count... more

This place is a must. We stayed at Baoussala in April 2007 after reading reviews on Tripadvisor and they weren’t wrong! It’s a wonderful place to chill out down by the coast in a traditional Moroccan setting. It comprises of six rooms, 4 off the courtyard, and two separate ensuite rooms in the grounds, a swimming pool and large roof terrace to sit and soak up the sun – just have a look on the website. 10 Minutes from Essaouira and 5 minutes from the beach it makes a very peaceful base from which you can explore the area and town.... more

Yes!! We found paradise on earth!! ...... Baoussala!!! A big family where everybody is warm and happy to welcome you in such a great place in the middle of nowhere, which is so good when you're living in central London! A typical day start with a great breakfast with the best orange juice ever and some kind of "moroccan pancakes", then you just have time to digest and go horse riding through the dunes to the beach. After that, back "home" for the omelete and fresh tomato salad in Hussein's bedroom, with Aziz, who are listening Gnaoua music... more

I spend four wonderful days in baoussala with my daughter, the hotel is built with traditional materials and has lots of space, garden, terrace, a large room with an open fire for colder evenings, very friendly staff, excellent food and a peaceful location. Even though we didn't have a car it wasn't too difficult to reach and we often got a lift when the taxidriver didn't want to drive the last kilometres on the dirt road. We miss Hussein and his mint tea. Monika and Jenny

Sort of Mexican Style house with many cosy corners to sit, very friendly people, very good Maroccan cook, relaxed, children could play all over the place. We felt at home right vaway. Originally we planned to eat from 6 nights 2 times out, but we liked it so much, the food, the ambiance and relaxed atmosphere, that we stayed all 6. Laure Galjart

You will not find a warmer, friendlier reception in the world. You also couldn't find a more delicious retreat than Baoussala. We arrived for (shamefully) one night - you need more like a week here to be met by Hussein, possibly the nicest guy in the world. He took us on a walk, shared drinks, food, cigarettes, played wonderful gnawa music with Aziz (OK, also the nicest guy in the world) and gave us a really touching gift. We felt like family members, not guests. Dominique and Caroline were just as warm and welcoming, natural, charming,... more

My wife, daughter (2yr old) and I stayed at Baoussala and we loved it. Here are my reasons: -- Even Essaouira felt a bit hectic to us, and while we had fun there in the day, it was great to retreat back to our desert "enclave" in the evenings. --All the people were wonderful, and quite sincere in their desire to make sure you had a great stay. We were there over Valentines day, and they took great pleasure in creating the ultimate romantic dinner under the desert stars. The two dinners we had there, by the way, were the best and... more

We spent just one night in Baoussala on the 11th of January (it was our side-trip from Marrakech) and had a unique experiemce. Baoussala is an ecological oasis 8-10 km out of Essaouira, with its own supply of water and electricity. It's a maze of pathways between authentic Moroccan low-lying dwellings, containing one or two rooms or suites each, roof-top, garden with a small swimming pool and hammocks, crooks and crannies everywhere with sitting areas and a big communal open-plan room for dining, reading and socializing. Baoussala was... more

We have just returned from a 10 day trip to Morrocco.After 5 days of the hustle/bustle of Marrakech, Baoussala was like arriving at your own private Oasis. As a party of 14 ( 8adults 6 children) we hired the whole place. Baoussala has so many wonderful spaces to chill out, plenty room for kids to have fun and adults to find a quiet space for a read.The suites are well spaced so you have a sense of privacy. If you want to head out , Essaouira is only 10mins taxi ride away and you can wander through the souks (less hassle than Marrakech)... more