Dar DArt

We ended up extending our stay because leaving Dar d’Art was so hard. It really feels like you belong to this magical world, rather than just being a guest, and I’d go back in a heartbeat. I’ve been lucky enough to stay here many times. Essaouira has plenty of beautiful places, but nowhere else has felt as magical or as unique to me. Philippe’s art collection is spectacular, whether or not you know the artists. The rooms each have their own character, and every one is comfortable. This time, we had a room with its own terrace. The mix of retro and traditional furniture is stylish, cool, and comfortable. The grounds are magical and open for you to explore. The huge pool was very clean, with lots of places to sit in the sun or shade. Philippe is warm and welcoming, and Souad, the house lady, is just as kind and always happy to help. Her cooking is the best I’ve tasted in Morocco, and the portions are so generous we couldn’t finish. Staying at Dar d’Art is a feast for the heart, soul, and body. You won’t regret it.

Tucked on the outskirts of Essaouira, this artistic garden has wonderful energy. If you’re after something unique, this is the place. The food, wine, and atmosphere were all good, and it was easy to forget the outside world. Philippe and Fati took such good care of us, and they’re every bit as magical as the place. Our stay felt like a reset for the mind. Love it!

There’s a lot of art throughout the rooms and grounds, from paintings and sculptures to furniture, which gives the place real character. The pool is bigger than most and deep enough to jump into, about 3m. Dinner is available if you ask, and the three courses were excellent quality. It’s 20 minutes outside Essaouira, so a hire car helps since you can’t walk into town, though the hotel can easily arrange a taxi. Phillippe was incredibly helpful and even drove me to find a printer for our boarding passes and a cash machine. The staff were brilliant too, including Annan and the main chef. I’d definitely recommend staying here.

Dar d'art feels like a home away from home, part homestead, part hotel or kasbah, around a 10 minute drive from Essaouira. Monsieur Philippe and his wife welcomed me warmly. Everywhere you look, there are extraordinary art pieces, mostly by local artists, with a few other gems mixed in. You can feel the owner’s collector’s passion throughout the place. The clean rooms each have their own atmosphere, and outside there’s a lovely pool with natural water, sculptures, and beautiful surroundings. The chef made us sweet homemade food and can cook to your wishes. We ate in the cozy, art filled living room by the fireplace, with great music. Philippe is a music critic and is happy to talk about it if you get him going 😉. There are also terraces by the pool and upstairs where you can watch the sunset. Ask what wine Philippe has, and as a French host, you should indulge. We felt comfortable and at ease at Dar d'Art Kasbah, and I definitely recommend staying here.