Essaouira, Morocco

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Reviewed by Nikki Tinto

Dar Mimosas, Morocco, Overview

DAR MIMOSAS - REVIEW

Located on the outskirts of one of Morocco's most charming coastal towns, Dar Mimosas offers a very civilized and spacious hideaway. Through its large wooden entrance doors, you'll find a handful of private villas set within palatial and peaceful gardens. It took French owners, Eric and Philippe, 3 years to create this visual feast. Inside, rooms are filled with fine French and Moroccan antiques and a host of original paintings (Eric's mother runs an art gallery in Paris). Outside, hot-pink bougainvillea climbs up Moorish style arches washed in burnt sienna and doors painted in vibrant cobalt blue lead to secret gardens with mosaic fountains.

Named after the surrounding trees planted to halt the advance of the sand dunes, Dar Mimosas is a 20-minute walk to the sea. The beach is sandy but the waters are cool and strong winds make it more popular with windsurfers and camels than sunbathers. Sybarites can laze by the exquisite azure pool (worthy of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon), while the active can go riding, explore Essaouira's souks and fortified ramparts and lunch on fresh seafood at the harbourside.

HIGHS

The stunning colours, imaginative design and one of the most tempting swimming pools we have seen in Morocco
The ultimate in privacy - outsiders don't get past the gates and most suites are hidden within their own walled garden
The relaxed atmosphere and personal service - it's more like staying on the estate of wealthy friends than a hotel
The separate 2-bedroom suites with kitchens are ideal for families

LOWS

Privacy and low-key luxury doesn't come cheap
You will need to have your own car or rely on taxis arranged by the hotel to take you the couple of kilometres into Essaouira
We found the walk to the beach across the sand dunes marred by litter - driving is a better option
Occasional sound of traffic from the nearby Essaouira-Agadir road

Print Whole Report

Name	Dar Mimosas	Location	Essaouira, Atlantic Coast
Type	Luxury guesthouse: 8 suites	Country	Morocco
Price Guide	Dbl: DH3200-3900, BB	Open	All year


DISTANCES	Airport: 160km	Nearest Shops: 2km	Nearest restaurant: 2km	Beach: 0.5km