Villa La Diouana

An exceptionally peaceful cliffside retreat (sleeps 6-10) with unforgettable views across the Oualidia lagoon to the Atlantic

The small fishing village of Oualidia and its tidal lagoon, home to Morocco’s best oyster beds and some of its most diverse birdlife, remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets. In recent years it has begun to attract visitors during summer but for the rest of the year you could find no more beautiful nor peaceful a place to commune with the ocean.

James von Leyden was smitten by the place’s rare beauty and, on impulse, bought what must be the best positioned house in the village, on a high bluff looking out across the lagoon. He has given the house and its four bedrooms a new lease of life thanks to a masterful refurbishment which placed the accent on stylish simplicity, solid comfort and the celebration of those exquisite lagoon views. To sit in La Diouana’s cosy sitting room, perhaps listening to one of James’ many CDs with a fire burning in the hearth, watching the fishing boats returning with their catch, is simply inspirational and is the reason, perhaps, why we return year after year to this unforgettable house.

Highs

• The views out through the huge French windows to the lagoon, sea and sky, simply couldn’t be bettered
• This is a sublimely stylish house, with simple yet striking interiors, and a beautiful mature garden with a terraced area for al fresco meals
• The staff – housekeeper Abdillah, his wife Fatima and breakfast cook Fatiha – just couldn’t be kinder. Whatever you want to do, they can arrange it
• Oualidia has some of the best fish restaurants in Morocco. And its oysters, which come straight from the lagoon, are legendary
• The tranquility and warm embrace of the house, and those inspirational views, means that you can’t help but relax
• Beautiful outdoor pool overlooking the lagoon

Lows

• Oualidia is a fair way from both Casablanca and Marrakech so to get here you really need your own transport. But transfers can be arranged if you prefer not to drive
• In recent years there’s been some ugly new development around the southern end of the lagoon. But you see none of it from La Diouana
• The house’s Moroccan staff speak little English so you'll need to brush up on your French - or resort to gesticulating