7 Enchanting Villas Near Essaouira for a Country Escape
- Malika
- Jan 15
- 7 min read
Updated: May 26
Usually when I visit Essaouira, I stay in the heart of the medina to be within walking distance of the city's amazing cafes, restaurants and the fish market at the port. But increasingly, I’m being enchanted by the surrounding countryside, which really is gorgeous!
Comprising cedar forests and rolling hills studded with argan trees, it’s undeniably peaceful and home to some incredible Essaouira villas where you can stay.
Staying in a villa near Essaouira is ideal if you’re planning a week-long escape and want to explore beyond the medina with a rental car. Not only will you have more space (the medina is relatively compact and can be crowded) but you won’t have the issue of trying to find a park outside the UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre.
Most of the villas near Essaouira are set within beautiful gardens and come with inviting swimming pools, so a day spent relaxing on a sun lounger should definitely be on the itinerary!
If this sounds like your idea of a relaxing getaway, then I’m here to help, with 5 of the best villas near Essaouira for couples, families and groups. While some operate like boutique hotels, with individual rooms for rent, others can be booked exclusively. Complete with friendly staff, gourmet chefs and luxurious amenities, these Essaouira villas provide an idyllic home base for discovering everything the region has to offer.
For more information about visiting this coastal city, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Essaouira.
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BEST VILLAS IN THE ESSAOUIRA COUNTRYSIDE
Don't have time to read the whole article? These are my top recommendations for the best villas in the Essaouira countryside:
Best luxury boutique hotel near Essaouira
Best boutique hotel in Sidi Kaouki
Best villa near Essaouira for design enthusiasts
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best luxury boutique hotel near Essaouira
Best villa near Essaouira for design enthusiasts
Best villa near Essaouira Airport
Best boutique villa near Essaouira for couples
Best high-end villa in Sidi Kaouki
Best villa near Essaouira for groups
Best boutique hotel in Sidi Kaouki
Best luxury boutique hotel near Essaouira
Nestled in the argan-dotted hills southeast of Essaouira, Le Jardin des Douars is a boutique Essaouira hotel surrounded by walled gardens. Its earthen building sits along the banks of the Oued Ksob, making it a perfect getaway for those seeking a peaceful escape from the city.
One step inside the grounds of this gorgeous villa near Essaouira and you know you've arrived somewhere special. Le Jardin des Douars features two sparkling pools, a padel court and several sun-drenched terraces, plus a traditional hammam offering a range of body scrubs and treatments.
Inside, the decor beautifully marries French elegance with North African charm, giving the rooms a unique aesthetic. Staying at this boutique villa near Essaouira means being surrounded by luxurious linens, sunken baths and private terraces, as well as cosy fireplaces in the cooler months.
Lunches can be enjoyed on the sun-drenched terrace, with the Sunday barbecue a particularly highlight. Dinners are usually served in the candlelit dining room and the open kitchen policy means you can always poke your head in to see what the chefs are up to.
"An exceptional setting for a magical stay.” - Eric (read more reviews here)
Best villas in Essaouira
Sunlight illuminates the pool bar at Le Jardin des Douars - one of the best villas near Essaouira (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best villa near Essaouira for design enthusiasts
With its castle-like architecture, this highly-rated villa near Essaouira lies just 15 minutes’ drive from the medina. Despite being so close, it feels a world away, tucked away in a really peaceful rural setting.
Riad Yanitri seamlessly blends traditional Moroccan elements with modern comforts, resulting in a refined “Beldi-chic” aesthetic that design enthusiasts will love.
All of the rooms and suites feature natural hues, tadelakt plaster and artisanal materials that imbue each space with a calming ambiance, as well as large windows overlooking the gardens. Families will appreciate the spacious two-bedroom bungalow, complete with its own private patio - an ideal retreat for those travelling with children.
Outside, a shimmering pool awaits, fringed by comfortable loungers perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun after a day of sightseeing and adventure.
“Great ambiance for a family stay.” - Maria (read more reviews here)
Best villa in Essaouira countryside
Best affordable illa near Essaouira Airport
Villa des Arganiers is a charming guesthouse in the argan tree-studded countryside near Sidi Kaouki (to the south of Essaouira). It's a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the medina while being really close to the airport.
Each of the guest rooms is thoughtfully designed, with most offering their own private terrace for enjoying the stunning surroundings. All rooms provide easy access to the 20-metre heated swimming pool, making this villa near Essaouira appealing even outside of the summer months. Plus, there's a pétanque court for some friendly competition.
Villa des Arganiers is a relatively affordable Essaouira villa that can comfortably accommodate up to 14 guests in total. Aside from individual bookings, it can also be rented exclusively by extended families and groups.
“Beautifully decorated suite in a green oasis and an incredible swimming pool.” - Dave (read more reviews here)
Best luxury villa near Essaouira
One of the luxurious rooms at Le Jardin des Douars - one of the best villas in Essaouira (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best boutique villa near Essaouira for couples
Designed with incredible attention to detail (the glowing reviews say it all!), Villa des Hauts Mogador is tucked away in the countryside to the northeast of Essaouira. This luxurious villa is an ideal retreat for couples seeking a serene getaway, all within easy access to the medina.
Not only are the spacious rooms and suites beautifully appointed but there are plenty of outdoor areas where you can relax. When you’re not sightseeing in Essaouira or exploring the surrounding beaches, you can take a refreshing dip in the sparkling pool or lounge on the sunbathing terrace.
The patio of this villa near Essaouira offers stunning views of the landscaped gardens and provides the perfect setting for enjoying gourmet meals crafted using local produce.
Free private parking and complimentary WiFi add to the convenience of Villa des Hauts Mogador while the hospitality is second to none.
"The perfect retreat near Essaouira.” - Adam (read more reviews here)
Best luxury villa near Essaouira
The beautifully decorated interior of Le Jardin des Douars - one of the best villas near Essaouira (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best high-end villa in Sidi Kaouki
Villa Sarah is a high-end villa positioned a little way back from Sidi Kaouki Beach (you really need a rental car to access it). The remote-ish setting equates to absolute tranquility - perfect for those seeking a quiet escape. Not only does this villa near Essaouira offer sweeping views of the surrounding landscape but there’s a breathtaking infinity pool that seems to melt into the horizon.
Guests consistently rave about the exceptional hospitality provided by the villa's attentive hosts, who go above and beyond to create an incredible stay. From arranging surf lessons to horseback rides along the beach at sunset, they will ensure your stay is as active (or relaxing) as you desire.
After a day of adventure, you can unwind by the outdoor fireplace, the perfect spot to socialise, stargaze and be completely enchanted by the serene atmosphere.
“Excellent stay at Villa Sarah. Very clean, very comfortable, beautiful new features and a shared kitchen. Nighttime tea and breakfast by the pool were so relaxing.” - Aaron (read more reviews here)
Best exclusive villa near Essaouira for groups
Sheltered from Essaouira's notoriously windy conditions, this whitewashed villa lies a short drive east of the medina and can be rented exclusively by groups and families. It centres around a 120-square-metre heated pool, surrounded by a wooded garden with a pétanque court and resident chooks.
Water sports enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the semi-covered space designed for storing kites, surfboards and other gear. Additionally, there's a hammam and massage treatment room for those seeking more pampering experiences.
At the heart of this villa near Essaouira is a large, well-equipped kitchen, plus a living room with a fireplace that opens onto the inviting patio. The five bedrooms are thoughtfully arranged around the patio, with access from the outside.
In addition to two double bedrooms designed for couples, there is one triple and a family suite with three interconnecting rooms. For entertainment, there is a separate TV room filled with books, magazines and board games, making this an ideal place to stay for those visiting Essaouira with kids in tow.
"Great property with a fab pool in a beautiful Moroccan garden.” - Kari (read more reviews here)
Best luxury villa in Essaouira countryside
The illuminated pool at Le Jardin des Douars - one of the best villas in Essaouira (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best boutique hotel in Sidi Kaouki
Kasbah d’Eau is more a boutique hotel than a villa, but it’s a worthy addition to this list for its spectacular coastal setting in Sidi Kaouki. It only opened at the end of 2024 so everything is brand-spanking new and it has a really high-end feel to it.
In total, there are 17 suites, which include spacious doubles and twins, as well as multi-bedroom options for families and groups. All enjoy magnificent views of the ocean or the mountains behind Sidi Kaouki and come complete with ensuite bathrooms in polished tadelakt.
At the heart of this boutique hotel near Essaouira is a soaring atrium, from where you can access the terrace with its sun loungers and a heated infinity pool. There’s a restaurant and bar for grabbing drinks and meals throughout the day, as well as a well-stocked library, a games room (complete with a pool table) and an underground gym.
Wellness aficionados can indulge at the spa, which features two treatment rooms and a traditional hammam.
“Kasbah d'Eau is an absolute gem and staying here was the highlight of our Morocco trip.” - Matthew (read more reviews here)
