Kaouki Lodge — Hotel in caïdat de Smimou

In need of a quick get away after months of continuous work Kaouki lodge was the perfect place to chill out and relax. The Lodge has been beautifully renovated over the past few years using local plastering skills, wood work, stone work all by using local craftsmen, and the furniture and fittings are perfect in this stunning Riad. Local fabrics adorn the beds and couches with tastefully crafted chairs and outdoor furniture for those days out on the terrace. The owner Jo has an eye for style and detail, which makes this Riad such a joy to stay in. The rooms are so tastefully furnished in different tones thanks to the fabulous Moroccan colours that she is surrounded with. She has sourced locally and also in Marrakesh, and if you ever get the chance to walk around the Medina with her you can learn to haggle and buy some of the most wonderful Moroccan rugs, or cushions, herbs, spices, even buying some Argan oil. The Riad is the perfect place to stay with a family group with large rooms all with en-suites and some with small terraces, otherwise the main terrace has large tables for families to enjoy meals on or just to relax around as others are playing in the pool, or playing boule, or you can sit around the fire pit and stare up at the stars at night. Your days are filled with camel rides, kiting, surfing, yoga, beach walks or hikes in the hills, visiting Essaouira. Jo has set up the yoga shala out in the gardens, enabling her to have facilitators to hold yoga retreats which I am sure will lead onto other retreats as the Riad lends itself to so many different ideas. Simply stunning, I will be coming back to relax around the pool or in the snug with a book. I might even get back into the kitchen and hold some cooking workshops ! Thank you for your hospitality I loved my stay ... just wish it had...

The Kaouki Lodge is truly one of the best Gem’s in Morocco! From the moment we arrived too our check-out – the hospitality and accommodations were outstanding and met our every expectation. The location is perfect –the ocean, dinning and drinks within an easy walking distance. The Lodge was fantastic in every way. Modern and spacious with every amity available during our visit. Really enjoyed siting by the pool, the large landscape area star gazing at night, and our room which was quiet and comfortable. Jo the host and owner, was a delight! Very responsive to all our questions before we arrived – provided recommendations for restaurants, hiking and all the sights in the nearby city of Essaouira. Her daily breakfast each day was tasty and a wonderful way to start each day during our stay. Jo is second to none for attention to details and a welcoming individual. You will not go wrong staying at the Kaouki Lodge…it was the most relaxing and enjoyable part of our...

Jo welcomed us into her lovely home for a week. It is a small desert paradise. The vibe is like a home away from home. The place is clean, stylish and full of little treasures to enjoy: the garden with it's cactuses, tortoises, petanque piste, swimming pool and exercise area. The cosy corner with books and games. The patio, protected from the sun and perfect for an outdoor breakfast, evening drinks or just an afternoon reading session in the shade. The location is a short walk from a number of good restaurants and activities. The rooms are excellent, breakfast is great and Jo is extremely welcoming, friendly and full of tips and tricks for enjoying the local area. A thousand thank you's to Jo and her team for the...