Looking for a swimming pool in Essaouira? How about doing a day pass to the swimming pool at Les Jardins de Villa Maroc, a boutique hotel, 20 minutes drive from the centre of Essaouira.
If your Airbnb, riad, or hotel in Essaouira doesn’t have a swimming pool, how about treating yourself to a day pass to Les Jardins de Villa Maroc? This stylish, small resort, nestled in the Swiri countryside, offers a day pass to visitors to use the heated swimming pool and dine at the restaurant, and is the sister hotel to Villa Maroc, Morocco’s oldest riad-hotel situated in the heart of the medina. It makes for a lovely day trip from Essaouira.
Driving off the main road along a dirt track lined with Argan trees, there are no obvious signs or a gate on entry to announce your arrival to Les Jardins de Villa Maroc. It’s very understated, and you would only know that it’s there if someone told you. It’s only when you step out of the car and follow the rocky path around to the pool area, that you realise what a beautiful oasis it is. This is a place to truly disconnect and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of Essaouira medina.
The site offers a three-bedroom guest house, eleven stylish Ecodomes, a restaurant, and heated swimming pool. Being a luxury accommodation, the price tag to stay here is on the hefty side. However, Les Jardins de Villa Maroc have a day pass system where anyone can visit for the day to use the swimming pool and dine at the restaurant.
If you’re visiting Essaouira for longer than a few nights and looking for things to do in Essaouira, then a visit to Les Jardins de Villa Maroc on a day pass is a must.
What to expect from a day pass at Les Jardins de Villa Maroc
A day pass (11am to 5pm) to Les Jardins de Villa Maroc includes:
- barbecue lunch buffet served
- access to heated swimming pool
- towels provided on spot
The price is 320DH per person (children under 8 are 280DH). Drinks are not included.
Sunbeds and a couple of cabanas surround the pool, with trees and parasols offering shade, and there are seating areas with cushions dotted around, beckoning you to relax with a good book. On arrival you are welcomed with a basket which contains your towels, sunhats, and drinks menu.
The pool is heated to the perfect temperature. For those visiting Essaouira with kids, there is no separate children’s pool, but there is a shallow section by the steps. Families are very welcome at Les Jardins de Villa Maroc.
The BBQ lunch is served at 1:30pm and offers an array of vegetable and fruit platters, as well as cooked meats. There is more than enough variety if you’re vegetarian or vegan.
A day pass to Les Jardins de Villa Maroc is a wonderfully relaxing way to spend the day, and offers an interesting contrast if you’re staying in Essaouira.
How to get to Les Jardins de Villa Maroc
If you don’t have your own car, the best way to get to Les Jardins de Villa Maroc is by using the free shuttle from the Medina (this is included in your day pass).
Les Jardins de Villa Maroc is the sister hotel to Villa Maroc, which is situated in the heart of the Medina. So meet at Villa Maroc at 11am and you will be led to a car to transport you the 20 minutes to Les Jardins de Villa Maroc. You will be driven back to the medina at 5pm.
Click here for the Google Map location of Villa Maroc. To get there from Bab Sbaa, walk into the medina, straight ahead to the clock tower, walk under the arch to the immediate left of the clock tower, and then turn left. Villa Maroc is just along this narrow alleyway, on the right. If you arrive a little early, you may like to enjoy tea on their roof top.
How to book a day pass to Les Jardins de Villa Maroc
Email Les Jardins de Villa Maroc to book your day pass. Contact details are at the bottom of their website.
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Explore Essaouira ebook£9.45
Explore Essaouira ebook
Updated for 2024, the Explore Essaouira ebook is the only travel guide you need for exploring Essaouira. It is jam packed with inspiration on what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and also includes a step-by-step self-guided walking tour (with photos).
This is a PDF download for use offline and on the go (and ad-free!). Save it to read on the plane to Morocco, download to your phone to follow the self-guided walking tour around the medina, or print it off at home before you leave on your adventures and highlight all the bits you want to remember for your visit.
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Before your go, check out these useful reads for your visit:
The best things to do in Essaouira
Essaouira walking tour (self-guided)
The best restaurants in Essaouira
Essaouira travel FAQs: everything you need to know before your visit