Hidden behind terracotta walls just outside Morocco’s breezy seaside town of Essaouira, Le Jardin des Douars feels like stepping into a private estate designed for slowing down, reconnecting, and indulging in understated luxury.
Surrounded by palm groves and rolling hills, this boutique resort offers calm, sunshine, and space—something that’s surprisingly hard to find along the windy Atlantic coast. For gay couples and LGBTQ+ travelers seeking a relaxed, welcoming retreat that still feels distinctly Moroccan, Le Jardin des Douars is a standout.
Le Jardin des Douars
Why Stay at Le Jardin des Douars?
Le Jardin des Douars isn’t about flashy excess. Instead, it excels at atmosphere—lush gardens, hidden courtyards, tranquil pools, and a sense of discretion that makes you feel instantly at ease.
What truly sets it apart for us is how naturally welcoming the experience feels as a gay couple. From being offered a couples massage suite without hesitation to the owner personally stopping by our table to welcome us, the hospitality felt genuine and thoughtful throughout our stay.
Add in excellent food, beautiful accommodations, and a location that balances seclusion with easy access to Essaouira, and this resort becomes an ideal base for a few unforgettable days in Morocco.
Le Jardin des Douars is set about 15 minutes outside Essaouira in a protected valley surrounded by hills and palm trees. This location is key: while Essaouira itself is famously windy (perfect for kitesurfing), the resort sits in a sheltered pocket where afternoons are sunny, warm, and calm.
Getting here is easy:
Fly into Marrakech Menara Airport (airport code: RAK)
Approx. 3-hour scenic drive to the hotel
We arranged a private transfer through the hotel for around €70 — seamless and stress-free
Hotel shuttle into Essaouira’s medina is available for approx. €11 each way
It’s the perfect setup if you want peaceful resort days with the option to dip into the city for dining, shopping, and sunset walks along the ramparts.
Adults-Only Pool
Facilities & Grounds: A Private Estate Feeling
Spread across two hectares of botanical gardens, the resort feels expansive without ever feeling overwhelming.
Highlights include:
Two heated pools
Adults-only infinity lap pool near the spa
Family-friendly pool below the main house
Spa & Hammam
Three treatment rooms
Private hammam
Couples massage suite (offered to us proactively — a small but meaningful detail)
Paddle courts with their own bar
Lounge spaces with fireplaces
Endless terraces, courtyards, shaded seating areas, and photogenic Moroccan doors
Every path you take leads to another quiet corner, which makes the resort feel both romantic and social at the same time.
Pacha Room
Rooms & Suites: Our Pacha Room Experience
We stayed in a Pacha Room, and it felt palatial compared to most hotel rooms.
Inside, you’ll find:
Queen bed with quality linens
Fireplace and Moroccan lantern lighting
Desk and seating area
Minibar, kettle, and Nespresso machine
Note: Instant coffee is complimentary; Nespresso pods are an extra charge (we hope this changes in the future)
Air conditioning
Free high-speed Wi-Fi
Pacha Bathroom The bathroom is a real highlight, featuring:
Massive soaking tub
Separate shower
Clay sinks
Plush robes and towels
Outside, our private terrace overlooked the gardens with loungers perfectly positioned for sunset and a glass of Moroccan wine.
Breakfast is included with every room, adding excellent value to the stay.
Food is a major part of the experience at Le Jardin des Douars, and it consistently delivers.
Breakfast
Served daily on the terrace (7:30–10:30am), breakfast includes:
Fresh fruit and juices
Breads and pastries
Moroccan spreads
Coffee and tea
Made-to-order eggs and French toast
It’s generous, relaxed, and sets the tone for slow mornings.
Lunch
Sunday Barbecueis not to be missed
Endless salads, grilled meats, and fresh fish
One of the most memorable meals of our stay
On other days, lighter fare is available at the adults-only pool bar
The guacamole and chicken poke bowl were our favorites
Cocktails & Snacks Dinner
Evenings typically begin with cocktails in the upper lounge areas, where complimentary olives and peanuts appear alongside your drinks. Guests gradually move down to the main terrace for dinner.
Standout dishes included:
Vegetable tagine
Grilled vegetables with goat cheese
On select nights, there’s live music paired with complimentary wine, creating an easy, social atmosphere where guests naturally mingle.
🌟 Pro tip – Want more great meals, sunset spots, and unforgettable experiences? Don’t miss our completeGay Travel Guide to Essaouira, where we share our favorite restaurants, bars, and exactly how to spend the perfect day (or night) in town.
Le Jardin des Douars strikes a rare balance. It feels luxurious but never formal, romantic yet relaxed, and distinctly Moroccan without feeling performative.
As a gay couple, we felt comfortable, welcomed, and quietly celebrated—without the need for overt labeling or forced “gay-friendly” marketing. It’s the kind of place where inclusivity is shown through actions, not slogans.
Whether you’re lounging by the adults-only pool, wandering the gardens, or sharing wine during a live music night, the experience feels thoughtful and effortlessly special.
L'Heure Bleue
Travel Tips: Make the Most of Your Stay
Before we wrap up, here are a few quick travel tips for your stay:
Consider splitting your stay: 2–3 nights here, then a few nights in an Essaouira medina riad
No PDA applies to both gay and straight couples in Morocco; discretion is key (homosexuality is technically illegal in Morocco)
Always travel with insurance — we use SafetyWing for peace of mind
Le Jardin des Douars
Ready To Book?
If you’re looking for a gay-friendly resort in Morocco that delivers beauty, calm, and sincere hospitality, Le Jardin des Douars is a standout choice.
It’s ideal for couples, honeymoon-style escapes, or anyone wanting to experience Morocco at a slower, more intimate pace—without sacrificing comfort or character.
🌟 Pro tip – Planning a trip Morocco? From the best LGBTQ+ friendly hotels to must-visit attractions, dining, and travel tips, find it all in our gay travel guides to the following cities: Essaouira, Marrakech (coming soon!), Casablanca (coming soon!), and Tangier (coming soon!).
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