Les Jardins de Skoura is a hidden gem of a hotel, located off the beaten track 45 min from Ouarzazate in the village of Skoura. It offers a truly welcoming and peaceful retreat from hectic modern Morocco. The riad is housed in a converted riad with many original features remaining, such as its arched doorways. The management and staff give the warmest of welcomes, and offer numerous activities exploring local culture and nature: like guided half or full day treks in the palm groves, or 4x4 excursions to the old cities of Ouarzazate Kasbah Taourirt and Ksar Ait Benhaddou or the Draa Valley, Roses Valley and Dades and Todra gorges.

The facilities

Les Jardins de Skoura boasts, fittingly enough, amazingly fragranced gardens filled with palms, grapevines and fruit trees including olive, almonds, apricots, grenadiers and figs. To relax, guests can take a dip in the outdoor pool. Meals are served on the terrace under the stars, or taken in the candle-lit dining room in winter.

The rooms

The hotel's five rooms and three suites are all individually decorated, with beautiful original fireplaces, bathrooms with tadelakt and private terraces.