Dar Mimosas by Joanna Monkhouse

Dar Mimosas is set in 1.5 hectares of well-developed and immaculately tended gardens just south of Essaouira. The collection of guest villas is only a 15 minute stroll along the river mouth to the sea but is located far enough from the coast to elude the damp air. This green and peaceful hideaway is the most luxurious option in the area, every villa has a private walled garden, some with fountains. The sense of privacy afforded by the villas make each guest feel that they are the only ones there. Antiques have been gathered from all over Morocco to compliment the refined and elegant décor in the villas, which consist of one or two bedrooms, a salon (with fireplace, cd player and tv) and a kitchen. Most have both a shower room and a bathroom. Many of the blue paintings are by local artists, and some are by the owner, who is French in origin but was brought up in Morocco. The food is prepared to a high standard by the local staff, who are attentive yet discreet. For breakfast, bread is baked in the oven and served with honey from the 8 beehives on the roof of the garage and gym. The bees gather nectar from the oleanders in the garden. Four jets of water cascade into the Roman bath-like pool, which is set in front of the main house. The salon has a well stocked bar for aperitifs in the evening and an extensive collection of silver hands to ward off the evil eye. It seems to be very far from Dar Mimosas.