French owners Catherine and Philippe have created Sawadi - a country guesthouse hotel set among an 8.75 acre farm in a beautiful palm grove which has an unobstructed view of the mountains. Travellers to Morocco often like to combine a visit to one of the cities with an exploration of rural areas too. Skoura is perfect for this itinerary because it is right between the Atlas Mountains and the desert. It is thus popular as a one or two-night stopover, yet it can also be a rewarding and worthwhile longer stay in itself. There is so much to see and do.

With 17 guest rooms spread over an array of kasbahs, Sawadi is still far from being anything other than a little and personal hotel: by choice, the owners have used only 20% of the site for lodging, thereby preserving the scope of the farmland and the rural tranquility that guests experience. And the farmland is a great part of the character of the hotel. There are olive, fig, apricot, pomegranate, apple and almond trees, as well as grape vines. The farm supplies the restaurant with fresh produce including seasonal vegetables and fruits, meat, eggs, oil, jam and honey.

The kasbahs are constructed of 'adobe', a traditional mixture of mud, straw and stone. Do not let this seemingly primitive method be thought of negatively though, as it works well in this region and says nothing of the state of luxury that has been so finely crafted on the inside. Of the six, one of the kasbahs is for six to nine people, three of them house two guest rooms and two house four guest rooms. There are remarkable detailed touches to furnishings such as headboards and lamps, all the while within relatively uncluttered designs and decors. Ceilings have exposed eucalyptus or poplar beams, with coffers of woven reeds four or five layers deep. The building materials help rooms stay cool in summer and warm in winter. Although there is air conditioning in some rooms, this is often not necessary.

Sawadi is very much committed to sustainable development and respect of local traditions and the area. For instance, all the ironwork and woodwork are from local artisans. There are no 4x4s, trucks or tractors used in the running of the hotel and farm, which means more locals employed, and also an even more peaceful stay.

What to do with all this peace? Besides the desirable 12 x 6m swimming pool and shady terrace, you may opt for a traditional hammam for up to 4 people. A 45-minute massage with argan oil can complete the experience. For a livelier time, there is a games area with table tennis, volleyball and basketball. This is an ideal guest house for children too, what with all the animals to see, and donkey or carriage rides can be arranged for them too, as well them being watched over by Sawadi for occasions when adults go on one-day excursions.

Regarding excursions, tours by bicycle, mule, horse, car and 4x4 can all be suggested, and camping excursions in rocky desert, sandy desert and oasis areas can be arranged. For those interested in local fauna, flora, ornithology, geology, ethnology or folklore, trips, all this can be arranged by the hotel too.Being within easy range of places such as Zagora, the Todra and Dades Gorges and the 'Route of 1000 Kasbahs', Sawadi is well-placed, but it is well worth a stay for what it is itself.

Restaurant:

Ingredients from the farm are used as a staple of meals. For breakfast, the bread, yoghurts, crepes, jam and cakes are home-made each day. For other meals, soups and vegetables vary according to the seasons, and salads are assembled just before serving to ensure ultimate freshness. Food is organic, and the sheep and poultry mainly come from Sawadi's own stock, fed in traditional ways. The chef, Mohammed, has his house situated right on the property. If you have a look around the farm, you may see Annan making bread in a traditional oven. Go and ask for a taste.

A Word From the Owner:

"Giving guests the chance to get to know the life of a palm grove, whilst ensuring them the comfort that is expected, improving the quality of life for those who live in the palm grove, and learning each day from a different culture are the motivations that led us to bring Sawadi to life."

Hotel Amenities:

IN THE HOTEL	IN YOUR ROOM
Bar Restaurant Reading room Swimming pool Terrace with views of the mountain Hammam and massage room Table tennis, Volleyball, Basketball Miniature bowling, Pétanque Projection room	WiFi internet access En-suite bathroom Air conditioning (Apple Tree and Fig Tree Kasbahs)

Nearby Amenities:

Horse-riding
Mule treks
Cycling
All kinds of excursions
Archaeological sites
Salt mines
Palm grove

Places to visit:
Todra & Dades Gorges
'Route of 1000 Kasbahs'
Zagora
Ouazazarte
High Atlas mountains
Sahara desert

What We Say:

In terms of going somewhere Moroccan where you experience the local life, Sawadi ticks all the right boxes because, more than just a place to stay amongst the culture, it is a part of that culture. With the farm at the hub of life here, it is an 'authentic' stay. It is also suitable for disabled guests, with wide entrances, paths and handrails in the bathrooms.

From the Guestbook:

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Room Rates in Euros (2012)
	High Season	Low Season
	12 Feb - 14 Mar 3 Apr - 4 May 24 Oct - 4 Nov 18 Dec - 4 Jan	Rest of the Year
Deluxe Room (2 adults) Apple Tree and Fig Tree Kasbahs Each consists of 2 suites and 2 deluxe rooms. Deluxe rooms are 24m², with double bed and 1 or 2 single beds. Room and suite can be connected with double inner door. This can then accommodate up to 6 people. Air conditioning. Tamarix Tree, Olive Tree and Almond Tree Kasbahs Rooms are 20m². In each kasbah, 2 bedrooms have 3 0.9m beds and the other has a 1.6m bed and a 0.9m bed. Almond has a 1.8m bed. Each room has bathroom with shower and washbasin and a separate toilet room. Large 70m² terrace shared between 2 rooms on the roof.Close	€ 70	€ 65
Deluxe Room (1 person)	€ 59	€ 55
Deluxe Room (3 adults)	€ 86	€ 80
Suite (2 adults) Apple Tree and Fig Tree Kasbahs Each consists of 2 suites and 2 deluxe rooms. Suites are 31m² with 1.6m double bed, air conditioning and fireplace. Bathroom has 2 washbasins and large shower. Separate room for toilet. 6m² private terrace with views of the olive grove and gardens.Close	€ 83	€ 77
Suite (1 person)	€ 69	€ 64
Palm Kasbah Palm Kasbah 130m² area. Suitable for 3 to 8 guests. 2 bedrooms on groundfloor, 1 with a fireplace. Other ground floor bedroom is 17m² with a super king-size bed 2m wide and 0.9m bed for a 3rd person or child. On the 1st floor, a 20m² room has 1 1.6m double bed and 2 0.9m beds. Large private terrace 20m² with excellent view of the mountains. Ideal for sunbathing or sleeping under the stars on summer nights in the Berber tradition. A second terrace overlooks the pool. Each bedroom has a bathroom with shower, washbasin and separate toilet.Cl	€ 248	€ 230
Currency Converter
Prices are per room per night including breakfast and VAT. Local tourism tax: € 1.10 per person per night (no tax for children under 11) Cot (child under 3): Free Child (3 to 12): € 9 Lunch: € 8/10/12 per person Dinner: € 16 per person (special dinner menu for children, € 9)
Advantage Discount 2 or 3 nights stay: 5% discount 4 nights + : 10% discount Check Availability     Book Now!

Deposit:

A credit card number and a 15% non-refundable deposit are required to confirm a reservation. The balance is payable to the hotel on departure. There is a 5% surcharge for payments by credit card at the hotel (not the deposit).

Cancellations:

Cancellations must be received in writing at least 30 days before arrival. Later cancellations are charged:
30 days to 15 days before arrival: 30%
14 days to 8 days before arrival: 50%
7 days to 1 day: 80%
No cancellation and no show: 100%