I have just returned from one of the best holidays ever! Maison du Sud is perfectly situated in the centre of the busy Medina of Essaouira and yet once you step inside the riad you are greeted with a wonderfully calm and relaxed atmosphere. The hotel staff are all extremely friendly and helpful and the rooms clean,comfortable, spacious and full of character.
I was staying at Maison du Sud whilst on a photography holiday with Darren Lewey of Images in the Sun. As an enthusiastic amateur I was keen to improve my photography skills. Darren is a fantastic tutor, with seemingly endless patience and encouragement he taught me how to get the best from my camera, through both technique and composition.
In addition to the photography I was lucky enough to spend 2 great days cooking traditional Moroccan dishes with Darren's wife Naima.
Darren and Naima were extremely generous hosts and both went to great lengths to ensure that my visit to Essaouira was one to remember.
I can't recommend this holiday highly enough and am hoping to return next year!

This Riad is superb. Right from arrival we were made to feel almost part of the family. The hosts are generous of their time and hospitality is superb. The staff at the Riad are all wonderful too, they go out of their way to be polite and helpful. Nothing ever seemed too much trouble. we had Room 19 which was beautiful and with heather, a perfect place to return to and relax in. The bed was very comfortable. The Riad is in the centre ,5 minute walk to the beach and port . Breakfast was made of many different parts from homemade preserves and toast ,panckakes ,fresh jus .... We found that after breakfast we didnt want to eat until the evening. The evening meal that we had at the Riad on the first evening because we arrived late was superb. We felt the cost of meals and drinks at the Riad was very reasonable throughout our stay. Do ask Brahim and Said to arrange the taxis for you from and to the airport. The cost was reasonable and you will be taken to and collected from the Riad. Essential for a first time visitor to Morocco ! If we return to essaouira it will be to stay at the Riad Maison du sud .

We had the pleasure of staying at Riad Maison du sud in january and had an amazing time. The staff were so helpful and attended to our every need. My husband and I - we stayed in a beautifully decorated room and enjoyed breakfast in the courtyard. We enjoyed an evening meal at the Riad ,the staff were so great. the driver that picked us up from the airport was also nice .

This was an oasis of calm in the madness of Essaouira! A lovely, calm atmosphere, where nothing was too much trouble.


Do not hesitate to go there