GUESTHOUSEGUESTHOUSEAPARTMENT) If you want to stay in Diabat, your best bet is this rustic and remote old house in a serene
location, close to the new golf course. The rooms here are chic and all recently decorated,
each has its own open fireplace and the whole house is romantically lit by candlelight (there’s
electricity for charging batteries only). Dinner is available, and there’s a hammam.
Getting There & Away
To get to Diabat drive south on the coast road to Agadir and turn right just after the bridge
about 7km out of town. Alternatively, local bus 5 leaves from outside Bab Marrakech (Dh5,
every two hours).
SIDI KAOUKI
The constant blustery winds, wild beach and decent accommodation at Sidi Kaouki are fast
turning it into one of Morocco’s top windsurfing and surfing spots. There’s a wind farm just north
of the village to prove it. It’s not for the faint-hearted and the waters here can be dangerous for
inexperienced surfers.
The large building on the rocks, washed by the sea, is the final resting place of Sufi saint Sidi
Kaouki who was known for his healing abilities. People still visit the shrine. You can rent a horse
(Dh70/120 per half-hour/hour) or a camel (Dh100 per hour) and ride along the long stretch of
beautiful beach. For water sports, the quintessential surfers’ hang-out on the beach is Station
Sidi Kaouki ( 0672 04 40 16; www.sidi-kaouki.com) , a brightly decorated cafe and
restaurant with a cool vibe. Here you can hire a surfboard (Dh275/660 per one/three days) or
kitesurfing and windsurfing equipment (Dh1430 per three days) as well as arrange excursions
to remote beaches.
A clutch of guesthouses are set back from the beachfront. They all serve dinner.Sleeping
Auberge de la Plage €€
( 0524 47 66 00, 0661 10 26 64; www.kaouki.com; s/d/tr incl breakfast Dh350/550/650)
This is a delightfully rustic house with comfortable rooms with sea views. There are cheaper
rooms with shared bathrooms. Dinner can be ordered in advance and is excellent. The menu
depends on what the local fishermen have caught. The garden is a shady haven, while there’s
nowhere better than the roof terrace to watch the sunset. The owner is very knowledgeable
about the area.
Hotel Le Kaouki €€
( 0524 78 32 06; www.sidikaouki.com; s/d/tr incl demi pension Dh330/550/730) Decorated
in bright blue with local fabrics, this is also a good choice. The staff are friendly and welcoming.
There’s electricity on the ground floor only.
Windy Kaouki €€€
( 0524 47 22 79; www.windy-kaouki.com; apt Dh750-1100; ) These spacious apartments
are ideal for families. They are fully equipped, nicely decorated and have fireplaces. The
balconies have wonderful sea views. Staff can arrange windsurfing, quad bikes and horse
riding.