Kasbah Gousteau

We spent a week here with friends in early March. The city of Taroundant is 10 minutes away by car. The riad is appointed with beautiful furnishings in all rooms and public spaces. Birds, cats and turtles aplenty ! Silence reigns at night. The meals and service were impeccable and generous. Abdou, our host, is a pro who enjoys his work. I’d return anytime!

Where do I start…. well firstly to say that Kasbah Gousteau is an absolute gem. I couldn’t quite believe what a fantastic place I had found when I arrived there. I came by hire car and followed the signs to the guesthouse. It’s location being a little bit out of Taroudant along some unmade roads. Don’t let this put you off. The signage is there and once you orientate yourself, you see the benefits of its location. The front of the property hides the magic behind. I was welcomed through the main front door and stepped into a kasbah reminiscent of something out of a homes and interiors magazine. It is beautiful. I was warmly greeted by Abdul and his sister who made my stay so memorable. They are brother and sister and exceptional hosts. Abdul’s sister conjures up the most delicious meals and I would urge anyone thinking of staying here to dine at the Gousteau. They also have alcohol on site and the prices charged very reasonable. The dining is outside and shaded if required. Once the sun goes in, it is replaced by the most magnificent night sky. The stars are spectacular. Apart from the uniqueness of each of the rooms, one of the stand out facilities for me was the swimming pool. It is amazing. It helped that I was the only guest and so had the entire place to myself. I was even persuaded to stay an extra night which I am so glad I did. Abdul suggested some fantastic places close by to visit that I would never have seen if I had t stayed longer. This place is so peaceful and beautiful. The bedrooms are well thought out and very well decorated and there is some nice attention to detail in the Moroccan style bathrooms - soaps, shower gel and shampoo provided and bottled water for your room. Nothing seems to be too much trouble for the guests at Gousteau. I was served mint tea and dates and then mint tea and melon by the pool and frequently asked if I wanted anything. I even had a massage from a lady in a nearby village. She came to Gousteau and one of the main rooms was made utilised. That was an amazing hour, though a little pricey considering the value for money of everything else. I paid the masseur directly. It’s worth agreeing a price before any treatments are undertaken. So, to summarise this is the place to stay if you are in the area and looking for accommodation. I wouldn’t hesitate in returning. If my itinerary had allowed it I would happily have stayed so much longer.

En empruntant la N10 depuis Taroudant direction Agadir et la P1706 sur une courte distance après avoir traversé l'oued, on se rend dans cette oasis de paix en 10 minutes en auto. Chaleureux accueil de l'hôtesse et de son personnel, tous très aimables et attentionnés. J'ai eu le privilège de partager avec elle le repas du soir sur la terrasse au clair de lune. Merveilleuse ambiance. Très beau riad situé hors des nuisances sonores, bien entretenu et très propre. Idéal pour recharger ses batteries dans le calme au bord de la piscine.

Nous avons réservé une chambre Lawrence au premier étage de la Kasbah. Nous étions les seuls clients. Nous n'avons pas eu d'eau pendant le séjour, nous avons du nous laver avec des seaux et pareil pour les toilettes. Une chaleur épouvantable dans la chambre nous a empêché de dormir ainsi que les bruits extérieurs, sans parler des odeurs. Au petit déjeuner nous avons eu du pain en baguette alors que nous aurions préféré un vrai petit déjeuner marocain, pain marocain, crêpes.... La piscine était trouble, nous n'en avons pas profité car impossible de se laver ensuite. Bref, pour le prix payé ça ne vaut pas le coup. C'est beaucoup trop cher et mal entretenu. Il aurait été souhaitable de nous avertir pour l'eau ou de nous proposer un dédommagement. Je ne recommande absolument pas !