One of the beauties of rural Morocco is the lack of light pollution which makes for amazing star-gazing. All the riads and villas at Rebali have roof terraces which are perfect for spotting planets and stars and we also have a pair of tripod-mounted stellar binoculars for guest use (no charge). We hand out star maps but the best way to explore the skies is to download the “Starwalk” app to your tablet and use that as an interactive guide. Or just lie back and count the shooting stars…
Many people visit Rebali for the walking. The favourite is a 2 hour trek down along the coast to where a lava formation has created a series of waterfall almost on to the beach. Turn in the opposite direction and you head towards the massive dunes and light house of Cap Sim, passing through a traditional fishing village with a great sea food cafe. Finally it is also recommended to turn your back on the sea and go inland through the villages that dot the hillside. Whichever direction you choose there are no roads and you are very unlikely to see other tourists. All the walking can be done unaccompanied but guides and picnic lunches can also be provided.
The beaches around Rebali are designed for an endless gallop and there are ponies and horses available for hire on the door step. For more serious riders we recommend a stable just up the coast where you can have an escorted hour or two on the beach or the favourite is a 2 day loop around the coast staying the night at Rebali (evening massage suggested…) and then heading back by the forests inland all without touching a road.
Whilst we don’t have adsl broadband in the village we do have a good 3-G wifi that is free and covers most of the hotel. It is good for web browsing, email and skype calls but not really fast enough for watching you-tube and other data heavy applications. All the villas and riads have large screen TV’s with a good selection of international channels. They also all have DVD players and we have a good library of films for guests to borrow
We think Rebali is one of the best places in Morocco for kids. The villa style accommodation is perfect for families and ensures all guests enjoy peace and quiet. There are loads of activities from camel/donkey/horse riding to hunting tortoises and Chameleons. Our Chef is great at adapting food to suit youngsters timings and tastes and if the parents want a night out in the village or in Essaouira town we are happy to arrange babysitting. Cots and high chairs are available at no charge for children aged 2 years and under when they share the parents room.
Rebali has the only tennis court in the area and whilst it is not a championship quality surface it is great for a knock about. We are also able to arrange coaching for those who want to improve their game. Rackets and balls are provided but better to bring your own if you have space. There is also a table tennis table and, for the beach, rounders and cricket sets.
Gardens Hammam and Tennis Court
There are 6 swimming pools in total at Rebali, 2 communal and 4 for private use.
The largest pool is 15m (50 feet) long and is ideal for swimming some lengths. Connected to the lap pool is a shallow smaller pool ideal for relaxing or for children to play.
Guests staying in Mevada, Sila, Valmar and Jamila have a private pool to use for relaxing and sunbathing but may also use the shared pools for length swimming when not busy.
All the pools are surrounded by sunloungers and shade umbrellas. The pools can can be lit at night and it is lovely to have meals served beside the pools.
Please note that there is no pool surveillance and non-swimming children must be supervised at all times.
Dar Mevada, Riad Sila and Riad Valmar private pools can be heated between November and March. Additional charge applies.
Anyone for Tortoises…?
Each of the riads has a private garden extensively planted with indigenous and tropical plants, grassed lawns and berjmat tiled patios with sunloungers and mozaic ‘zellige’ dining tables.
In addition there is a large communal garden with room for a game of boules or volleyball or to find a space to curl up with a book. There are also various garden and beach games including cricket and rounders.
Bordering the garden and surrounding the hammam is a walled olive garden which acts as a sanctuary for Rebali’s resident tortoises. If you are lucky you will also see our tame chameleon…
On the other side of the hammam is a tennis court and there are rackets and balls to borrow if you don’t want to bring your own.
Use of the communal garden and tennis court is free for guests.
Gardens Hammam and Tennis Court
We have 2 or 3 formal yoga breaks each year normally around 3 to 5 days where yoga teachers come in from around the world and manage a program. If that sounds too much we also have locally based teachers who will take a private or group class at very reasonable prices. Please contact us for more details.
Where the road stops and the dunes start, quad bikes become the way to explore and in particular to get out to the lighthouse and the amazing dune-scape around Cape Sim. You can take a single quad or a double quad with a guide. It is important you use a reputable firm and the managers at Rebali will arrange this for you. A great day out for adrenaline junkies or those who want a leisurely tour off the beaten track.
