1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

We had the most amazing experience at this accommodation. Paolo was so helpful and friendly and before we arrived organised for us to visit a school which was the highlight of our stay. We travelled into the countryside and spent the morning at a school with a class where the kids only spoke Arabic. Our kids aged 11 and 6 and Alan who is a teacher and myself sat in with the class. The school had no electricity or running water and had been closed a few weeks before because of a leaking (more like gushing) roof in the middle of the classroom. What a difference from any classrooms we've experienced in Australia or England. Our kids joined in on the lesson and were writing Arabic on slates with chalk. At first there was a lot of laughter and shyness from the Moroccan children as they thought we were very strange and weren't quite sure what we were doing there. After a while it was so lovely to observe them helping our boys to get their Arabic right. At break time we had a game of football with the ball we had bought with us. Usually the kids don't play sport at school as they have to walk long distances to get to school and home again and are tired from so much walking. Our boys enjoyed collecting water from the well to cool down with. We had bought the school mascot from England with us and had fun taking photos of the panda at school in Morocco. We also took some pens, pencils, felt tips and books to share with the kids. At lunch time we sat with the teachers and discussed schooling in Morocco, England and Australia. What a fantastic cultural learning experience for us and especially our kids.

The lovely thing was the accommodation feels like a home and you can just relax and enjoy life around you. The kids are happy and safe on the streets outside. The decor inside is a funky, creative mix of many influences and styles where you find yourself continually discovering exciting surprises that make you smile. The bedroom terrace and rooftop are beautiful areas to enjoy the gorgeous views of the medina, (and your kids on the street below) especially in the lovely light of early morning or sunset. Everything about this holiday was memorable and exciting.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Whatever your passion or interest is ask Paolo about it before you go and he may be able to help you to organize an experience to increase your knowledge or understanding of how whatever it is functions in a Moroccan culture. If you have kids take a football and tell them to go outside and play. Naima's pastries are gorgeous and are a perfect energy boost after wandering through the medina.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Definitely, the cultural exchange of visiting the school and also every spare minute our boys were outside playing football with all the neighbouring local children, was invaluable. There are pottery and raffia slippers for sale which profit women’s cooperatives. We also bought some pastries and argan oil off Naima, the house manager, which also profits women’s cooperatives. The accommodation itself has no electrical appliances like TV's, computers, etc which as well as saving resources is encouraging you to expand your mind and contemplate the fantastic environment around you. The decor is a funky, creative mix of many styles and influences utilizing recycled and salvaged materials and resources.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

We completely loved our experience and recommend it to everyone. We had the most amazing time. We love this accommodation and we love Essaouira. 10 out of 10, stay here you'll love it.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Visiting the hammam with my two daughters (10 and 7), the food - eating in and eating out, watching the local life around the house, relaxing in the house, getting sand blasted on the beach and swimming in the sea, wandering around the town and shopping.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

We thought Essaouira was a fantastic place but parts of it can be dirty, smelly and scruffy, some people may not like that. As a family we weren't hassled much and it was way more relaxed than Marrakech - we felt it was a great place for our daughters to experience a quite different culture. There is a small amount of culture shock. French is really useful.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Our Moroccan housekeeper benefitted. We took some old clothes with us that were given to local people. The owners seemed very sensitive to the local community and enviroment in their advice to visitors.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

We had a really good time - we loved the house and the town and thought it was a great place to stay with children (maybe not very young ones as there are a lot of stone stairs!) - it was a bit of an adventure.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Fantastic local food. From the local fresh fish grills by the harbour to the more upmarket restaurants - we never experienced a bad meal.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Just be aware that if you're staying in the medina you are staying in amongst a busy working area - so be prepared for all the sights, sounds and smells that come with that.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes - particularly because we felt that staying in the medina itself was beneficial to the local economy - it encourages tourists to eat, drink and shop locally rather than spending money within the many expensive hotels which seem to be cropping up outside of the medina on the beach front.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Very interesting. Relaxing but lively. Superb food.