paradis d'amis

Sidi Kaouki - Paradis d'Amis - 13 november 2025

A rare rainy day in Sidi Kaouki. And stormy winds, but that is less rare here on the coast.

25mm of rain in one day, a welcome relief for the drought in the area and especially for Ank's newly planted garden.

We went for a coffee at Bistro Kao and instead of a walk on the beach we went to the local supermarket, to find some tasty treats for lunch and dinner at home.

Tomorrow the sun will return to paradise...

straight from the airport to the countryside

Sunday 6th of November

After an ultra short night due to a very early flight, i was picked up at the airport in Marrakech by my friend Ank (& Billie), to drive straight to the countryside.

Heading to Berberlodge to escape the madhouse in Marrakech and slowly start our week together. Staying in a shady oasis on the city's outskirts was a perfect start.

We had a super delicious lunch in the garden, green in the broadest sense of the word and then enjoyed our after lunch dip in the swimming pool surrounded by old olive trees.

We stayed until sunset, because the Berberlodge you just don't want to leave.

Already after a while we can see the lights of the city twinkling in the distance and a little later the city walls of the medina emerge and we are driving in the middle of the traffic chaos.

With the help of our friendly baggage porter Hicham, right through the hustle and bustle across the Djemaa el Fna square, into the souk to Chambres Demi (Ank's riad around the corner of Chambres d'Amis).

We end the day with a harira soup at Cafe des Epices, where we are the only ones left close to closing time.

It's good to be back in Morocco.

in the countryside

Wednesday 18th of May.

On this sunny morning we went with Liam to De Zuileshoeve, a rural and magical place outside town, recently created by our friends Hans & Lia Hilkmann.

Hidden among the greenery of De Biesbosch National Park, a unique tidal river delta. Land of willow forests, islands and creeks. A dynamic and adventurous natural and recreational area.

We had coffee, chocolate cake, some drinks and a bottle of milk on the terrace and we were lucky to meet the shepherd that came over with his flock so they could graze in the orchard. So there I stood with Liam-Novi on my arm in the middle of all the sheep and it almost felt like I was in the countryside somewhere in Morocco.

Restaurant and B&B de Zuileshoeve is located on the waterfront in an old barn that has been restored and transformed into a bed & breakfast with four rooms with a view. It's is all about peace, nature and hospitality and a perfect stopover during a walk or bike ride through the area. You can enjoy a drink or lunch on the terrace or in the restaurant.

If you're ever happen to be in the area of Dordrecht, it's a must and I can assure you it feels like instant vacation.

rural retreat at berberlodge

The Berberlodge is a love story between the owner Romain and the village of Oumnass and it’s inhabitants.

A perfect rural retreat for the day off in the middle of our Marvelous Marrakech week.

Together with Ank and her dog Billie we drove with the old baby blue Renault 4 to the countryside for a lazy day in the garden, some swimming and a beautiful and delicous late lunch.

After two years it felt so good to be back in the green paradise that Romain has created.

At the end of a lovely day we made a sunset drive to Marrakech. Incredibly beautiful light!