We had a fabulous week's stay at Dar Elwan, and are very much hoping to return again in the future.
The service was excellent from the moment of booking, Patrick sent us regular emails with information and was very helpful in organising transfers and food for our arrival with Said who manages the house.
Transfers all went really well with Said there to pick us up with no issues (in fact he had to wait ages for us due to a big queue at customs), and the food we ordered (plus extras including an amazing cake made by his wife) we all waiting for us on arrival.
The house is comfortable, but the weather on our trip was great, so we spent most of our time outside in the lovely garden and pool area. We loved spending time feeding the many tortoises, and listening and watching the interesting variety of birds who visited both day and night.
Said was great in taking us out to visit many places that we otherwise wouldn't have gone to such as the local market, and beaches. Although we don't speak great French and he only spoke a little English communication was not a problem and he was a great help to us during our stay. He also arranged for a fabulous dinner for us one night cooked by his wife - and yet another amazing cake.
Dar Elwan is quite rural, about 20 minutes south of Essaouira, so you do need to either drive or have Said drive you to go anywhere including food shopping. There is a small local shop selling water and bread, plus other soft drinks about 1/2 mile away.
If you've not been to Essaouira we would definitely recommend it, the location and scenery is beautiful, and although we love Marrakech, we prefer Essaouria as it is more laid-back.
We would definitely recommend Essaouria as a place to visit and Dar Elwan as a place to stay.