Dar Ahlam
This traditional Kasbah, on the edge of the desert in southern Morocco, has been authentically and artistically restored and still manages to feel like a private home.
Despite its remote desert location, it has sophisticated facilities and thanks to its gardens and surrounding palm groves, it feels lush and peaceful.
There are fourteen suites available, each decorated with simple and stylish interiors featuring elegant furniture and billowing fabrics. The property has a large swimming pool, Hammam and Jacuzzi, and provides massage treatments in its 'wellness' riad. Cookery classes are offered at the hotel, and outside, activities include 4x4 excursions with private driver and guide into the surrounding desert, camel rides, or even an overnight stay in a desert camp.
For an authentic desert experience, opt to spend a night under the stars in a luxury tent in the sand dunes. Up to fifteen Bedouin-style tents, all adorned with Moroccan rugs and antique chests, can be set up for a private desert adventure, lit by oil lamps and a wood fire. Tents have en-suite bathrooms, living rooms and a private terrace. Supper is served around the campfire, and breakfast is at sunrise before returning to the Kasbah by 4x4.
Why We Love It
Guests are welcome to take tea, early evening drinks, or meals al fresco in the pretty gardens, accompanied by candles in traditional lanterns by night.
Scarabeo Stone Desert Camp
In the heart of the untouched Agafay Desert, standing against a backdrop of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains sits a handful of oriental-inspired nomadic tents where you will experience the true purity of Moroccan desert life.
Less than an hour's drive from Marrakech, Scarabeo Stone Desert Camp consists of 15 charming and capacious tents, eight of which are double suites, two twin suites and five family suites, all dotted throughout the vast terrain - en suite showers and heating are also included. With Oriental and African inspiration, the design of the camp and its interiors matches the landscape, featuring caramel-leather chairs, travel artefacts, Moroccan lanterns, bleached wood, weaved floor mats and Berber rugs - all made out of natural materials. Scarabeo Camp also offer pop-up lodging anywhere in Morocco where more standard lodgings are offered in European style canvas tents.
Wake up to the warm smell of the freshly baked bread in the mornings before heading out for an adventurous day in the desert and on your return, expect a feast of traditional Moroccan cuisine served around a candlelit communal table.
Scarabeo Camp is designed for guests to enjoy the great outdoors and offers an array of activities. These include dune buggying, camel back riding, a half or full day trek, yoga, and stargazing with an astronomy professor. With Marrakech not far away, all of the capitals activities are within reach too.
Why We Love It
The real beauty here lies in its surroundings, after dinner recline in a traditional Moroccan lounge strewn with ethnic cushions, look up and get lost in the blanket of spectacular stars. Stone Desert Camp is a place to completely unwind and disconnect.