Description
Dar Ahlam, or the 'house of dreams', is located in Morocco's Ouarzazate region, perched between the town of Skoura and the Atlas Mountains in what was a Sultan’s private hunting ground. Surrounded by almond trees, olive groves, dates and roses, Dar Ahlam's luscious gardens are a luxury oasis, hidden away to the world.
Inside the imposing red brick kasbah there are 9 suites, with 3 private villas in the grounds – all stunningly furnished, blending French chic with Moroccan influences – a perfect harmony of old world charm and modern luxury. Decorated with rich Moroccan colours and filled with individual artefacts and antiques, each suite is unique. The three villas complement the kasbah in style and have the luxury of their own private patios and swimming pools.
Gourmet meals are prepared by two French chefs and are exquisite, combining traditional Moroccan specialities with the latest culinary innovations. You can dine in a different private location each day such as lunch in the olive grove or herb garden and dinner on one of the kasbah's many tucked away terraces, ensuring that privacy and seclusion is maintained throughout your stay.
The hotel has a hamman and offers an extensive range of indulgent, rejuvenating treatments. Dar Ahlam also has a superb desert camp which offers possibly the best desert experience in North Africa. Spend a night under the stars in your own luxury bivouac tent, with en-suite bathroom, living room and private terrace. A combination of Dar Ahlam with their desert camp is surely the way to see Morocco in style.
Activities abound, from chauffeured 4X4 excursions in search of the Dades or Draa valleys or the stunning Valley of the Roses - or take a donkey, camel, horse, quad bike or motorbike - the methods of transport around this fascinating and expansive region are endless. For those wanting a peaceful day nearer to home, take a cooking class, a stroll with a picnic in the surrounding area or simply enjoy the pool, treatments and hammam.
In short, Dar Ahlam offers an atmosphere of complete refinement and peace, a haven to counter the more active and graphic experiences to be had in the larger cities. Coupled with a stay in their private desert camp, this experience will offer so much more than just a city break to Marrakech.
Accommodation
Dar Ahlam has 9 Suites within the kasbah and 3 separate Villas. Each suite and villa is different and all are individually furnished with contemporary and antique Moroccan styles. All of the suites have spacious en-suite bathrooms, fireplaces for those cooler evenings, Atlas Mountain views and some have a terrace. The villas have sitting rooms and terraces with outdoor fireplaces overlooking their private swimming pools. Please note there are no TVs or telephones.
Childcare
Dar Ahlam welcomes children from 6 months, and cots can be placed in every room. The Syrian Suite can accommodate a child under 10. Please note that babysitting can be arranged in request and the chefs are more than happy to cater for children's meals. There is so much in the area for adventurous families to do and children will love riding the camels/horses/mules. An overnight stay in the desert camp would be a once in a lifetime experience for any young adventurer.
Facilities
Dar Ahlam prides itself on privacy and you can enjoy the delicious cuisine created by the two French chefs - one specifically in charge of delicious desserts - wherever you like in the kasbah and its grounds. Pre dinner drinks are served each night in the grand salon for guests to enjoy together. The kasbah also has an outdoor swimming pool, traditional hamman and spa for indulgent relaxing treatments.
Activities
The surrounding region offers innumerable day trips which can be taken with your personal guide. Transport is by 4X4, mule, camel, motorbike, mountain bike or quad bike and there is also excellent trekking in the region. Salt mines, lakes, gorges and valleys are all within easy reach and outings can always be accompanied by a gourmet picnic or some delectable snacks. Cooking classes are also available at the kasbah.
When to travel
Can also be visited year-round, although it does get cold in winter, with averages in the late teens celsius. Temperatures reach an average of up to 40ºC in summer.
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Location and directions
Skoura, Morocco
Dar Ahlam is located in an oasis that was once part of a medieval sultan’s hunting ground in Skoura, on the Saharan side of the Atlas Range, near Ouarzazate.
How to get there
Most international visitors arrive via Marrakech’s Menara Airport. Dar Ahlam is a 4.5 hour drive from Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains. Alternatively, from Marrakech, you can catch a domestic Royal Air Maroc flight to Ouarzazate, which is 45 minutes from Dar Ahlam.
