Dar Ahlam
Skoura, Morocco
At a Glance
Dar Ahlam's isolation is central to its philosophy of peace and privacy - you really do feel like you are in another world entirely
The setting for Dar Ahlam is the Sultan's former hunting grounds
Dar Ahlam offers a bespoke desert camp experience like no other- a bivouac tent with en-suite and private terrace - glamorous camping indeed
Choose your steed be it a camel, mule or horse for an exciting adventure in this fascinating region
Guests embrace the utterly rural location as the rooms have no TVs
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Skoura can be visited year-round, although it does get cold in winter, especially at night, while the height of summer can see temperatures well over 40ºC. Spring and autumn are probably the best times to visit. Dar Ahlam closes each year during July.
Insider's View
Hand yourself over completely to the team here who will choreograph your stay to perfection with surprises galore.
For something seriously special with the family, take Olivier Villa. Two bedrooms with a private plunge pool in its own courtyard.
This is definitely a concept! Be prepared to let the experts take control of your bespoke experience - you are in good hands!
Definitely worth a three night stay with one night offsite in their Nomad Camp or Valley of the Roses Camp.
They know how to do romance, and will cast a spell daily for every guest. No two days will be the same, and each experience will be bespoke, created just for you.
Take a camel ride out into the desert at sunset - an aperitif in the oasis is something you don't experience every day.
Indulge during your stay - the patisseries here are to die for.
Ask to have lunch under the shade of beautiful olive trees to escape the heat.
Call us on to start planning your holiday to Dar Ahlam or take a look at our itineraries to Morocco
Description
Dar Ahlam is one of the most luxurious properties in Morocco offering a stunning 19th Century Kasbah in Skoura as well as a luxury desert camp. With superb food and accommodation, Dar Ahlam is the perfect exotic retreat.
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 13 suites, with a private villa in the grounds – all stunningly furnished, blending Moroccan chic with French 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.
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 hammam and spa, 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 to 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.
Accommodation
Dar Ahlam has 13 suites as well as a separate villa. 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 all have a terrace. The villa has a sitting room and terrace with outdoor fireplace overlooking the private swimming pool. Please note there are no TVs or telephones.
| Superior Suite | Superior Suites measure 80 sqm and boast a separate living room. Each has a large private terrace which can connect to the next door terrace, ideal for families or groups of friends. |
Childcare
Dar Ahlam welcomes children of any age, and cots can be placed in every room. Please note that babysitting can be arranged on 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 or mules, and exploring the oasis. 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.
Reviews
Rachael Mendizabal (Staff)
I was absolutely blown away by the number of locations they can change to turn into a private dining experience. They remove objects, add fabric, modify colour themes - all to team with the food that is being served. Imagination seems to be the only boundary here at Dar Ahlam. This property has the art of luxury and simplicity down to a meticulous science, from the beauty of the proprty itself, the attentive yet unobtrusive service, and the bespoke activities that are chosen for each guest.
Serena Moore (Staff)
Dar Ahlam translate to 'House of Dreams' and this could not be more accurate. As you cross the dried river bed in your 4x4 you wonder where you are going. Then the palm trees appear and you drive through little narrow lanes to the Kasbah. The gardens are luscious and green, with home grown vegetable for a farm to table feel. There is no check in process, you are shown to the salon, handed a drink whilst your bags are taken to your room. You then sit with your personal guide, discuss your itinerary for your stay and then told to relax and unwind. The amazing food and attentive staff make it out of this world and unlike any around, set in an oasis of palm and olive trees you can really unwind for a truly magical experience.
Kerry Willmer (Staff)
I loved the maze of passages that lead out to little out looks and hidden areas and the dine around option means you never eat in the same place twice.
It is really peaceful and has lovely gardens with lots of Palm, Olive and fig trees growing.
Holiday Ideas
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Morocco in ultimate luxury
Marrakech, Atlas Mountains, Skoura & the Sahara Desert
from £7800 pp inc flights & transfers for 10 nights
- Combine the Atlas Mountains, a night in the a private desert camp, the palm groves of Skoura and bustling Marrakech
- Stay in luxurious hotels throughout your trip for a superbly indulgent adventure
- Ideal from October to April, to avoid the worst of the desert's heat
-
Morocco in ultimate luxury
Marrakech, Atlas Mountains, Skoura & the Sahara Desert
from £7800 pp inc flights & transfers for 10 nights
- Combine the Atlas Mountains, a night in the a private desert camp, the palm groves of Skoura and bustling Marrakech
- Stay in luxurious hotels throughout your trip for a superbly indulgent adventure
- Ideal from October to April, to avoid the worst of the desert's heat
Location & 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-hour 30-minute drive from Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains. Alternatively, from Casablanca, you can catch a domestic Royal Air Maroc flight to Ouarzazate, which is 45 minutes from Dar Ahlam.
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