Dar Ahlam

Dar Ahlam is a converted 19th-century Kasbah, located in the sleepy village of Skoura. Skoura is in Morocco’s Ouarzazate region, a lush valley of verdant palm groves sat between the Atlas Mountains‘ craggy rocks and the beginning of the Sahara Desert. You are about a 4-5 hour drive from Marrakech, although you can fly into Ouarzazate from Casablanca, and it is about 45 minutes from there. Many guests stay at Dar Ahlam in conjunction with a visit to the desert camps in the Sahara – either in Zagora (where Dar Ahlam run a camp) or Merzouga to the southeast.

Dar Alham translates as ‘house of dreams’ – and it is most of the most luxurious hotels in Morocco. The gardens turn it into a mini oasis, with almond trees, olive groves, dates and roses beautifully woven into the landscape.

There are just 13 suites at Dar Ahlam, and also a private villa with the grounds. Each suite is unique and has that undeniably chic, understated Moroccan style. You find gorgeous antiques and furnishings to create a living space that can only make you smile. Each suite has a terrace, separate living space, and large spacious en-suite bathrooms. These even feature their own fireplace.

Dining is a movable feast. You start with a pre-dinner cocktail in the grand salon with your fellow guests. A private table is set up in various locations, such as within the olive grove or herb garden for lunch. They can also arrange a table on one of the terraces with candles for the evening. Being French-owned, they have brought two exceptional chefs over to fuse traditional Moroccan cuisine with a gourmet French twist. We can still taste the deliciousness. It really is next-level cooking.

Dar Ahlam has its own spa and, of course, a traditional hammam. There is a large outdoor pool, so you can easily spend quite a few days simply relaxing here. Dar Ahlam has its own private desert camp located about five hours drive south of the hotel. They also operate small luxury village houses throughout the south of Morocco so that you can work this into a truly immersive, off-the-beaten-track journey.

You can take day excursions can be made to the Valley of the Roses, Dades or Draa Valleys, which are incredibly scenic. You can also set off on short day treks within the local area. Horse riding is also available. We love how they can set up little picnics in incredible locations, such as beside a nearby lake or up a small hill overlooking the palm groves. All in all, Dar Ahlam certainly has that wow factor, and although it is one of the most expensive hotels in Morocco, it certainly is worth it, and more.