A Romantic Weekend in Dar Ahlam, Skoura, Morocco

Location

Dar Ahlam is located in Skoura, on the edge of the desert in Morocco. This 200-year-old Kasbah (made of rammed earth) has been beautifully modernized without compromising the original architecture, to provide the comforts the discerning traveler looks for. The property is truly an oasis, with date palms and olive trees and beautiful gardens all around, designed by Louis Benech, the designer of the Jardin des Tuileries.

Rooms

The Kasbah has a total of 14 rooms: seven Kasbah rooms, and seven Garden Suites. Each room is decorated in its own individual style (the Ethnic room has Japanese and African décor while the Saharowi room décor is inspired by the Sahara desert for example). Kasbah rooms are of varying sizes and can accommodate two persons comfortably, while the Garden suites are more spacious. Our garden suite included a living area, a work desk, a large bedroom, an incredibly spacious bath suite, as well as a courtyard inside, as well as a sitting area outside. Garden suites are typically on the ground level, whereas the Kasbah rooms may be on the ground level or in the upper levels of the kasbah and accessible by stairs only.

Features/Amenities

The property offers an All-Inclusive option only; this means all meals, snacks, beverages (including alcoholic beverages) as well as excursions are included. The team will work with you prior to arrival to understand your needs, preferences, food restrictions, if any, likes/dislikes and curate every meal and experience during your stay. Each meal will be set up exclusively for you (no restaurant here) in a different part of the beautiful property. Breakfast was in the herb garden; one dinner was in a different garden area, and lunch was in a space surrounded by olive trees to provide shade. The rooms have sufficient lighting, plug points to charge all your devices. Laundry facilities are also included in the all-inclusive plan. The team will come around and light several lamps/candles all around your suite in the evenings, providing a very romantic atmosphere in the rooms.

The staff is available to take care of every need of yours. You can discuss the activities you would like to experience, be it a visit to the nearby Valley of Roses, or a drive to the Ourika waterfall, or sunset in the Anti-Atlas mountains (which is what we did). The car, driver and guide are complimentary. Our host, on hearing that I am an avid birder, sent me off with a guide to meet an employee at his home, where he raises several exotic birds!! I was treated to a traditional Moroccan tea ceremony while I was at his home as well. The point is, they really tailor your experience to your desires and interests. There is a spa on property as well (available at additional charge), and the services are excellent!

If, like us, you are traveling all over the country, it is definitely worthwhile to spend a few days in this oasis to relax, slow down the pace of the trip a bit, enjoy good food, and soak in the experience. There is truly no other property like Dar Ahlam for a romantic getaway or honeymoon. Highly recommend during your trip to Morocco.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Morocco. In need of further inspiration? Check out Trina Hendry’s guide, Five Days in Morocco.