The western coast of Morocco has long been a magnet for water sports enthusiasts – the brisk winds blowing in from the Atlantic whip up sizeable waves that beg to be surfed. The newly opened Caravan Dakhla, a mini village of tents and villas, is the latest accommodation to appeal to the surfer set, but with the added appeal of upmarket luxury and a commitment to sustainability.
The vibe here is relaxed and playful, with a strong emphasis on adventure and activity. Kitesurfing is a key element – Caravan Dakhla has partnered with kitesurfing brand Naish to open a kitesurf school with professional instructors happy to tutor all levels. Mountain-biking, camel rides and desert tours are just a few of the other options available, and the nearby mini-city of Dakhla bustles with life and history. The retreat works closely with the local community, not only sourcing local products for its restaurant but collaborating with regional artists on art projects and hiring local DJs to man the decks as the sun goes down over the twinkling lagoon. A surfer’s paradise in the true sense.
Highs
- Sustainability – the whole place is run on renewable energy, no single-use plastics are allowed, and waste is treated and kept to a minimum. Additionally, for every guest, the Caravan donates to its RISE fund that supports local environmental and social causes
- The food and the restaurant get rave reviews, and all meals are included in the rates
- Great atmosphere – you can retreat to the privacy of your room, or mingle by the pool soaking up the sun and sounds. There’s even an outdoor cinema at night or beers by the bonfire, plus spiritual welcome rituals
- The large pool surrounded by a terrace overlooking the lagoon
- Dakhla is one of the world's best destinations for kitesurfing and windsurfing due to the consistent winds and relatively shallow water
Lows
- Despite the golden beaches and crystal clear water, the wind beloved by the kitesurfers means relaxing by the sea or lagoon is almost impossible. You can feel like you’re in the middle of a sandstorm
- The remote southern location on the edge of the Western Sahara desert means you'll mostly likely need to fly in from Agadir or Casablanca
- Exploring the surrounding environment can be difficult without an experienced guide or a sturdy vehicle
- Although all ages are welcome, it's better suited to older, active kids than young children
Best time to go
Dakhla has a temperate year-round climate so you won’t experience extreme heat as in other areas of the Sahara. July-November are the warmest months, although it’s generally dry most of the year except September. The best time to go for kitesurfing is April – November. It can, however, be fairly windy a lot of the time, so do pack a few warmer items. Caravan Dakhla is open year-round.
Our top tips
Definitely try to make time for a trip to the Atlantic side of the peninsula for the golden sands of the Point d'Or, and the famous White Dune – a spectacular ridge surrounded by ocean at high tide which is often home to migratory birds including flamingos.