Perfumed Gardens & Private Oases

They say New York is the city that never sleeps, but the same can be said of your first destination. Marrakech dazzles, excites and enchants all those who pass through its winding souks and squares.

During your three-night stop in this enticing city you’ll get the opportunity to have a private tour of Yves Saint Laurent’s distinctive blue house, Villa Oasis, in the colourful Jardin Majorelle. Every year the designer would travel to Marrakech for inspiration for his haute couture collections; inside there are thousands of dazzling couture gowns, accessories and ensembles, surrounded by exquisite gardens: you’ll understand exactly what he meant when he declared, ‘Marrakech taught me colour’.

To see the future of Moroccan art and design, visit Marrakech’s version of Soho, Sidi Ghanem; an up-and-coming area full of artists and designers.

So that you can rest in style, you’ll be staying at the Royal Mansour, which was commissioned by King Mohammed VI and is regal in every way, from its stunning interiors to its exquisite cuisine.  

For the remainder of your trip you will be following the Memory Road or Route du Sud, a scenic journey of more than 1,000km which winds around Morocco’s coastline, mountains and desert, and you’ll stay at Dar Ahlam’s hotels, which are dotted along the route. Stop at Ouikarane for one night at Maison des Arganiers, which is nestled on the hillside and offers captivating panoramic views of the argan valley below. If you’re a keen surfer, visit nearby Essaouira, where Jimi Hendrix supposedly penned Castles Made of Sand.

It’s on to Tighmert, where you’ll find Maison de l’Oasis, tucked away in the tropical palm groves. Formed of two Berber houses and constructed with local materials and age-old techniques, this traditional retreat gives you a taste of authentic Berber living, beyond where most visitors to Morocco venture. It is close to the ancient Amtoudi agadir, a centuries-old granary. Wander over with a picnic to relax in the sun and enjoy the countryside views whilst snacking on dates and sipping mint tea.

Your next stop is the beautiful Awju Valley, where your hotel, Maison Rouge, is surrounded by mountains, guaranteeing spectacular views over the valley and beyond. As you sit on your balcony, watch the landscapes come alive, with camels roaming under the hot Moroccan sun. Ride a mule or a camel to the surrounding villages to meet the locals, try their cuisine and immerse yourself in their daily life. In the evening, dine under the desert stars.

Take a 4WD journey into the Sahara desert, where you’ll spend the night at Dar Ahlam Nomad Dunes Camp, with only desert as far as the eye can see – explore on foot or by camel. Enjoy a romantic aperitif on the dunes at sunset and dine around a campfire under the stars, accompanied by traditional Berber music and evocative storytelling, before retreating to your luxurious lantern-lit tent.

The final leg of your journey takes you by 4WD to the palm oasis of Skoura, with a stop in the historic UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, a popular movie set – this distinctive red-brick ksar has featured in films from Lawrence of Arabia to Gladiator.

On arrival in Skoura, experience a stay at Dar Ahlam, the company’s signature hotel, which is the former home of a sultan. This exclusive retreat on the edge of the Sahara is beautifully set in a traditional kasbah, with a swimming pool amongst the palm groves and olive trees, courtyards with central fountains, cosy alcoves and tranquil walled gardens to retreat to.

Visit the nearby Valley of Roses, famous for its vast blanket of colourful, fragrant roses, which are famed around the world and celebrated with a yearly festival. Back at Dar Ahlam, make a beeline for the perfumerie or the hammam, and head up to the roof terrace for a cocktail or two overlooking the palm trees and the Atlas Mountains beyond… this is quintessential Morocco.