Stunning earth guest house with massive charm and views to die for...
ABOUT: Skoura is a place between worlds: to one side are the snowy Atlas Mountains, while opposite is an oasis, all olive trees and date palms; one last dose of greenery before the Sahara. Simple but chic, Dar Faracha is a restored house – hirable as a whole – just outside town, blending Berber traditional with modern trickery like iPod docking stations. It has a three-acre walled garden, but head inside first, where homely interiors and a welcome basket awaits your arrival.
ROOMS: The very definition of bijou, the Dar has but three bedrooms and two bathrooms (bath and shower), plus a kitchen, dining room and lounge. Rammed-earth walls in the local tradition and towel racks made from fallen branches lend an understated feel. Windows flood the house with light, in league with a skylight and terrace doors from each bedroom.
FACILITIES: Sunbeds are available, as are staff by advance appointment: a cook, a housekeeper and a driver can all be requested. Equally, total privacy is also entirely possible.
Guests may pick whatever’s in season in the organic garden, but expect company: Dar Faracha translates as ‘The House of the Butterflies’ for a reason…
MORE INFO: If you tire of trying to Google just-spotted butterflies via the free Wi-Fi, then other distractions are available: namely cooking workshops, camel rides, 4x4 tours to the local kasbahs and massages.
The Lawrence of Morocco map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
Dar Faracha in Skoura was beautiful but what really made it for us is Nadia, who takes care of the house and does all the cooking. Her English is good and her cooking is amazing. She was very upbeat, even though it was cold and windy and the electricity kept going out. She has a wonderful, sunny personality that just fills the place. After our long drive from the coast, we were greeted by a house full of the smells of a wonderful tajine and appetizers set on the patio. I started coming into the kitchen to take notes on what she was cooking every evening and chatting with her. I feel like I got Moroccan cooking lessons, watching her. There is an herb garden next to the house that she would pick herbs from-a great place to stay for anyone interested in cooking. We both agreed if we went back to Skoura, it would be solely for Nadia and the wonderful little "home" she has created.
Mark Sloneker who stayed here in January 2014.
Dar Faracha near Skoura was excellent, with a delightful maid who looked after me. Beautiful little villa in the middle of nowhere in a Berber village - probably impossible to find without a local who could understand the directions. Excellent food. It was surrounded by pomegranate trees, a beautiful view of the mountains and altogether charming and peaceful. I spoke briefly to the owner who says she is putting in a swimming pool shortly which would be a good addition (although I don't really swim much so I didn't mind).
Mary C-C who stayed here in November 2013.
Dar Faracha, Ouarzazate & Skoura has been rated 2 times, with an overall rating of 4.00 out of 5.
We really know Morocco and have had the pleasure of making many people's dream trips become reality over the years. It has been our privilege to be asked to manage holidays, weddings and productions for so many fantastic and discerning clients. We remain small and dedicated to providing excellent honest advice to enable you to sit back, relax and enjoy the fun bits without having to manage the unpredictability of this fascinating country.
If you want it done right, look no further!
