A charming 8-room retreat / hotel with a separate desert camp. Perfect for easy exploration of the desert and Draa valley.
ABOUT: A handsome eight-room bolt hole inside Zagora’s date-palm oasis, Azalai is an ideal base for seeing the desert and the Draa Valley. A blend of French-colonial and modern Moroccan styles, its period furniture and pioneer spirit are inspired by famed, early 20th century adventurers – Lawrence of Arabia, Karen Blixen, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry – and their beloved evocations of African lands. But don’t worry: modern-day explorers are also expected to relax beside a sleek, palm-flanked pool, or recharge in a very capable spa.
ROOMS: Travelling Rooms are bigger than Discovery Rooms thanks to their lounges; they also offer the option of twin beds. Both room types feature an Italian shower or vintage cast-iron bathtub, hair-dryers and air-conditioning or fans. The two Suites are larger still, and also include a living room. Glass doors in every chamber lead directly into the lovely gardens.
FACILITIES: Those gardens are home to the pool, lined by chaises longues and straw parasols. There is a small spa, offering massages and hammams, as well as a croquet course. Dinner – classic Moroccan fare using local ingredients - may be served on the pool terrace or inside, where two lounges with fireplaces and Art Deco tables await, as does a library and games. Alcohol isn’t currently sold, but you’re welcome to bring your own.
EXTRA INFO: Azalai also runs a Desert Camp. Excursions there – partly by camel if desired – can be arranged, and so too Draa River picnics.
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We spent 2 nights there last week, arriving after a long drive from Marrakesh. The location is beautiful and relaxing, the food is excellent, using local ingredients and recipes, and the facilities (rooms, pool etc) are good too). Above all the staff were delightful and very professional, and a bicycle ride one morning through the oasis to the river and back with William, the manager, was a highlight. It is a great place to stay when travelling either to or from the Sahara. We are already looking forward to our next trip.
Tania Forte who stayed here in April 2015.
Azalai Lodge in Zagora again was beautiful and the owner and his second-Daoud-were great. Daoud speaks great English and we really enjoyed talking to him, learning more about life in the area. Food and service were fantastic-oh yes, the food was a big part of it for us here-some totally new dishes we hadn't had before. And we loved the location-we could walk right into the kasbah and palm grove.
Mark Sloneker who stayed here in March 2014.
The Azalai Desert Lodge which deserved a longer stay to really enjoy it - delicious food, and personal service - which perhaps wasn't surprising since I was the only guest. For pudding I was given a bowl of the plumpest, palest pink pearls of pomegrate that had been lightly frozen - not even remotely related to the supermarket variety here. They really have done a superb job there - off the beaten track and away from the tourist hotels; stylish in an understated way.
Mary C-C who stayed here in November 2013.
We liked it instantly and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The owners were relaxed and friendly. The woman of the house, whose name I can pronounce but not spell, was utterly charming and spoke excellent English. We wished we'd stayed here for the rest of our trip...
Alex M who stayed here in April 2013.
Azalai Desert Lodge, Zagora & M'hamid has been rated 4 times, with an overall rating of 5.00 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!
