Fleewinter
Experience rural Moroccan life in style
Luxury hotel on the old Timbuktu caravan route
Set in a tiny village home to a few shepherd families
Maison des Arganiers is one of the stop offs on their ‘La Route du Sud’, which takes in stunning hotels in remote, beautiful locations throughout the south of the country. It sits atop a hillside overlooking a valley of argan trees, in a traditional settlement home to a handful of shepherding families.
Dar Ahlam’s ‘La Route du Sud’ follows a former caravan trade route to Timbuktu, and this place certainly contributes to the sense of desert romance. The house is in a former ‘douar’, a traditional village where four shepherd families still live, giving a great sense of rural, traditional life. The house overlooks a valley dotted with argan trees.
Rooms at Maison des Arganiers
Maison des Arganiers is constructed beautifully from rough-hewn stone, much of which remains exposed in the walls, including in the guestroom. The doors are wooden, heavy and ornately carved, and the stone-and-wood colour scheme is offset by the powder-blue of the bathroom and the bed sheets, cushions and curtains, which recalls the hue of the town of Chefchaouen.
As with all Dar Ahlam’s properties, the food at Maison des Arganiers is delicious and authentic, utilising regional produce to serve traditional dishes. Local products which go into the food include Alfalfa bakoula, pomegranate vinegar and date caramel, and ingredients are often bought fresh from the local souk. Vegetables are grown onsite wherever possible.
As you might expect form its remote location, extra facilities are a little lacking at Maison des Arganiers; you won’t find a spa, for instance. However, the accommodation is very comfortable and bathrooms feature showers and running water.
Dar Ahlam’s ‘La Route du Sud’ follows the old caravan trade route to Timbuktu, and is engineered to evoke a sense of Arabian mystery and desert romance. Activities include visits to ancient Kasbahs, medieval towns with bustling souks, picnics at verdant oases, and trips to historic structures such as the ancient agadir at Amtoudi, which dates back 800 years. Camel rides, drives and hikes will all allow you to get to know the beautiful desert landscapes better.