Dar Ahlam in Morocco Joins Small Luxury Hotels of the World™

Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) has welcomed iconic Moroccan hotel Dar Ahlam into its collection of independently-owned hotels around the world.

Dar Ahlam is a 19th century Kasbah that lies on the fringes of the Moroccan desert in Ouarzazate, Morocco. 'Dar Ahlam' translates to 'House of Dreams' and it's not named this for nothing! The hotel's desert isolation is central to its philosophy of peace and privacy, where guests feel like they have escaped it all. Built in 1920 and once the Sultan's hunting ground, the property underwent a complete renovation in 2002, becoming one of Morocco's most exclusive hotels.

Owner Thierry Teyssier hails from the world of theatre and events staging and has brought his expertise in creating atmospheres and unique moments to Dar Ahlam. Tired of soulless, impersonal hotels, Thierry has created a residence that promises extraordinary experiences and imaginative spaces that even the most jaded traveller or demanding gourmet will be enchanted by.

The hotel features just 14 rooms, all with views of the Atlas Mountains; each suite is individually designed with décor that changes with the seasons. All rooms have luxurious en-suite bathrooms, fireplaces for those cooler evenings and some have outdoor terraces or private swimming pools. Dar Ahlam epitomises the concept of experiential travel with its unique offerings such as the 'Memory Road' experience which takes guests on a nomadic journey from Agadir to Ouarzazate, staying in luxurious private houses and bivouacs, through the majestic landscapes of southern Morocco.

With no restaurant, each individual dining experience is created personally for guests and no experience is repeated twice. Both inside and out, there are dozens of spots where private dinners are intricately organised by the dedicated team of 80 staff. Experiences include an alfresco lunch in the garden, a picnic in Sidi Fla gorges and dinner in the Valley of the Roses. There is also no menu, instead meals are crafted from local ingredients sourced from the souk or grown in the hotel's garden. Moroccan chef, Mohamed El Mantouh, has been originally trained for Dar Ahlam by Pierre Hermé and Frederick Grasser-Hermé for the pastry side, as well as Thierry Alix for the cuisine side.

Daniel Luddington, Vice President of Development at Small Luxury Hotels of the World, says: “Dar Ahlam perfectly encompasses all that SLH prides itself on – an extremely unique hotel in a stunning setting, genuine five star personalised service and exceptional dining. We are thrilled to be promoting Dar Ahlam as it offers guests a truly once in a lifetime hotel experience. It really is the jewel in the crown.”

Thierry Teyssier, owner of Dar Ahlam, says: “My vision for Dar Ahlam was to create a place of unforgettable beauty, a slice of untouched nature, exclusive experiences, cuisine to savour, and the opportunity for guests to escape from the chaotic world to their own private sanctuary.“

Dar Ahlam is available to book online at www.slh.com/darahlam and via SLH voice reservation agents now.

Book a stay at Dar Ahlam with Small Luxury Hotels of the World from £743 per night on a full board basis (www.slh.com/darahlam; 0800 0482 314)