Unbelievable Luxury in the Sahara: Palmeras Y Dunas Awaits!
Sahara Dreamin': Palmeras Y Dunas - More Than Just Sand and Sun (Honest Review, Seriously)
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because I just got back from Palmeras Y Dunas. And let me tell you, it's… something. Forget those glossy travel brochures, this is the REAL deal. And listen, I'm not afraid to get messy with it. This place is aiming for unbelievable luxury in the Sahara, and, well, let's just say it's a journey.
Accessibility (or, a Word of Caution):
Okay, first things first. Accessibility. This is where we gotta be real real. While they do list "Facilities for disabled guests," I wouldn't bank on total, 100% easy-peasy access throughout. It's the Sahara, people. Think sand, dunes, and vast distances. I glimpsed an elevator (praise be!), but navigating the property with mobility issues could be… a challenge. Call ahead, get specific details, and manage your expectations. Don't be shy.
Internet - The Ghost in the Wind:
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! They boast. And… mostly, it's true. When the desert winds aren't stealing your signal. I'm not gonna lie, I spent a fair bit of time looking out the window, willing the internet gods to shine on me. The Internet [LAN] situation I didn't even bother with and as for Internet services, just expect a patchy connection. It's not the end of the world, but don't plan on streaming Netflix from your room without a LOT of patience. Wi-Fi in public areas was generally better, thank goodness, but still felt a bit like chasing a mirage.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (The Desert Spa Life):
Okay, this is where Palmeras Y Dunas shines. Or, at least tries to.
- Spa/sauna, Steamroom… Yes, they have them. I mean, you're in the middle of the desert, soaking in a sauna feels… surreal. And the pool! Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view… oh, the pool! It's stunning. Infinity edge, looking out over the dunes… pure Instagram bait. I spent a good hour just staring at the view, margarita in hand, picturing myself in a music video. Absolutely gorgeous.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage: Did all. The massage was… look, it was good. But it felt like the masseuse was just as surprised to be in the desert as I was. But hey, I was destressed, and that's a win.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: There is a fitness center. It’s not a priority – you’re there to wander, and swim and chill (I’d pick this over all the other things).
This whole section is really about an escape from the usual. They are just trying to get you to relax and they succeed.
Cleanliness and Safety (COVID Times Edition):
Props to them, they're trying. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer galore, Rooms sanitized between stays. They are doing the work. Hygiene certification seemed legit. I saw staff disinfecting things. The Safe dining setup looked good. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, well, that's harder to enforce when everyone's trying to get a photo with the pool, but they were on it. Individually-wrapped food options made me feel a bit like I was reliving the early days of the pandemic, but safe is safe, right? Staff trained in safety protocol. They were all wearing masks, and that made me feel more comfortable.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Foodie Adventure… Slightly):
Okay, the food. This is where things get… interesting.
- Restaurants: They have them, plural! Restaurants, Coffee shop, Bar, Poolside bar, Snack bar – the whole shebang. A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant – you've got options.
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: I tried them all. The International stuff was fine. The Asian stuff was… well, let's say the chef isn't exactly from Kyoto. Desserts in restaurant: The desserts were usually the best part.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Good points for the buffet, and a must have Breakfast in room. Breakfast takeaway service (always handy, if you are in a rush). You can get through the buffet without dying of boredom.
- Happy hour: Yes! Necessary.
- Room service [24-hour]: Bless them, it's 24-hour. Needed.
- Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: Fine.
- Vegetarian restaurant: I tried an item, it was good.
- Bottle of water: Always, always appreciated.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Decent.
The dining situation is… functional. Not necessarily gourmet, but you won't starve.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things):
- Air conditioning in public area, Elevator: Essential.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Concierge… the usual suspects.
- Daily housekeeping: They were doing it.
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: Useful, if you're planning a long stay.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Tourist traps a plenty!
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Seminars: Did not check, but the facilities looked good to me.
- Doorman, Front desk [24-hour]: Smooth.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Airport transfer, Taxi service, Valet parking: If you’re driving, super handy.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Good to know, just in case.
For the Kids (Family Fun):
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I don’t have kids but it seemed ok.
- CCTV in common areas, Security [24-hour], Safety/security feature, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Smoke detector: All good.
Available in All Rooms (The Details):
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Yep, they've got the basics covered.
- Additional toilet: Big bonus.
- Bathtub: Worth it for a soak.
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential for the desert.
- Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free]: As above.
- Non-smoking, Smoke detector: Good.
Unbelievable Luxury? (The Verdict):
Is it unbelievable luxury? In the traditional sense, maybe not. But it's luxurious in the context of being in the Sahara. It's a solid, comfortable, well-equipped hotel with a truly incredible location.
The Anecdote That Stays With Me:
I spent one afternoon just lounging by the pool, watching the sun melt into the dunes. The sky turned this incredible shade of pink, and the silence… the silence was something I'd never experienced. It was so quiet, I could hear my own heartbeat. I really feel like I will never forget that moment. That's the magic Palmeras Y Dunas offers.
The Imperfections? They’re Part of the Charm…
Look, it's not perfect. The Wi-Fi is temperamental. The food is variable. But the staff are friendly, the views are breathtaking, and the chance to experience a little bit of desert magic? Absolutely worth it.
Final Verdict – Book It! (But Know What You’re Getting Into):
If you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a chance to unplug (ish), and a little bit of desert adventure, Palmeras Y Dunas is a solid choice. Just go in with realistic expectations, pack a good book (for when the Wi-Fi fails), and be prepared to fall in love with the Sahara.
**Book your Palmeras Y Dunas adventure today! Use code "SAHARADREAMIN" for a complimentary bottle of Moroccan
Miles Motel Phoenix: Your Oasis of Comfort & Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is my trip to Palmeras Y Dunas Luxury Camp in Merzouga, Morocco. And trust me, it’s gonna be a wild ride. Forget perfectly polished – we're going for real, raw, and hopefully hilarious. Prepare for unexpected delays, questionable camel etiquette, and a whole lotta sand.
Day 1: Arrival of the Slightly Disoriented
- Morning (aka, Hitting the Snooze Button… Three Times): First, the sheer audacity of waking up at… well, let's just say it was before the sun even thought about showing up. My flight from London was a red-eye special, of course. The pre-flight caffeine hit didn't really hit, think I only got three hours of sleep. I swear I saw a unicorn in the airport security line. Okay, it was probably just a particularly flamboyant TSA agent.
- Mid-morning: The Marrakech Chaos: Landed in Marrakech. Oh. My. God. Marrakech. It's a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. A cacophony of car horns, the aroma of spices mingling with… something else… (I’m still unsure what that something else was!). Found my pre-booked driver (phew!) who, bless his heart, spoke about 5 words of english besides "Bonjour." The drive to Merzouga is a long one, like, REALLY long. Around 8 hours. Prepare for some serious road trip survival.
- Afternoon: The Great Sand Dune Anticipation (and a Bathroom Emergency): After the first few hours, it became clear that my bladder and desert travel weren’t going to be friends. Had to convince the driver for a pitstop at some point. He didn’t understand the urgency, but I think he got the message when I started doing the "waddle and cross my legs" dance. Eventually, the first glimpses of the Sahara. The dunes rise and fall against that incredible blue sky, it's almost unreal.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Arrival at Palmeras Y Dunas – Holy Crap, It’s Stunning!: We finally, finally arrived at Palmeras Y Dunas. I mean, WOW. Luxury camp is an understatement. This place is like… a glamping palace. Big, beautiful tents with actual beds, proper bathrooms, and a view that’ll knock your socks off. Check-in was smooth - or at least, smoother than expected. The staff, sweet, lovely people, make you feel instantly at home. But here's the thing: the sun was setting, a vibrant explosion of orange and purple and pink, and I just stood there, mouth agape. Seriously, I probably looked like a cartoon character. It was… breathtaking. Almost made the grueling drive worth it (almost!).
- Night: Dinner, Stars, and a Moment of Pure Bliss (Followed by a Midnight Snack Attack): Dinner under the stars. The tagine was incredible, best I've had, even better than my own. The sound of the Berber music, the crackling fire, the absolute silence of the desert… pure magic. I swear, I saw a shooting star! And then, the glutton in me struck. Midnight snack raid on the complimentary snacks provided in my tent. I have no regrets.
Day 2: Camel Adventures, Sandstorms, and Questionable Decisions
- Morning: Camel Trekkers – The Great Unpleasantness: This is where things got… interesting. Okay, let's be honest: riding a camel is neither graceful nor particularly comfortable. Picture this: me, awkwardly perched on a swaying beast, trying to maintain my dignity while simultaneously wrestling with my rapidly-burning inner thighs. And I'm pretty sure my camel, Hamza, was trying to buck me off the entire time.
- Mid-Morning: Sandstorm Shenanigans (and a Panic Attack or Two): This is where things got slightly terrifying. The wind picked up. The sky turned an ominous shade of grey-orange. And then… BAM! A sandstorm. I'd read about them, but nothing prepares you for actually being in one. The sand stung your face, got in your eyes, your mouth… it's like the desert is actively trying to swallow you whole. My inner monologue went something like this: "OMG, am I going to die in a sandstorm? Seriously? What about my cat? I need to make sure I made a will before I die." Yeah, it was that kind of day. The guide calmly had us huddle down behind the camels, and after 20 minutes or so, it passed. I may have shed a tear or two of terror.
- Afternoon: Sandboarding – A Spectacular Flop: Sandboarding! Sounds amazing, right? Well, maybe for people who aren’t me. I attempted to stand up - and immediately faceplanted. Repeatedly. I blame the sand. It was just too soft. I'm pretty sure I was more successful at picking sand out of my teeth than I was at actually snowboarding. But hey, the view of the dunes was still epic.
- Evening: Sunset Watching – The Redemption: Redeemed myself with a spectacular sunset. This time, the sun felt like it was hugging me. The colors were more intense than the day before, a vivid display of the world's beauty. Spent a quiet, peaceful moment in awe of the world and taking in the desert.
- Night: Berber Campfire and Dubious Karaoke: More Berber music, and more delicious food. The camp put on a show. And then, the karaoke. I'm not going to lie, I may have indulged in a few… (okay, maybe several) glasses of wine. Then the karaoke started. The singing (especially my own) was… let’s just say, enthusiastic. The Berber guides, bless their souls, seemed genuinely entertained.
Day 3: Farewell, Desert, and Existential Dread
- Morning: Sunrise, Sadness, and Packing (and Remembering I Forgot Toothpaste): Woke up before dawn to watch the sunrise over the dunes. It was worth it. As the sun rose, painting the dunes in shades of gold and rose, a wave of sadness washed over me. This place. Was. Amazing. Then I remembered that I had forgotten my toothbrush. Ah, minor imperfections.
- Late Morning: Last Glimpses of the Sahara and the Road Trip Back from Hell: Said goodbye to the amazing staff. The driver was waiting for me. Another long drive back to Marrakech. This time I at least had a small collection of snacks, and the memory of everything I had experienced in the desert.
- Afternoon/Evening: Marrakech – The Aftermath: Back in Marrakech. The sheer contrast between the serene desert and the chaotic city was jarring. Checked into a Riad. Got myself a mint tea. Started to plan my next adventure.
- Night: Reflection and the Promise to Actually Learn Some Arabic: Sitting here, reflecting. This trip was messy, imperfect, occasionally terrifying, and utterly, completely unforgettable. I learned to (sort of) ride a camel, survived a sandstorm and conquered my fear of faceplanting. And, more importantly, I reconnected with the world in ways that I hadn’t in a long time. And the next trip, I promise to learn at least "Shukran" (thank you) and "La shukran ala wajib" (you're welcome) in Arabic.
This itinerary, folks, is a work in progress. It’s a messy, honest, and hopefully, a hilarious account of one person's journey. And if all goes well, you might even get some inspiration for your own trip. Just, you know, pack your sunscreen and your sense of humor. You're going to need them both.
Middletown's BEST Hampton Inn? (NY) Reviews & Deals Inside!
Palmeras Y Dunas Awaits!: Sahara Luxury... or Am I Just Dreaming? (Probably Both) - FAQs You Didn't Ask For (But Need)
Okay, so "Unbelievable Luxury in the Sahara"? Seriously? Like, am I going to be bathing in camel milk and being fanned by tiny, adorable desert rodents?
Look, let's be real. "Unbelievable" is a word thrown around like confetti at a Moroccan wedding. And the camel milk? (Shudders) Not my jam. But, and this is a big BUT, Palmeras Y Dunas? They *do* try. Think less "Desert Oasis of the Damned" and more… glamping, but with better Wi-Fi. Emphasis on the *try*.
My first night? I was expecting opulent. I got… wonderfully mismatched. The tent, this glorious canvas thing, looked plucked from a perfectly curated Instagram feed. Inside? A slightly-too-firm mattress, a rug woven by a very enthusiastic (and possibly slightly tipsy) weaver, and a bathroom that threatened to flood every time you showered. But hey, you're in the *Sahara*, right? Expect the unexpected. And the occasional rogue sand dune in your suitcase. It's charming, in a 'slightly-chaotic-but-endearing' kind of way.
What's the deal with the food? Am I going to be surviving on dates and dusty bread for a week? (Help me, I need my avocado toast!)
Alright, foodies, listen up. The food is actually *surprisingly* good. Dates? Yes, of course. They're everywhere. And after a day of sandboarding, you *will* need that sugar rush. But the chef… ah, the chef. He’s like a culinary wizard, conjuring up tagines that'll make you weep (in a good way!), couscous that's fluffy and perfect, and... wait for it... sometimes, avocado toast! (YES!)
The first night, I swear, he served me a lamb tagine that I may or may not have licked the plate clean. (Don't judge me, it was THAT good). The problem? The service. Sometimes it's flawless. Other times? Let's just say you might be waiting a while. Patience is a virtue in the desert, my friend. And a strong vocabulary of "slow," "patience," and "more tea, please" is highly recommended.
Oh! And the bread. Forget the gluten-free nonsense. It's warm, fluffy, and baked fresh daily. Prepare to gain a few pounds. Worth it. EVERY. SINGLE. BITE.
And the camels? Are they real? Do they smell? Am I going to fall off? (I'm picturing myself as a flailing, panicked tourist.)
Yes, the camels are real. And yes, they smell. Let's just get that out of the way. Camels are, shall we say, *earthy*. But they're also magnificent, powerful creatures. As for falling off? It's a distinct possibility. I'm not going to lie. I did. Twice. The first time, it was a dramatic dismount, full of flailing arms and pathetic squeaks. The second time? Well, let's just say I'd learned the art of a graceful tumble into a pile of… you guessed it… sand.
The camel ride itself is a transformative experience. You're up high, surveying the undulating dunes. The silence is broken only by the rhythmic *thump-thump-thump* of the camel's feet and the occasional "Hmpf!" (a camel expression of annoyance). It's breathtaking. It's exhausting. You'll feel every muscle you *forgot* you had. And yes, you'll probably smell a bit of camel after. But it's worth it, I swear! It felt like a movie scene! Until I fell off. Again.
What's the Wi-Fi situation? Because, honestly, I'm a digital nomad, and my Instagram feed demands attention. (Priorities, people, priorities!)
Ah, the Wi-Fi. This is where the "unbelievable" luxury gets a little… *challenging*. Let's just say the Wi-Fi signal is about as strong as my will to resist a second helping of tagine. It's there. Sometimes. Often, it's faster to send a carrier pigeon with your Instagram updates.
Prepare to embrace the digital detox. Read a book. Stare at the stars. Actually *talk* to the people you're with. It's… liberating. Also, you *might* be able to get a decent signal near the main lodge. But don't count on it. Embrace the sand, the silence, and the blissful lack of notifications. Or, you know, just be ready to whine. I know I did!
What about the activities? Besides camel riding (and falling off of camels), what else can I do? Are there snakes? (Panic!)
Okay, deep breaths. Snakes. Yes, possibly. I didn't see any, thank God. But the desert *is* snake territory, so keep an eye out. Now, the activities. Sandboarding? Absolutely. Imagine skiing, but on sand. It's harder. Much harder. You'll be eating sand. A lot of sand. But the view from the top? Incredible. Worth the sand-filled orifices. Believe me.
They also offer guided walks into the dunes, stargazing (which is mind-blowing, by the way!), and cultural experiences. You can visit local Berber villages. Learn about their traditions. Drink more tea! (It's a theme). Seriously, the cultural experiences are the most rewarding. It's a chance to step out of your bubble and learn about a completely different way of life. And no, it’s not just a "touristy" experience. It's genuine. And I definitely wasn't expecting that.
So, overall, Palmeras Y Dunas. Worth the hype? Is it *really* "unbelievable"?
"Unbelievable"? Well, that depends on your definition of "unbelievable." It's not a five-star resort with a spa the size of Texas. It's… rustic. Charming. Unpredictable. It’s more about the *experience* than the flawless service. And the experience? Is, undeniably, unforgettable.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Despite the rogue sand, the temperamental Wi-Fi, and the near-death experiences on a camel. Palmeras Y Dunas offers something beyond the typical luxury experience. It's raw. It's real. It's a chance to disconnect, to explore, and to embrace the beauty of the Sahara. And honestly, sometimes, a little bit of imperfect is the perfect kind of perfect. Go. You won't regret it. Just… maybe pack extra sunscreen and a strong sense of humor. And maybe a helmet for the camel ride? Just aHospitality Trails
Post a Comment for "Unbelievable Luxury in the Sahara: Palmeras Y Dunas Awaits!"