Dar Ahlam is the perfect luxury on the way to the Sahara Desert. It may be being hidden away on a dusty road somewhere between the Atlas Mountains and the desert in the Skoura Palmgrove, but as soon as the soaring red-brick citadel of Dar Ahlam comes into view, you know this “House of Dreams” is something special.

Located in an oasis that was once part of a medieval sultan’s hunting ground, it simply oozes a unique class that mixes traditional Moroccan values with French chic. It’s as if you are entering a universe of refined decoration and a meeting of styles.

This is thanks to the team of Parisian entrepreneurs led by Thierry Teyssier who decided to renovate this 19th century Kasbah, and the result is a stunning tour de force that manages to be both modern and traditional at the same time. Its eight suites and three villas, for example, are all superbly decorated with unusual pieces and antiques, silk drapes and take in a kaleidoscope of traditional shades ranging from light to deep purple, pink and olive green. There’s nothing to separate them, yet each one is unique making for an exceptional stay - and that’s just on the inside.

With the house being surrounded by a palm grove, the landscape is heaven-like and perfect for contemplation or a dip in the beautiful heated swimming pool. The independent villas, located on the edge of the grounds, though part of the property can also be rented out separately. Given its singular location, Dar Ahlam makes a perfectly luxurious, stopover to the Sahara desert and the Atlas Mountains.