Stays in Dakhla
Dakhla, a city in the Moroccan Sahara, is a unique destination known for its striking lagoon, ideal for water sports. It offers a blend of desert landscapes and Atlantic coastlines, attracting adventurers and those seeking tranquility. The city provides a range of accommodations, from eco-lodges to comfortable hotels, catering to various travel styles.
Dakhla, nestled on a peninsula in the Moroccan Sahara, is a captivating destination renowned for its expansive lagoon and consistent winds, making it a world-class spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Beyond its aquatic allure, the city offers a serene escape with its unique blend of desert beauty and Atlantic charm. Travelers come here to disconnect, enjoy the natural environment, and experience a different side of Morocco. Accommodations range from vibrant surf camps to more secluded, luxurious retreats, all designed to complement the relaxed, outdoor-focused lifestyle of the region. It's a place where adventure meets tranquility, perfect for those looking to explore the vastness of the desert and the power of the ocean.
Dakhla in numbers
Medina staysMedina Hotel Dakhla
Town-centre boutique hotel on Avenue Mohammed V with a rooftop over Dakhla bay
Families arriving by plane have little to organise here: the hotel runs a free airport shuttle, parking on site is free if you hire a car, and the front desk is staffed around the clock. Rooms are sized for families, with air conditioning, a private bathroom and city views. A child-friendly buffet makes breakfast easy, and the hotel's own site describes it as welcoming to children. Being in town, you can walk to restaurants and markets in the evening. There is no pool or beach on site, and the lagoon beaches need a drive, so for a week with young children I would split the stay between this hotel and the lagoon. Guests rate it 9.6 out of 10.
Spa & hammamSH - Singular Hotel
Waterfront hotel at 57 Avenue Mohamed V in Dakhla town, with direct access to the water of Dakhla Bay
With direct sea access, family rooms and air conditioning, SH Singular Hotel is one of the easier Dakhla bases for parents who do not want a week in an isolated lagoon camp. The town's shops and restaurants are close, and the hotel restaurant cooks Spanish and local dishes with vegetarian and vegan options, useful with children who eat only a few things. The 9.5 score is strong but rests on 76 reviews, a short record. The trade-off is distance: the lagoon, with its flat water and kite schools, lies about 25 km north of town, up the peninsula, around 30 minutes' drive, so every lagoon day means a car or a transfer, and at low tide its edges turn very shallow. For a family where one parent takes a kite course and the others prefer town life, I would book it; for a pure kite week, I would sleep at the lagoon.
Surf staysSuites El Ghailani
Spacious aparthotel suites with kitchens, perfect for families and surfers
I would choose Suites El Ghailani for a family or surf trip to Dakhla where a kitchen matters. The listing gives aparthotel-style units, each with a private bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen and city views. Air conditioning, soundproofing, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and free on-site parking are included. I would pick it for space and self-catering. A 9.5 rating from 69 reviews is the strongest signal I have for it.
Family staysFyndy Hotel Dakhla
Family-friendly hotel with sea views and a convenient location near the airport
I would pick Fyndy Hotel for a family wanting a practical sea-view base in Dakhla. Family rooms have private bathrooms, a work desk, a TV and sea views, and the terrace is a pleasant place to sit. WiFi and on-site parking are free, the front desk is open 24 hours, and a varied breakfast with vegan and halal options is served daily. The airport is 2 km away. Guests rate it 9.4 across 410 reviews.
Spa & hammamWow Hotel Dakhla Gym, Free Jacuzzi & Breakfast Included
Family-friendly comfort with spa facilities and Moroccan dining
I would pick Wow Hotel for a family that wants to be steps from Dakhla Airport with some wellness on site. Family rooms have air conditioning, private bathrooms and balconies, and the spa facilities, fitness centre, hot tub, steam room and yoga classes give adults plenty to do. A sun terrace and a Moroccan restaurant complete it. Guests rate it 9.4 across just 23 reviews, so I read it as promising, not proven.
Pool staysHôtel Oasis Dakhla
Sea views, private beach, and an infinity pool in Dakhla
I would pick Hôtel Oasis for a family that wants sea views and a private beach area in Dakhla. It has an infinity swimming pool, a sun terrace and a solarium, and rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms and sea views. Yoga classes are on offer, and a buffet breakfast is served daily. Spa and hammam facilities are listed among the highlights. Guests rate it 9.3 across 93 reviews, a high score from a small sample.
Spa & hammamOasis212 Dakhla
Beachfront comfort with a private beach and serene garden
Oasis212 Dakhla is a four-star beachfront hotel with direct access to a private beach area, which makes days with children simple: sand, garden and terrace are all on site. Rooms have air conditioning and a sofa bed, useful for a child sharing the room. The restaurant saves trips into town, and the free airport shuttle and 24-hour front desk ease arrival. Parents can join the yoga classes. Guests rate it 9.2 out of 10 over 405 reviews.
Spa & hammamOcéan Vagabond Lassarga
Beachfront lodge with spa, yoga, and direct beach access
Océan Vagabond Lassarga is a beachfront lodge in Dakhla with direct access to a private beach, so children can play on the sand within sight of the sun terrace. Rooms have private bathrooms and their own terraces. Evenings around the outdoor fireplace are a pleasant family moment, and the family-friendly restaurant serves a range of cuisines. Parents can join a yoga class or use the spa facilities. Guests rate it 9.2 out of 10, though on a small base of 38 reviews.
Pool staysNew Spirit Dakhla
Beachfront comfort with an infinity pool and family-friendly amenities
New Spirit Dakhla is a beachfront hotel with direct access to a private beach area, which suits families who want the water close. There is an infinity swimming pool, a spa with a hammam and family rooms. Rooms have sea views and balconies, and the restaurant serves Moroccan and international cuisine. Guests rate it 9.2 out of 10, though across 177 reviews, so it is a high score from a smaller group.
Spa & hammamLagon energy dakhla
Private beach, spa, and family-friendly dining by the Dakhla lagoon
I would pick Lagon Energy for an active family that wants a private beach area and wellness in Dakhla. The hotel has spa facilities, a fitness centre and yoga classes, and a family-friendly restaurant and terrace. Accommodation has private bathrooms and sofa beds, which helps with children, and ground-floor units are available. A free airport shuttle simplifies arrival. Guests rate it 9.1 across 206 reviews.
Pool staysWhite Dune Canyon
Beachfront lodge with an infinity pool and family-friendly dining
White Dune Canyon gives families direct access to the beach in Dakhla, with an infinity pool and a sun terrace for the hours when the wind on the lagoon picks up. Family rooms and ground-floor units make life easier with small children or a pushchair, and every room has a private bathroom and a terrace. The family-friendly restaurant serves Moroccan and international dishes and caters to various dietary needs. A lush garden completes the picture. Guests rate it 9 out of 10.
RiadsHôtel Calipau Riad Maison d'Hôtes
Riad-style hotel with a private pool and direct beach access on Dakhla Bay
Hôtel Calipau Riad Maison d'Hôtes sits on Dakhla Bay with direct beach access, which makes days with children simple: the sand is right there. Its private seawater swimming pool is an alternative when the wind picks up, and some of the 40 rooms and suites look out to sea. The restaurant serves fresh local seafood, a good fit for families who like fish. I would recommend it for a relaxed family stay by the water, backed by a guest score of 9.0 from more than 400 reviews.
Pool staysDakhla South Bay
Beachfront hotel with a private beach, spa, and family-friendly dining
Dakhla South Bay is a beachfront hotel with a private beach area and direct access to the water, which is what families come for. There is a swimming pool and a sun terrace, a spa and wellness centre, and facilities for water sports. Rooms have balconies, minibars and free WiFi, and the family-friendly restaurant serves a range of cuisines. Guests rate it 9 out of 10 across 786 reviews.
Pool staysLa Crique Nature & Spa
Beachfront hotel with a saltwater pool, spa, and sea-view rooms
La Crique Nature & Spa gives families direct access to a private beach area in Dakhla, plus a saltwater swimming pool with sea views for days when the wind is up. Rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and sea views. The restaurant serves Moroccan and international dishes, which helps with children who prefer familiar food. Parents can take turns in the spa, with its sauna and hammam, or in the fitness centre.
Family staysHotel Rias Dakhla & Restaurant
Family-friendly comfort with diverse dining and a sun terrace
I would pick Hotel Rias for a family that cares about food as much as the room. The restaurant covers French, Italian, Mediterranean, Moroccan, seafood, Vietnamese and international cuisines, which is rare in Dakhla and helps with fussy children. Family rooms have private bathrooms, WiFi is free, and there is a sun terrace. It suits family, romantic and traditional stays alike. Guests rate it 8.9 across 241 reviews.
Pool staysPalais Rhoul & Spa Dakhla
Beachfront luxury with an infinity pool and spa in Dakhla
I would pick Palais Rhoul & Spa for a family that wants a beachfront stay with a private beach area in Dakhla. Rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms, balconies and free WiFi, and the infinity pool, spa and fitness centre fill the day. A continental buffet breakfast with local specialities starts the morning, and there are several dining options. Guests rate it 8.9 across 92 reviews, a high score from a small sample.
Family staysHotel Golden Sunset Dakhla
Family-friendly comfort with traditional dining and convenient services
I would pick Hotel Golden Sunset for a family arriving in Dakhla that wants an easy start. Family rooms are air-conditioned with balconies and private bathrooms, the free airport shuttle removes the first transfer worry, and WiFi is free. The family-friendly restaurant serves Moroccan, local and international dishes, with halal and vegetarian options, and there are a sun terrace and a coffee shop. Guests rate it 8.8 across 460 reviews.
Family staysKaram City Hotel
Comfortable city hotel with modern amenities and airport proximity
Karam City Hotel is a few steps from Dakhla Airport, which makes it an easy first or last night for families on a flight. Rooms have a private bathroom and city views, and the 24-hour front desk handles late landings. Breakfast comes in several forms, continental, buffet or halal, with local specialities, so everyone finds something. The terrace gives a place to sit outside, and free parking on site helps if you rent a car. Guests rate it 8.7 out of 10 over 172 reviews.
Pool staysMIA Dakhla Resort
Beachfront resort with a pool, spa, and family-friendly amenities
MIA Dakhla Resort has a private beach area with direct beachfront access, a swimming pool with striking views and a sun terrace. Rooms have private bathrooms and terraces, and some are on the ground floor, which helps families with small children. Free WiFi covers the property, and the modern restaurant serves international cuisine with vegetarian options. Guests rate it 8.6 out of 10 across 330 reviews.
Spa & hammamHôtel Moukawama Restaurant & SPA Dakhla
Family-friendly comfort with a spa, near Dakhla Airport
I would pick Hôtel Moukawama for a family that wants a practical base close to Dakhla Airport. Family rooms have private bathrooms and a choice of views, and there is a balcony, a sun terrace and free WiFi. The 24-hour front desk and concierge help with early or late flights, and a daily breakfast is included. Spa and hammam are listed among the highlights. Guests rate it 8.6 across 176 reviews.
Family staysHotel Buenavista Dakhla
Family rooms with sea views and a traditional restaurant
I would pick Hotel Buenavista for a family that wants sea views and a traditional feel in Dakhla. Family rooms have sea views and balconies, a private bathroom and a work desk, and the sun terrace adds outdoor space. The restaurant serves French, local and international cuisine, with a bar alongside. Free WiFi covers public areas only, so check room connectivity if you work. Guests rate it 8.6 across 207 reviews.
Family staysDakhla Boarding Hotel & Restaurant
Family-friendly comfort with diverse dining and balconies in Dakhla
Dakhla Boarding Hotel & Restaurant is a three-star hotel in Dakhla with family rooms that are air-conditioned, each with a private bathroom and a balcony. The on-site restaurant serves international dishes, and breakfast includes vegan and halal choices, practical when the family has different needs. The 24-hour front desk helps with late arrivals, and free parking suits families who rent a car to explore the lagoon. Guests rate it 8.6 out of 10 over 187 reviews.
BeachfrontDesert Sands Dakhla Lagoon View & Kitesurf Spot
Beachfront comfort with lagoon views and family-friendly dining
I would pick Desert Sands for a family that wants a lagoon-side stay in Dakhla with water activities nearby. The property is beachfront with direct lagoon access, rooms have private balconies and free WiFi, and there is a sun terrace. The family-friendly restaurant serves Moroccan and international dishes. It is a quieter, coastal choice rather than a full resort. Guests rate it 8.5 across 242 reviews.
Spa & hammamTheMirell Hôtel Dakhla
Family-friendly hotel with spa, restaurant, and airport proximity
Breakfast is the detail I would mention to parents: TheMirell serves continental, buffet, vegetarian, halal and gluten-free options, so most dietary needs are covered before a day out in Dakhla. Family rooms have air-conditioning, a private bathroom and a seating area. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner, and the spa gives parents a break. Being a few steps from Dakhla Airport makes early flights with children much easier to manage.
BeachfrontHôtel Mansour
Beachfront comfort with traditional Moroccan dining and sea views
Hôtel Mansour is a three-star beachfront hotel in Dakhla with a terrace and sea views. Rooms have a private bathroom, a minibar, a TV and a work desk, and family rooms and sofa beds are available, which helps when children share. The family-friendly restaurant serves Moroccan cuisine, and free WiFi covers the public areas. Guests rate it 8.3 out of 10 across 210 reviews.
Family staysHOTEL 7DAYS DAkHLA
Family-friendly comfort with balconies and a free airport shuttle
I would choose Hotel 7Days Dakhla for a simple family stay with a free airport shuttle. The listing gives family rooms with balconies and private bathrooms, each with a dining table and free toiletries. A sun terrace, free Wi-Fi, room service and a daily halal breakfast are included. It is a one-star property rated 8.2 from 29 reviews, so I would expect basic comforts and book it for the shuttle and the family rooms.
Pool staysAluna Dakhla
Beachfront comfort with a pool, spa, and family-friendly amenities
Aluna Dakhla is a beachfront property with direct access to the sea and an outdoor swimming pool, so families can switch between the two. Rooms have private bathrooms, sea views and comfortable furnishings. There is a modern restaurant serving international cuisine, a bar and a pool bar, and a spa with a hammam. Guests rate it 8.2 out of 10 across 330 reviews.
Spa & hammamNorth Lagoon Dakhla Kitesurf Spot
Beachfront access, kitesurfing, and family-friendly Moroccan hospitality
North Lagoon Dakhla Kitesurf Spot is built around its private beach, which suits a family where one parent kitesurfs while the others enjoy the sand. Rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms, free WiFi and sea views. The family-friendly restaurant serves Moroccan cuisine, which keeps evenings simple, and yoga sessions and film nights give everyone something to do after the wind drops. Children will spend most of their time on the beach itself.
Family staysHotel Rhali Dakhla
Family-friendly comfort with Moroccan and international dining
Hotel Rhali Dakhla is a simple three-star option for families staying in Dakhla. Family rooms have private bathrooms, a dining area for snacks or quiet meals with children, and a work desk for parents who need to keep in touch with the office. The on-site restaurant serves Moroccan and international dishes with halal options, there is a coffee shop for breakfast on the go, and the sun terrace offers outdoor space. I would consider it, keeping in mind its 7.9 score comes from only nine reviews.
What to expect
- First-rate water sports destination, especially for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
- Unique blend of desert and ocean landscapes.
- Relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, ideal for disconnecting.
- Diverse accommodation options, from surf camps to eco-lodges.
- Proximity to the Dakhla lagoon, a natural wonder.
Local tips
- ✓Consider visiting between April and October for the best wind conditions for water sports.
- ✓Rent a 4x4 if you plan to explore beyond the main roads and reach more secluded spots.
- ✓Pack light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat, as the sun can be intense.
- ✓Try the local seafood, especially fresh fish and oysters from the lagoon.
- ✓Learn a few basic Arabic or French phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.
Where to stay
Frequently asked
What are the main attractions in Dakhla?
Dakhla's main attractions revolve around its natural environment. The Dakhla lagoon is central for water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing. Visitors also enjoy exploring the White Dune, the Imililik salt lake, and the thermal springs of Asnaa. The city itself offers a relaxed atmosphere with a vibrant local market and fresh seafood restaurants.
What types of accommodation are available in Dakhla?
Dakhla offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences. You can find surf camps and eco-lodges popular with water sports enthusiasts, providing a communal and active atmosphere. There are also more traditional hotels and guesthouses in the city center, as well as some luxurious resorts offering private beaches and extensive facilities for a more secluded experience.
What is the best time to visit Dakhla?
The best time to visit Dakhla largely depends on your interests. For water sports, the windiest months are typically from April to October, offering ideal conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing. If you prefer milder temperatures and less wind for general exploration and relaxation, the cooler months from November to March are more suitable, though winds can still be present.
How do you get around in Dakhla?
Getting around Dakhla is relatively easy. Taxis are readily available for short distances within the city. For exploring the wider peninsula and its natural sites, renting a car, especially a 4x4, is highly recommended. Many hotels and surf camps also offer shuttle services or can arrange excursions to popular spots. Walking is pleasant in the city center.