The Pursuit of Adventure
Along the southern expanses of the Western Sahara, there exists a remote slice of land known as the “pearl of the Sahara,” where the unforgiving sands of the desert meet with the cool waters of the Atlantic. The city of Dakhla lies along the southern stretches of a long and thin peninsula that juts and curls its way around a sheltered bay. The scene of this Moroccan-governed town is so otherworldly that it is said to have inspired the fantastical dreamscapes of one of the most beloved books of the century, The Little Prince.
It’s there that the pristine pink cliffs and apricot sands begin to ebb into dunes before flowing into the bay, and where the azure waters and luxury lodgings have become a playground for aesthetes and athletes alike. Kiteboarders were among the first to arrive at the shores of Dakhla, in awe of the consistent conditions, and today the area has become one of the most sought-after destinations for the sport. “Dakhla is a special place for the kitesurfing world,” says Paula Rosales, professional kitesurfer and business development consultant (windsports) for Habitas. “It’s one of the easiest places to learn how to kite, and, with close proximity to Europe, it’s been a favorite destination for those in the area wanting to progress.”
Rosales first arrived in Dakhla in 2022, when she was tasked with conceptualizing aspects of opening a kite center in conjunction with Naish Kite House for a new luxury resort slated to open later that year, Caravan Dakhla by Habitas. “I rushed down to Dakhla to start on the project, and I fell in love immediately. The desert is a harsh place to be in and having Caravan there, that offers a different level of comfort, not just in the rooms but in service and food. It was for me the best place to spend a few weeks being constantly bom - barded with the harsh desert environment.”
Caravan Dakhla is run by the forward-thinking Habitas hotel group, which has continued to redefine the luxury hospitality experience with its innovative concept of creating “homes” instead of mere hotel rooms. Many of the brand’s core ethos have a sustainability aspect, like how they design, manufacture, and flat pack out their hotels from their fac - tory in Mexico to be shipped out and assembled on site in a minimally invasive manner. Empowering local communities and offering authentic experiences come next, which is exactly what made Caravan Dakhla one of the most anticipated hotel openings of 2022. When it did open that winter, it did so with a crew of local Dakhla talent, and a roster of bespoke adventures aimed at helping guests reconnect with nature.
The hotel itself is located directly on the shore of one of Dakhla’s most coveted beaches, where each of the 24 accommodations offer a distinct departure from the expected. Views are as varied as the rooms, where sweeping sand dunes set the scene for modern villas with spacious interiors and glass-front, lagoon-facing lofts employ outdoor lounge areas for reflection after a day spent on the water. Outdoor showers are standard but are nothing short of impressive with their natural stone walls, natural sunlight, and all-natural bathing products.
Rooms range from traditional Riad-style options to modern lodges, each outfitted in locally procured furnishings. Dining is all part of the adventure, and every arrival to the property begins with a ceremonial welcome, where guests are served local tea while they set an intention for their stay. Low lounges with cozy cushions and colorful rugs are tucked into nooks throughout the property, but the setting is elevated in the onsite dining room, Levante, where woven chairs set the stage for thoughtful meals shared among new friends.
Dishes are prepared with local ingredients and fresh seafood in a fusion style that blends the histories of Latin America with the tradition of Moroccan cuisine. Local oysters are often served poolside, where grand daybeds rest strategically around the curvy pool in an enticing gesture of relaxation. The bar is stocked with local ingredients that taste equally as delicious in a fresh smoothie during the lunch hour as they do in a craft cocktail at the end of the day, or even during movie hours while the agora transforms into an outdoor cinema.
Caravan Dakhla’s prime location on the shores of the lagoon is more than just a bonus for guests, it’s part of the property’s identity. When the conditions are right—which they are a minimum of 300 days of the year — the water is capped with colorful kites as pros and beginners test their skills against the famous Dakhla winds. “Dakhla offers wind almost all year round,” says Stig Hoefnagel, professional kitesurfer and guest pro at Caravan Dakhla through the Naish Pro-Rider Program, “which is something unique because not many places in the world do so. If you book a vacation at Caravan with little or no kiting experience, you’re very likely to get good kiting conditions almost all year round. In the beginning of the year, it’s a little less windy, ideal for beginners, and toward summer, the winds become stronger, which is ideal for more advanced kiters or pro clinics, like my own.”
Hoefnagel is one of a team of pros that venture out to the shores of Dakhla throughout the year in partnership with Caravan Dakhla’s Naish Pro-Rider Program. Through the program, guests are able to either fine-tune their skills or start fresh in wind sports through exclusive clinics and lessons taught by these visiting pros. On any given day, Caravan guests are out on the water practicing kite foiling, experimenting with strapless kitesurfing, or playing around with freestyle kite tricks.
“I had never been to Dakhla before, but after spending some time there and truly feeling at peace with myself and the nature around me, I can only say that I can’t wait to go back,” Hoefnagel adds. “Their vibe and the people they attract to their hotel are my kind of people, and I felt really at home. The food was amazing, and as a pro athlete, I always highly value this.”
Hoefnagel himself recalls a time where he thought it would be a great idea to jump from Dakhla’s famous 35-meter-high Dragon Island, and, to this day, remembers the beating of his heart as he accomplished what he set out to do. Although a bit extreme, his experience at Caravan isn’t uncommon. The entire property exists to create heartfelt moments for guests and visitors, whether that’s through meaningful connections with visiting athletes or artists, through a shared meal with friends, or, yes, even through epic moments on the water.
Afterall, like one of the original visitors of Dakhla once wrote, “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
ourhabitas.com/caravan-dakhla
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