Shane Fonner

HOTEL DAR SABRA

  • Where:
  • Why:Wedding week and mini-moon.
  • When:April
  • Who:My wife, myself, and 38 of our closest friends and family.
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HOTEL DAR SABRA My wife and I taking a casual camel ride through the Agafay.

My wife and I taking a casual camel ride through the Agafay.

HOTEL DAR SABRA The sculpture at the entrance to the hotel.

The sculpture at the entrance to the hotel.

HOTEL DAR SABRA Arriving with the impeccable Moore & Giiles Benedict Weekender.

Arriving with the impeccable Moore & Giiles Benedict Weekender.

HOTEL DAR SABRA The all-white interior of our superior suite.

The all-white interior of our superior suite.

HOTEL DAR SABRA Superior suite looking at the Secret Garden.

Superior suite looking at the Secret Garden.

HOTEL DAR SABRA The morning before the morning after.

The morning before the morning after.

HOTEL DAR SABRA The private courtyard of our superior suite.

The private courtyard of our superior suite.

HOTEL DAR SABRA Interior of superior suite - I call the terrace the Secret Garden.

Interior of superior suite - I call the terrace the Secret Garden.

HOTEL DAR SABRA
HOTEL DAR SABRA The artistic arch spans the pool at sunset.

The artistic arch spans the pool at sunset.

HOTEL DAR SABRA The pool during Golden Hour.

The pool during Golden Hour.

HOTEL DAR SABRA At La Mamounia ahead of the big day.

At La Mamounia ahead of the big day.

HOTEL DAR SABRA Casual Sundays call for kaftans.

Casual Sundays call for kaftans.

HOTEL DAR SABRA Our Sunday brunch set up, replete with rose petals.

Our Sunday brunch set up, replete with rose petals.

HOTEL DAR SABRA The brutalist entrance of Dar Sabra.

The brutalist entrance of Dar Sabra.

Highs & Lows

  • The hotel has an absolutely placid, relaxed vibe, from the artwork running throughout to the stellar service.

  • Customer service is always preceded or followed by “avec plaisir” (with pleasure) at every request, no matter how absurd. They even brought in cigarettes from town so we didn’t have to leave the property.

  • It is an oasis for inspiration- the private back patio of the Superior Suites is ideal for sitting and sketching, reading, even listening to music while smoking a cigarette (or hash, if you can get your hands on some).

  • The hotel is ideally located in the Palmeraie, and the hotel’s driver, Affan, and his team are always at the ready to take you wherever you’d like to go for a very reasonable price - always accompanied by a smile. It’s just a short ride to other hotels in the Palmeraie, allowing one to take in the Palais Namaskar and Palais Rhoul; both house tasty restaurants featuring international cuisine. Take care of Affan - he’s a gem!

  • We privatized the hotel for our wedding party, and as such had the run of the place. The staff could not have been more accommodating, hurrying to satisfy every need. Mourad (or “Mr. Shots” as he calls himself) behind the bar is a master mixologist- and an aspiring magician, happy to show you some fancy card tricks that (especially after some hash) had minds blown and panties wet.

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 49/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Boutique hotel located in the Palmeraie, away from the bustle of the old Medina.

  • Vibe

    Elegant desert villa with art installations (created in Situ by internationally renowned artists) surround the property, including large sculptures by Rodrigo Solorzano, Guy de Rougemont and Leopold Maler. Large frescos by famed pop artist ERRO adorn the walls of the private courtyard in each of the suites adding color and fantasy. Curated by the owner, Mr. François Chapoutot, along with international art critic Gérard Xuriguera.

  • Location

    In the heart of the Palmeriae, surrounded by towering palms, unadulterated sunshine, and blissful silence.

  • Rooms

    23

  • Music

    Local Moroccan mixed with easy listening and jazz.

  • Year Opened

    2011

  • Designed By

    Designed by world-renowned architects, in a bold cubist-cum-futurist style.

  • Health & Wellness

    Yes, both and a clay tennis court.

  • Restaurant

    Yes, poolside for breakfast and lunch. Inside or outside for dinner.

  • Bar

    Yes, they even kept it open until 5am upon request enabling our inebriation.

  • Minibar

    Mini bar in the fridge with just the essentials, though reception can provide anything you need at any time of day.

  • Children

    Child friendly.

  • Price

    Approachable luxury.

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