The Best Sustainable Hotel Experience I’ve Ever Had!

Once upon a time there was a girl who wanted to go on a new adventure. And if she's honest, wanted to escape reality because she might be a Pisces who needs adventure, escape and water every so often. So at 3am on Wednesday morning she booked a flight for 8pm that night to head to Dakhla.

At the time there wasn’t much information about what makes a resort or hotel sustainable, but she found a sustainable boutique hotel called Le PalaisDakhla on the lagoon side of the city and embarked on an adventure. It would include new friends, a ton of delicious and ethically sourced food and much needed healing of the soul. 

Best Place to Travel in April! 

I left for Dakhla on April 14th and originally planned to come back to Casablanca on April 17th, a short weekend getaway was all I was thinking. Well, when I arrived at Le Palais Rhoul Dakhla plans changed quickly. I was picked up at the airport by a private driver and whisked away to the tranquil hotel about 20 minutes away. Upon entering, you are greeted by a friendly German Shepherd who is the “house dog” on the compound and as soon as the cuddles are over you will look up and notice the hand-carved walls, the impeccably designed common areas and corridors as you are guided to your room. 

My room? Oceanfront with a private dock and floor-to-ceiling glass doors to take in the most beautiful sunset you could imagine. Even the shower has a view of the lagoon and the sunset. The food? All inclusive but not in the gluttonous way that we are used to when traveling. Rather, thoughtfully crafted menus that reflect the fish caught that day and the produce available at the local markets. It’s all a part of an eco-system that is optimized to serve its guests, the community and the environment in and around Dakhla.  

I ended up staying for almost two weeks. In that time, I don’t think I have  ever felt more relaxed, taken care of, inspired or healed. 

Organic and Natural Hotel Amenities

One would think, when you feel you are at the end of the world that luxury wouldn’t be at the forefront of your mind. Add eco-friendly accommodation and most would have the image of a tent somewhere out in the elements, but Le Palais Rhoul has changed that image for the better. 

From the moment you walk into this thoughtfully curated and impeccable decorated space you feel that you aren’t in your typical hotel. The instant you learn it is a sustainable hotel in the middle of the desert, you understand that this place is a paradise you never knew existed. From the lack of plastic water bottles, the natural toiletries, the inclusion of the local community, with over 90% of the staff being employed from nearby villages, to opting for a UV light sanitation system for the pool to avoid toxic chemicals and a reduction of water waste; every aspect of the resort is thoughtfully designed with the guest, the community and the environment in mind. 

The in house hammam is a heavenly experience that includes all natural black soap and ends with you feeling like you are wearing someone else’s baby soft skin. Like most of the rest of the hotel, you will find hand-crafted zellige tiles and perfectly adorned arches that prove this isn’t just another hotel, it's an homage to the culture and the artisans that surround it. 

Le Palais Rhoul has made eco-conscious travel a luxury experience that you will never forget.

Making a Sustainable Travel Plan 

While the real plan in this adventure was: escape life but make it eco-friendly. Making a sustainable travel plan can be easy if you know about a few small details. For example Le Palais Rhoul has several certifications such as ISO 14001, an international standard for an  environmental management system which at Le Palais Rhoul Dakhla looks like, waste reduction, water conservation, energy efficiency, eco-friendly amenities, community engagement, sustainable food practices and wildlife and environmental protection. 

While most places will vaguely allude to putting these practices into place, at Le Palais Rhoul it is deeply engrained in their everyday and the difference is palpable. Like any good and truly sustainable company, shares their commitment to sustainability on their website. 

Dakhla is an environmental wonder as it is one of the rare places where the Sahara and the Atlantic meet. Thus, resources are precious and shouldn’t be over exploited. For example, famed for its oysters and fresh fish, Le Palais Rhoul’s fish is hand-caught, fresh in the mornings, using small boats and they only catch what they consume to avoid overfishing their waters. They recycle their swimming pool water after it has been naturally filtered and use it to clean various spaces around the property. Their food is organic and sourced through ethical farmers and they are dedicated to giving back to their community with acts such as feeding 1 in every 3 meals they make to a local in need or helping finance the local hospital. When you are looking into sustainable travel it’s always important to take a quick look at the website so you can find places like, Le Palais Rhoul Dakhla who truly are committed to sustainable travel and ethical business. 

A Commitment to Sustainable Travel 

Sustainable hotels are becoming more and more part of the norm as travelers search for sustainable travel options but it is important to us that those we share our time and money with put our investment to good use. Le Palais Rhoul has set the standard, as far as we are concerned, for the way to do sustainable travel right. They are as committed to sustainable commerce as we are and it shows. They’ve even won awards for it! 

As you start off your week and dream of places unknown and as April approaches, maybe you can escape to what feels like an almost untouched end of the world where the Sahara meets the Atlantic, shoot some oysters and have a wonderfully relaxing time at Le Palais Rhoul Dakhla. 

Is our wanderlust contagious? We have great sustainable travel options for you to explore across our site! Check out our latest articles on sustainable travel destinations, how to make your travel more sustainable and more! If you love our ideas or have some of your own, let us know! Oh! And don’t forget to share yours in the comments 😀.