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Azalai Desert Lodge, Zagora | Timbuktu Travel
Zagora

Azalai Desert Lodge

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About Azalai Desert Lodge

A romantic, sand-swept & totally idyllic lodge in the world's largest palm grove.
A bona fide oasis in the middle of the world's largest grove of palms, Azalai Lodge is picturesque to say the least. Craggy stone walls, studded wooden doors and delicate glass lanterns all create a space that is timeless and demure. To reach the lodge, you'll traverse the road that once formed part of the Sahara to Marrakesh caravan route. Once there, you'll spend languid days beside the pool, as well as enjoying hikes into the foothills of the Anti-Atlas Mountains and bicycle rides to the river at sunset. After the hubbub of Morocco's cities, Azalai is a balm to the soul surrounded by unfiltered natural beauty.
Zagora , Morocco
From $170 per person/per night
None
8 Rooms
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Property details

The property

In the main building, there are a number of lounges with finely-woven tapestries, stone fireplaces, and well-placed chaise longues for a doze or a new read from the library. The lounges double as a restaurant in the evenings, which serves three delicious courses combining Moroccan and French dishes. The rooftop terrace is the perfect spot for sunny breakfasts and sundowners, both complete with lofty views of the Atlas Mountains. When you tire of activity, while away a few hours in a hammock under the palms or lounge by the pool.

The rooms

Set in two bungalows in the tropical gardens, there are just eight rooms at Azalai Lodge. Each has an authentic, warm feel and was inspired by the writings of famous names like Henri Matisse, Ibn Battuta and Odette du Puigaudeau. In fact, many feature artwork and artefacts paying homage to their namesake. The rooms all have a private terrace, ornate, carved arches and muted hues, some in shades of cream and others with a splash of sky blue. The bathrooms feature hand-painted basins, most have showers, and some have a Victorian bathtub.

Activities

Explore the beautiful surrounds with walks through the Draa Valley palmeraie, visit the local museums where you'll discover the history of the original peoples, or peruse the Zagora souk for a hand-crafted souvenir. If you're keen to venture further, head out to the labyrinthian Jewish kasbah of Amazrou and pay a visit the Quranic library that houses works penned with ink made from walnut, saffron, henna, and fine gold around the 13th century. And, if you can't fathom leaving your hammock, simply lay back and watch the clouds drift by.
Why we love it

Why we love it

The hush of the desert winds, the clarity of the starry sky, and the complete seclusion.
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

Many guests spend a night at Azalai's desert camp and it makes for an extra special memory.
Something to think about

Something to think about

There is no alcohol available at the lodge, so if inclined, pick up your favourite tipple before you arrive.
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Zagora Tours & Trips

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Morocco in a nutshell
Morocco

Morocco in a nutshell

13 nights from $9.2K per person

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How to book Azalai Desert Lodge

How do I book Azalai Desert Lodge?

Azalai Desert Lodge can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Morocco trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Morocco trips featuring Azalai Desert Lodge or get advice and suggestions from one of our Morocco specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Azalai Desert Lodge?

Stays at Azalai Desert Lodge start from around $170 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Azalai Desert Lodge

Morocco

Zagora

An iconic pitstop on the edge of the Sahara with more than a few ancient charms.