You are coming here for one reason only: to walk in, to sit on, stare at, photograph and, most importantly, sleep in the dunes of the Erg Chebbi desert. The dunes are famous for their colours the serenity and the spectacular light, particularly at sunrise and sunset. This has rightly become one of the most visited sites in Morocco and the area around the village of Merzouga can be a bit busy. Yasmina is well away from the other hotels with essentially private dune access. It does mean the drive is a bit further but the extra 20 minutes to get there is worth for the peace and quiet that is such an important part of the dune experience.

The hotel has a clean, comfortable en suite rooms and suites (the latter with private roof terrace). There is a big pool (April-Oct) and a fabulous terrace that leads directly onto the dunes.

However the best option is to head off mid afternoon by camel for the desert. After a gentle hour of so you are in the middle of the dunes and a semi-permanent camp for the night. There are up to 10 tents with proper bed bases and mattresses and room for 4 people. There is also a dining tent and toilet. On arrival you will probably make for a high point to watch the sunset and then settle down around the fire on the carpeted space between the tents to watch dinner being prepared. Food is relaxed and takes time and then bed is taken early. No electricity so once candles are blown out there is just an incredible silence – many people have the best night’s sleep they can remember. In the morning the start is early to watch the sunrise (by camel or on foot) then back to the auberge for a shower and breakfast.

Many people choose to stay 2 nights and do one in the hotel and one in the dunes. This is particularly good if coming from Fes which is a long drive and arrival too late to get the most out of the dunes. For the day in-between it is worth doing a 4x4 excursion around the edge of the dunes to the nomad’s village and Merzouga itself, or just relax by the pool.

Whatever you do the dunes of the Erg Chebbi will be your strongest memory of Morocco.

Key Features:

Wonderful location on the edge of the dunes
Desert Camp
Large Pool
Camels on site
Traditional Moroccan hospitality Unbelieveable views and serenity

'Auberge Yasmina...fantastic, wonderful night in desert, brilliant guides, excellent camo, best meal of the holiday, iced water much appreciated, beds made up under stars, swimming pool on return to hotel. Unbeatable. Superb and faultless.' Gill E, August 2011