Palais Rhoul's environmental commitment

Clean-up Day with the Dakhla Guesthouse Association

Palais Rhoul's environmental commitment is not a communication promise. It is a certification — HQE, Haute Qualité Environnementale — and a way of operating that long predates the labels that recognise it today.

Before drafting its charter, the house commissioned an impact study from an international firm. The commitments that followed cover water, energy, waste, purchasing, food and staff. This is not a position — it is a geographical and human necessity. You do not inhabit this desert without respecting it.

Architecture and materials

Palais Rhoul is the oldest residence in Dakhla. It was not built to look like an eco-lodge — it is one by nature, through the materials it is made of and the way it sits within the site. Untreated wood, lime render, natural fibres. The rooms open onto the lagoon, the desert or the garden. Natural light does the work that others delegate to decoration. Construction and renovation materials are eco-responsible: recycled, reclaimed, ecological paints.

Water

Flow regulators are fitted to every tap. Pool water is recovered after natural filtration for cleaning outdoor areas. 80% of wastewater is treated through a natural overflow system. Pool filtration relies on UV lamps that reduce chemical use by 98%. Water in the rooms is served free of charge in glass bottles — plastic bottles are prohibited.

Energy

Low-consumption lighting throughout the house, paired with a digital management system that optimises consumption. Solar energy covers part of the house's needs. Air conditioning is not standard — Dakhla's climate does not make it necessary.

Waste

No single-use welcome products. Disposable slippers are prohibited — there is no recycling facility in Dakhla, only an open-air landfill exposed to the wind. Shower products and soap provided in the rooms are natural and certified organic. After each departure, unused products are distributed free of charge. Selective sorting is in place: cardboard, plastic, glass, batteries, oils and food waste are collected separately. Linen is washed with biodegradable products. Supplier packaging is reduced to a minimum.

Food and purchasing

The vegetables served each day come from the Palais's own greenhouses, grown without chemicals and with careful water management. Fish and seafood come from our own boat, which goes out every morning and respects the reproduction cycles of local species. Flours are organic, stone-ground. Nothing on the plate is imported when the region can supply it. Suppliers are chosen from local producers — the sourcing radius is kept to a minimum.

Wildlife

Palais Rhoul continues its commitment with the League for the Protection of local species. On fishing and spearfishing outings, only what is immediately consumed is taken. Biological rest periods are strictly observed.

Local roots

Over 90% of staff come from the surrounding towns and villages. The house systematically cooks one additional meal in three for the local population. It contributed to the funding of Dakhla's first medical centre dedicated to vulnerable people.

What the house asks of its guests

Unplug unused chargers. Bring reusable flip-flops for moving around the house. Do not leave water running unnecessarily. Renew linen mindfully — sheets are not changed daily unless requested. Leave used batteries in the main lounge. Hand over medicines and hazardous waste to the team for appropriate disposal.

Why this matters in Dakhla

Dakhla remains one of the least altered territories on the African Atlantic coastline. The lagoon is classified as a biosphere reserve. Wildlife is abundant and largely undisturbed. This balance is fragile — and it holds only if those present on the territory make coherent choices.

Palais Rhoul has been doing so from the beginning. This is not a position. It is a necessity.

Reservations and enquiries by email only.

Reservations and enquiries by email only.