Palais Rhoul & Spa Dakhla – Award Winner 2020 to 2026

The Palais Rhoul has been recognised every year from 2020 to 2026 by the international press — Condé Nast Traveler, Forbes Africa and Elle Décoration among others. These distinctions cover the property as a whole: accommodation, cuisine, spa and environmental commitment.

What the recognition reflects

The Palais Rhoul is the oldest residence in Dakhla, built nearly a century ago and fully renovated using natural and reclaimed materials. It holds an HQE certification — High Environmental Quality — based on an independent impact study. The awards received since 2020 are a consequence of how the house operates, not a marketing objective.

Environmental commitment

Pool filtration uses UV lamps, reducing chemical use by 98%. 80% of wastewater is treated through a natural overflow system. No single-use plastics anywhere on the property. Water served in glass bottles. Waste sorted on-site. Organic greenhouses on the property. Fish sourced daily from the house's own boat. No pesticides. Eco-certified cleaning products throughout.

Local and social impact

Over 90% of staff come from Dakhla and the surrounding region. Local artisans — blacksmiths, weavers, carpenters from across Morocco's south — made the furniture, ironwork and textiles throughout the property. The house cooks one extra meal in three for the local population and contributed to funding Dakhla's first medical centre for vulnerable people.

The table and the spa

Rachida has led the lunch kitchen at the Palais Rhoul for years — her sourdough starter dates to 1964. The dinner kitchen is run by Fayz. The spa offers massages year-round, including a Thai massage by a therapist certified by the Wat Pho school in Bangkok, and the Authentic massage by Marie, the only practitioner of this treatment at the property.

2025 added to the list

The 2020–2026 recognition includes 2025, making it seven consecutive years of international distinction for the Palais Rhoul Dakhla.

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