Who's Going
Gwen Stefani, Catherine Deneuve and David Lynch
Reason to Stay
Acclaimed Interior Design, Moorish Architecture, Private Location
Hotel Type
Desert Resort
It's a dusty 15-minute ride from city-center likely in the hotel's own London-style taxi, on a bumpy country-road through inhospitable desert with weathered palm trees and rampant littering problem. Yes, even in fancy Africa there is trash everywhere. Most guests likely ponder whether they should have just stayed at the Amanjena (Aman Resorts) while riding in this kitschy-reminder of London, but upon arrival at this 13-villa mini-resort trepidation succumbs to wonder for the hotel's elaborate Moorish façade. Some guests are lucky enough to be greeted by Parisian-owners Nicole and Patrick LeVillair, others receive a more-formal reception from local exceptionally mannered staffed. <br /><br />Built as a new structure, the hotel and its architecture seem far older than it's 2004-opening suggests. Tall clay-colored walls with meticulous detailing surround a central courtyard with reflecting pool and Persian rose garden. An extravagantly long rectangular pool is one of the prettiest in Africa, with sparse loungers and isolating view of the desertscape. To entertain the easily distracted, the property also features a basement hammam, billiards room, and clay tennis court. The in-house restaurant decorated in all-white marble is home to chef Damien Durand, formerly of Ducasse and Robuchon-kitchens, presiding over a seafood-minded affair of fine French cuisine. It's a good thing the restaurant is as good, as most everything is at least a 10-minute drive from the hotel. <br />
The Room
You’ll be spending a good-deal of time in these rooms, these 13 spectacular suites perfect for life-changing romances and spirit-searching getaways. Be sure to work out the transportation details of your trip, as the hotel car is seldom available and taxis are rare. Each guest room (known as harim suites) is decorated in natural earth tones with exposed-wood ceiling and polished-grey floors with Iranian carpets. Local furnishings and handicrafts lend an eclectic spirit, neglectful of the fact that hand-carved Syrian chairs and stools are hardly built for comfort. Bathrooms are decadently primitive with block-marble tubs and cubist-basin areas with exquisite toiletries and Frette-towels. Larger rooms feature Indonesian teak tables, intricate wall detailing and the occasional fireplace. A rooftop apartment suite includes a carpeted-patio with Arabian canopy overlooking a private swimming pool with views of the desert horizon
Preferred Room
Apartment Suite with private swimming pool
Special Features
Trendy Clientele, World’s Top-10 Swimming Pools
Amenities
Restaurant, Lounge, Swimming Pool, Hammam, Tennis Courts, Billards Room, Library
