Uncover the Hidden Oasis: Auberge La Source, Merzouga's Best-Kept Secret
Uncover the Hidden Oasis: Auberge La Source, Merzouga - My Desert Dream (and Maybe Yours Too?)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a few days lost in the Sahara, and let me tell you, it wasn’t just the sand that got in my shoes. I'm talking about Uncover the Hidden Oasis: Auberge La Source in Merzouga. They call it a "best-kept secret," and honestly, for a hot second, I wanted to keep it that way. Selfish, I know, but this place… this place is magic.
Accessibility: The Road Less Traveled (and Sometimes, the Bumpy One)
Let's get the practical stuff out of the way first. Accessibility… it’s a mixed bag. Getting to Merzouga is an adventure in itself, so if you're relying on a wheelchair, definitely plan ahead. The website does mention Facilities for disabled guests, but I didn’t personally assess the specifics. I'd advise calling the hotel directly and chatting about your needs. The good news? They have an Airport transfer, a lifesaver considering the remoteness. The other good news? They offer Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] which are always a win.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Foodie's Frenzy in the Sands
Oh. My. God. The food. I’m a sucker for a good meal, and Auberge La Source didn't disappoint. Okay, fine, I'm not a super sophisticated foodie, but I know what I like, and I loved it. They've got a bunch of options, from the classic Breakfast [buffet] (huge, and seriously, try the pancakes) to a swanky A la carte in restaurant. They also cater to different tastes with Asian cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant, plus a whole range of other choices. The buffet was great, but I made a beeline for the Coffee/tea in restaurant service every morning. And the Happy hour at the Poolside bar? Chef's kiss.
I will admit the Bottle of water kept running dry, and the Coffee shop could have been more convenient. They say "perfection" but I'll be honest about it. Otherwise, the Buffet in restaurant was outstanding as the Desserts in restaurant and the Salad in restaurant were truly wonderful. The Snack bar always had a pleasant little treat nearby.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sahara Safe Haven?
Right, let's talk about the elephant… or rather, the camel… in the room: Covid. They’ve got a whole laundry list of protocols, which I'm going to summarize with: Clean. Safe. Very, very serious about hygiene. The Daily disinfection in common areas was noticeable, and you couldn't swing a cat (not that you'd want to in that heat) without bumping into a bottle of Hand sanitizer. I felt genuinely safe. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Double check. Cashless payment service? Thank goodness!
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax): From Sandboarding to Spa Bliss
Okay, let's talk about the good stuff. You're in the desert! You came to Relax! The obvious highlight is exploring the dunes. (Sunset camel trek? DO IT.) But back at the Auberge, they've got the goods if you want to chill.
- The Pool with view: You read that right, folks. A sparkling oasis staring up at the dunes. The pictures don't do it justice. I swear I saw a mirage… which was probably the heat stroke kicking in.
- The Spa/sauna: Now, this is where I really lost myself. They offer the whole shebang: Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Sauna, Steamroom. I spent a solid afternoon melting into a blissed-out puddle. The Foot bath was divine after a day of walking on sand and the Spa was heavenly.
- Fitness center: Yes, they have a gym. Who goes to the desert to work out? Apparently, some people. (Not me.)
- Things You Can Do: The Things to do are pretty good and varied. The Pool with a view itself is incredible, as the Swimming pool [outdoor] are well-maintained.
Rooms and Amenities: Oasis Living
The rooms are the whole package, basically. I loved the Air conditioning, which was essential. Non-smoking rooms are all that are offered, which I was happy about. They have Additional toilet features, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
The Internet was also an important part of the experience and I will say the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! did have occasional moments of desert slowdown. Honestly, though, who cares when you're staring at the dunes? I did have a pretty good experience.
Services and Conveniences: Desert Hospitality at Its Finest
They've thought of everything. Daily housekeeping? Check. Laundry service? Check. Concierge? Check. The Front desk [24-hour] was always helpful, and the Luggage storage was a lifesaver. Shoutout to the staff for the Contactless check-in/out - modern and efficient. They even have a Cash withdrawal option, which is essential in a remote location. A convenience store, a gift shop, and a dry cleaning service were all available, which added to the excellent Services and conveniences.
For the Kids: Family Oasis?
I didn't bring any kids, so I can't speak from experience, but they seem genuinely Family/child friendly. They list Babysitting service and Kids facilities and Kids meals in their offerings.
Getting Around: Navigating the Dunes and Beyond
The Airport transfer is a must. The Taxi service is available if you want to go further away.
My Verdict:
Look, I could go on for days. (And maybe I have.) But the bottom line is this: Auberge La Source isn't just a hotel. It's an experience. It's a little piece of heaven plopped right in the middle of the desert. It's comfortable, it's safe, the food is incredible, the staff is wonderful, and the location is… well, you'll just have to see it for yourself.
My Messy, Opinionated Offer (because hey, I'm human):
Tired of the same old vacations? Craving something… epic? Then ditch the beach and head to the Sahara. And when you do, BOOK AUBERGE LA SOURCE.
Here's why:
- You'll Actually Relax (I Swear!): Imagine waking up to the sunrise over the dunes, then spending the day in the spa, and dining under the stars. It's like hitting the reset button.
- Food That’ll Make You Forget the Laundry (Trust Me): The buffet is the best, the chefs are legends, and the happy hour… well, let's just say it's a very happy hour.
- Safety First (and FUN Always): They take hygiene seriously, which means you can let your hair down and actually enjoy yourself without worrying.
- The Vibe? Ultra-Chilled: Forget stuffy hotels. This place is laid-back, friendly, and welcoming.
Get this: Book your stay at Auberge La Source for [insert dates here] and get [insert offer, e.g., a free upgrade, a complimentary massage]. Use code [Insert code] at checkout!
(Warning: May cause serious desert-induced wanderlust. Pack accordingly.)
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Auberge La Source now, and prepare to be amazed. You deserve it. And honestly, so do I. I need to go back.
Unbelievable Hotel Deals in Parepare, Indonesia: Mario Hotel Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-formatted itinerary. This is my brain, caffeinated and ready to experience the Sahara Desert…and maybe lose my mind a little along the way. This is more like a rough draft of a memory, honestly. Here goes:
Auberge La Source Merzouga: Sahara Soul-Searching & Possible Sandblasting (A Messy Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival & the "Holy Crap, I’m in Morocco!" Feeling
Morning (or, whenever the hell you decide to wake up after a sleepless flight): Land in Erfoud. The airport… let's just say it’s cozy. Not exactly sprawling international terminal vibes. More like, "Welcome, you made it! Now… where's my camel?" The air hits me like a warm, spicy hug. That's North Africa for you.
Transport Trauma: I’d pre-booked a transfer to Auberge La Source. The guy was… well, let’s call him “enthusiastic.” He drove like he was auditioning for the Dakar Rally, which, frankly, was terrifying but also kind of exhilarating. We dodged donkeys, and camels, and I swear I saw a tumbleweed. Classic Morocco experience!
Afternoon: Arrive at Auberge La Source. BAM. Instant Instagram filter: the dunes. Seriously, the view from the balcony… took my breath away. Like, actually. I think I stopped breathing for a solid five seconds. The sand is that iconic orange-gold color, and it just goes on and on. The auberge itself is gorgeous, the staff super friendly and welcoming. Someone hands me mint tea. Suddenly, all the hell of travel is behind me. I'm drinking mint tea, and it's all good.
First Impression: This place is beautiful. I mean ridiculously beautiful. And I'm already starting to feel this weird sense of… freedom? Like I could actually breathe, you know?
Late Afternoon/Evening: Settling in. Finally unpacking my suitcase. The clothes are wrinkled, the sunscreen has leaked a bit, the mosquito repellent has exploded slightly… but who cares? They have me! I decided to take a stroll to some nearby local shops; I have to purchase some souvenirs, because I'm the best souvenir-giver in the world! I'm so good at it, that I have to find the perfect one.
Evening: Dinner. Tagine. Delicious. Like, lick-the-plate delicious. The stars… oh my GOD the stars. I’m pretty sure I saw the Milky Way. I may have shed a small, happy tear. They make you feel welcome and part of the family.
Quirky Observation: I'm convinced the cats here are secretly royalty. They stroll around with an air of supreme indifference, like they own the place. And I'm pretty sure I wish I owned the place.
Day 2: Camel Trekking & the Deepest Sand
Morning: Awaken to the gentle hum of the desert. Breakfast - I could eat it again, it was so good! Get ready for the camel trek! Now, I’ve ridden a horse. But a camel? Let’s just say, it's different. It's like being perched on a lumpy, slightly juddering cloud. I name my camel "Humphrey."
Camel Trek: We set off into the dunes. The silence… incredible. Then, oh my god, the sand. It’s SO soft. Every single grain is like a tiny, perfect memory. We rode for a few hours, the camel was great, the ride was great. Eventually we reached a spot where we were sleeping in the desert.
Afternoon: Setting down. We all have to rest. We eat, enjoy the day, but there's an unspoken fear of being alone in the desert… that's until the night approaches.
Evening: Dinner. This is everything. The food, the company, the music. The stars. I feel at peace, the desert whispers sweet nothings in my ear.
Emotional Reaction: The silence, the immensity, it… broke me down (in a good way). I cried a little, I laughed a lot. I felt… small. And also, incredibly alive. I went off on my own, to be alone. I began to walk in the dunes by myself.
Quirky Observation: The camel droppings are… surprisingly stylish. They blend in with the landscape like miniature, perfectly-sculpted sculptures.
Day 3: Sunrise, Sandboarding & Goodbyes (and Possibly a Broken Heart)
Pre-Dawn (aka, the time when my body screams "NO!"): Wake up. Climb a dune. See the sunrise. Okay, even someone as not-a-morning-person as me can admit… it's worth it. The colors explode across the sky. Honestly, it's a religious experience. I never seen anything like it in my life.
Sunrise Experience: The moment the sun breached the horizon, I swear I felt like I was in a dream. The first day I arrived, it was beautiful, but it pales in comparison to the sunrise in the Sahara.
Morning: Sandboarding. Turns out, I'm not very good at it. I'm pretty sure I swallowed half the Sahara. Worth it. So much fun.
Afternoon: Back to the auberge. Chilling, reflecting. Maybe another mint tea. I have to leave. The last time I'll get to experience this magnificent place.
Departure: Leaving. I feel this deep sadness.
Emotional Reaction: I’m leaving a piece of my heart in the Sahara. This place… it gets under your skin. I'm already plotting my return.
Quirky Observation: I’m pretty sure I still have sand in my hair. And my pants. And possibly, my shoes. I'll be finding sand in my apartment for months to come.
Messy Ending: This trip was a roller coaster, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Morocco, you magnificent, chaotic, overwhelming beauty. I’ll be back. You have been warned.
So, what *exactly* are we talking about here? Like, give me the elevator pitch!
Ugh, the elevator pitch. Fine. Let's say we're... exploring the whole *experience* of life, the universe, and everything, wrapped up in a nice, digestible, and likely slightly caffeinated package. Think of it like this: a friend asking you "So, how was your day?" and you proceeding to unleash the full, unedited, messy, glorious truth. That's the spirit, anyway. No fluffy bunnies here, just raw, imperfect, wonderfully human stuff. Or, you know, whatever *you* want it to be. I’m flexible. (Mostly.)
Okay, but like… what *kinds* of things? Give me a hint! I need structure, goddammit!
Structure? Ha! Okay, okay, I’ll try. Here’s a very loose, very flexible, and probably utterly useless framework: We might stumble into discussions about… well, EVERYTHING. Hobby-related thoughts, maybe experiences, even the pure, unadulterated *feelings* about stuff. Probably a lot of "been there, done that, got the t-shirt" type stuff. Also, don't be surprised if we get lost in tangents about… oh, the joys of mismatched socks, the existential dread of realizing you're out of coffee, the profound beauty of a well-placed meme. The world is our oyster, my friend, and we're about to slurp down the metaphorical pearl. Or, you know, drop it down the drain. Either way, it'll be interesting. Probably.
But... what if I disagree with everything you say?! I’m a critical thinker, dammit!
Excellent! Please, by all means, disagree! Argue! Throw metaphorical tomatoes! This isn't a lecture; it's a conversation, and a good conversation needs… well, conversation. I'm not here to convert anyone; I'm here to… well, mostly to entertain myself. But if you find something that sparks a rant, a chuckle, or even just a raised eyebrow, then my job is done. Also, remember, *I'm* probably going to disagree with *myself* on a regular basis. I’m a walking contradiction. It’s part of my charm. (I hope.)
Tell me about a really great experience, like, one that sticks with you. Get personal!
Oh, man. Okay, alright. This is going to be… messy. There was this one time, a few years back – let's just say I was a much younger, slightly less jaded version of myself – when I decided to… hike a mountain. Alone. I'm normally a homebody, Netflix is my best friend, but the lure of the wilderness was *strong*. I’m not a particularly athletic person either, which made the whole enterprise… interesting.
So, I get to the trailhead, all chirpy and optimistic. The sun's shining, birds are singing, I've got my fancy new hiking boots (which, by the way, nearly gave me blisters the size of small countries), and a backpack full of… well, mostly snacks. I’m talking trail mix, granola bars, a ridiculous amount of water. I felt like Bear Grylls, basically.
The first hour? Pure joy. The views were stunning. The air was crisp. I felt *alive*! Then came the uphill. Oh, sweet mother of mercy, the uphill. My legs started screaming. My lungs felt like they were about to explode. The “stunning views” started to look suspiciously like a really long, torturous staircase.
I seriously considered turning back, maybe fifteen times. I mean, what was the point? I was clearly going to die alone, face down on some random rock, surrounded only by discarded granola bar wrappers. But, for some reason, I kept going. Maybe it was stubbornness. Maybe a stubborn refusal to let the mountain win. Maybe the sheer terror of turning around and admitting defeat.
And then… I reached the summit. And the view? Oh. My. God. It was… breathtaking. Absolutely, undeniably breathtaking. The world stretched out below me, a sea of green and blue and gold. I felt an overwhelming sense of… well, something. It wasn't just accomplishment; I was at peace. For like, five minutes, before a swarm of gnats decided to become my personal hell. And then reality set back in again. Even then, I had a moment of clarity, realizing I had faced the mountain, and survived. It was a tiny victory.
The hike down was almost worse, actually. My knees. Don't even ask. But that feeling, that moment on the summit? That sticks with me. It reminds me that sometimes, the hardest climbs are worth enduring. And that even when your legs are screaming and you're covered in sweat, you can find something truly extraordinary. Also, I learned to always pack a good insect repellent. Really, really good.
Okay, okay, that's nice. But what about something… less dramatic? Like, what’s a minor "category" of life you enjoy?
Oh, man. Minor categories? Let me think… (Starts staring off into space, mumbling to itself). Okay, okay. Here's a good one. The sheer, unadulterated *joy* of a really good cup of coffee. Not just *any* coffee. We're talking the stuff that makes you actually *gasp* with pleasure when you take that first sip. The kind that smells like heaven and tastes… well, divine. The first sip of the day. Perfection.
I am *very* particular about my coffee, and it gets me in trouble on occasion (according to my partner who's probably tired). I will avoid pre-ground as if it had the plague. The whole ritual – grinding the beans, the delicate dance of the pour-over, that slow, satisfying drip – it's almost meditative. Okay, maybe it *is* meditative. It's a small, simple pleasure, a tiny pocket of happiness in the often-chaotic swirl of existence. And when a perfectly roasted bean meets hot water? *Chef's kiss* Life is good. For, like, five minutes. Then, you need more. Always more.
So, what's the deal? Positive vibes only? Are you always *happy*?
HA! Absolutely not. As much as I'd *like* to be perpetually ecstatic, reality, unfortunately, isn't a Disney movie. I get grumpy. I get frustrated. I have days where all I want to do is hide under the covers and binge-watch bad reality TV. And I am *not* ashamed. In fact, I think acknowledging the bad days is just as important as celebrating the good ones. It is human. To pretend otherwise is… wellEasy Hotel Hunt
