Caravan by Habitas Dakhla
Bohemian-luxury adventure camp. Think tadelakt bathrooms, Berber rugs, terracotta ceramics, and sand literally on the reception floor. The vibe skews active and sociable — more kitesurf collective than private retreat — with communal agoras, evening bonfires, outdoor cinema, and a roster of cultural events. Not a place to come if you want to hide away; 24 rooms means you'll know your neighbours.
The lagoon is across the road from the hotel, and at low tides the water line can retreat hundreds of metres — factor in extra walking time if you're carrying kite gear
Why It Matters
One of the first proper luxury properties on the Dakhla Lagoon — arguably the world's best shallow-water kitesurfing destination. The lagoon is enclosed on three sides, so beginners can ride downwind without the panic of open water. The Michelin Guide selection and Tablet Hotels listing put it in rare company for this remote corner of West Africa.
Caravan Dakhla sits right at the edge of the Dakhla Lagoon, 25km north of Dakhla city on the Atlantic coast of Western Sahara. Opened in 2023, it's the global Our Habitas group's water-focused answer to their Agafay desert camp — 24 rooms built around a riad-style courtyard and lagoon-facing lodges, with a Latin-Moroccan restaurant called Levante, a kitesurf school run in partnership with Naish, and the kind of bonfire-and-live-music programming that's become the Habitas signature. The whole place runs on renewable energy and donates $10 USD per guest to its RISE community impact fund.
Where You'll Stay
4 room types available
Desert Riad
Arranged around a shared riad-style courtyard, these are the entry-level rooms and the most sociable option. Pink-plastered walls, tadelakt bathrooms, Berber carpets, woven lampshades, and terracotta ceramics give them real warmth and texture. Good for solo travellers or pairs happy to share the courtyard atmosphere.
king
Dune Villa
Self-contained villas with alfresco showers and a bathtub, sleeping up to four guests on extra beds. A good pick for a group of kitesurfers who want more privacy but don't need full lagoon views. The outdoor shower and bath are a highlight.
king
Lagoon Loft
The lodge-style rooms with expansive glass fronts facing directly onto the lagoon. Panoramic windows and a private terrace mean you can sit outside in costume even in December, sheltered from the wind. Note that some guests report these rooms can get warm without air-conditioning.
king
Oasis Villa
The largest accommodation on the property. Overlooks both the lagoon and the desert, with a lounge area, outdoor stone shower, and a large private wooden deck. Sleeps up to three. If you can stretch the budget, this is the one to book.
kingThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Four-wheel-drive tours of the desert surroundings, also covering the area around Dragon Island (named for its shape).
Guided quad bike and dune buggy tours to landmarks including the White Dune — a crescent-shaped ridge above the lagoon surrounded by lunar desert landscapes. Expert local guides lead the tours.
The Dakhla Bay lagoon attracts thousands of migratory birds including pink flamingos. Viewing possible from the lagoon's edge.
Nightly bonfires with live local music and DJs. Local Sahrawi musicians and regional DJs regularly perform.
Open-air cinema nights held in the outdoor lounge area by the bar.
Fishing trips can be arranged from the hotel.
On-site kitesurf school run in partnership with kitesurfing brand Naish, with Naish-sponsored professional instructors. Covers everything from beginner land-based sessions (kite control, safety, body dragging) through to advanced foiling and aerial tricks. Beginners need at least two land sessions before going on the water; advancement depends on instructor assessment. The school also offers kite rental, equipment storage, and gear rigging assistance.
Available through the on-site water sports school alongside kitesurfing.
The hotel partners with regional artists on art projects and programming as part of its Habitas cultural calendar.
Traditional Sahrawi tea tasting — a slow, multi-pour ritual involving 3–4 glasses, each tasting slightly different. Sessions can run well over an hour.
A signature arrival ritual involving iced hibiscus and ginger tea, fragrant jawi powder on hot coals, and a symbolic sand-release ceremony. Led by the head of concierge.
Guided bike excursions through the surrounding desert landscape.
Morning and evening yoga classes on the terrace, included in the stay.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Habitas signature outdoor communal areas — covered lounge, cabanas, and gathering spaces around the pool for socialising and programming.
Unheated lagoon-view pool with curved edges, lanterns, day-beds, parasols, and a bar right beside it. Open 9am–6pm. Some guests note it can be cold for swimming. Views of the lagoon from the terrace surround are a highlight.
Free bottled water provided daily (tap water is non-potable).
The entire property runs on renewable energy. No single-use plastics. Waste treated and minimised. $10 USD donated per guest stay to the RISE fund for local sustainability and community causes.
Shuttle service to the lagoon's edge for kitesurfers carrying heavy gear.
Roundtrip transfers for up to 3 guests included in the room rate. Additional guests charged at ~US$17 each.
BUILD YOUR CARAVAN BY HABITAS DAKHLA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning