Our stay at the Scarabeo Desert Camp started in the heart of the Marrakech’ Medina, where we stayed at one of the luxury boutique riad hotels and from where the Scarabeo team picked us up. Seemingly minutes later, the landscape changed from urban to desert. But the impression of arriving at a place far from civilization was not just the first, superficial impression.
The camp, set up in a temporary location, is organized around the concept of simple luxury. The emphasis is put on good service, hearty cuisine, and a range of activities — but the chic tents are basic. And it’s part of the charm of Scarabeo’s “desert luxury.”
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Photos in this post are by Laskowski & Zadros. © TravelPlusStyle.com.
Where to stay in Marrakech
The moon-like, imposing landscape of the arid Agafay desert with the Atlas Mountain range on the horizon makes a beautiful backdrop for the white tents, sharply contrasting with the wasteland’s dramatic colors.
The Scarabeo Camp embraces its desert location, creating a pure hotel experience with the clarity of desert life. The design creates a feeling of being part of an expedition from the golden age of explorers; it’s a trip back to simpler times. From evening bonfires to the aroma of fresh bread in the cold air of the early morning, the luxury desert camp Scarabeo immerses its guests in the serenity and magic of camping in the desert.
The Belgian team of photographer Vincent T’Sas and graphic designer Florence Mottet dreamed up the Scarabeo Project, and their creative background has been the driving power behind the camp’s success.
The tents are simple, but their interiors are tastefully decorated. Inspired by some of the best African lodge designs; the style of the camp is notable for its restraint. This makes it different from what could be expected from a typical “Moroccan” design, overwhelmed with patterns and fabrics.
The Belgian founders of Scarabeo made simple luxury a hallmark of the camp’s appeal. The design harmonizes with the landscape through the tonal purity of natural materials: white Berber tents and bedding, vintage furnishings, caramel leather chairs, travel artifacts, ambient Moroccan lanterns, bleached wood, woven floor mats, and biscuit-colored cushions.
“Perhaps the best way of describing Scarabeo Camp is [its] magic formula: a charming bivouac of oriental-inspired tents, following the rhythm of the seasons”
— Vincent T’Sas and Florence Mottet
The camp is less than an hour’s drive from Marrakesh; however, its exact location can vary — there are two different sites where the camp gets set up. The location depends on the season, making the best out of warmer temperatures.
In winter, the tents are pitched right in the heart of the Agafay desert, but in summer, the temperatures go up way too high. The stone desert heat becomes unbearable. In these months, the camp moves a few kilometers to escape into the shade of a eucalyptus grove.
Morocco's most beautiful boutique Riad hotels
The best time to visit the Agafay Desert, located just outside Marrakech, is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer pleasant temperatures, typically ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities like camel rides, hiking, or enjoying a desert camp experience.
Alternatively, book Scarabeo Camp via
Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © TravelPlusStyle.com & Scarabeo Camp
Getting there: The flight-comparison sites such as Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.com) or Kayak (www.kayak.com) will help you find the best flights and deals.
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Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 20/11/2024
