Trip Report: Dar Ahlam & Amanjena (Morocco)
Jun 12, 2011, 6:04 am
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,431
And thanks for letting us know about Dar Ahlam. As you can see, it turned out to be very special for us.
Jun 12, 2011, 12:29 pm
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Jun 12, 2011, 4:05 pm
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,431
The Royal Air Maroc flight from CMN to OZZ was only operated once daily and did not get in until around midnight. Then it would have been another 30-45 minutes drive to Dar Ahlam. As we had gotten into CMN at midnight the night before, the schedules did not sync. We would have had to spend 24 hours in Casablanca which we didn't want to do. By driving, we got to Dar Ahlam by late afternoon.
Jun 12, 2011, 8:12 pm
#21
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: New York, USA,
Programs: Amex Centurion. Amanjunkie. AA & DL Platinum
Posts: 432
Outstanding trip report Ericka! You are so detailed which is probably why you relate so well to Aman Resorts.
I went there once in 2002 but the weather was cold and rainy (April). They said at the time that it was very unusual. After this report, you peaked my interest to try it again...albeit in the better weather months.
I went there once in 2002 but the weather was cold and rainy (April). They said at the time that it was very unusual. After this report, you peaked my interest to try it again...albeit in the better weather months.
Jun 13, 2011, 5:17 am
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,431
No guarantees I guess!
Jun 13, 2011, 8:21 am
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Maybe they hadn't yet started their summer schedule. They have a morning and evening flight normally. But I guess it's too hot to land there in the afternoon?
Jun 13, 2011, 10:57 am
#24
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: London
Posts: 62
Hats off to you Ericka for taking the time to write such a useful report (and for the countless other people who have done the same elsewhere). I'm making myself another false promise to do the same...
Your trip report certainly brought back memories of a similar trip I took some time back to Dar Ahlam, Riad Faranatchi and Amanjena.
We drove from Marrakech to Dar Ahlam which probably wasn't as arduous as the trip from Casablanca and we actually really enjoyed crossing over the Atlas Mountains. It was a very scenic drive and we stopped of a couple of times along the way.
Fond memories abound of lovely lunches and dinners in all kinds of settings at Dar Ahlam and on excursions. I don't think we've experienced anything quite like that since. I think it is more about the whole experience there - part of me wanted a flat screen TV and room service but maybe the charm is in the difference and in the silence of the oasis - I don't know if you agree with that Ericka? May have to try the other Oasis in Egypt (in Siwa I think it is) which I have also heard a lot about and am tempted to try for a similar experience.
In any case, I have to admit that as much as we enjoyed Dar Ahlam - Amanjena was the highlight for us (and for some reason I remember most the lovely little arabic pastries they serve up which manage to taste better than anywhere else in Marrakech).
Thanks again for the report Ericka
Your trip report certainly brought back memories of a similar trip I took some time back to Dar Ahlam, Riad Faranatchi and Amanjena.
We drove from Marrakech to Dar Ahlam which probably wasn't as arduous as the trip from Casablanca and we actually really enjoyed crossing over the Atlas Mountains. It was a very scenic drive and we stopped of a couple of times along the way.
Fond memories abound of lovely lunches and dinners in all kinds of settings at Dar Ahlam and on excursions. I don't think we've experienced anything quite like that since. I think it is more about the whole experience there - part of me wanted a flat screen TV and room service but maybe the charm is in the difference and in the silence of the oasis - I don't know if you agree with that Ericka? May have to try the other Oasis in Egypt (in Siwa I think it is) which I have also heard a lot about and am tempted to try for a similar experience.
In any case, I have to admit that as much as we enjoyed Dar Ahlam - Amanjena was the highlight for us (and for some reason I remember most the lovely little arabic pastries they serve up which manage to taste better than anywhere else in Marrakech).
Thanks again for the report Ericka
Jun 17, 2011, 2:01 am
#25
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Turkey
Programs: thy miles and smiles, lufthansa miles and more
Posts: 51
When we moved to the Maison Jardins we were inbetween a maison an a pavillion without a pool (By the way this is also a very good idea for 3 couples or a family with children and heir friend, since there is door between the maison and the pavilion). The maison was empty but I am sure they would hear us because the pools are close. However the pavillion is on the the other side of the garden so the noise did not travel to them I think. There was a couple there with a baby but since they didn't have a pool I guess they didn't spend so much time in their pool.
By the way amazing report Ericka! ^ Hope to meet you again in another Aman, Amanruya I hope
The soft opening is on the 20th of July and we are hoping to go there before August. I will post the details.
Jun 18, 2011, 1:13 am
#28
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Programs: Too many...and an Amanjunkie
Posts: 1,667
As always an excellent report, Erika ^
Well, your sentiment reflects my experience from his time at Amanpulo compared to other Aman assets...socialising with guests is not one of his strong points...
Well, your sentiment reflects my experience from his time at Amanpulo compared to other Aman assets...socialising with guests is not one of his strong points...
Jul 12, 2011, 2:13 pm
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Great photos. Thanks Ericka!
On my next business trip to Casa, I'll have to carve a weekend out for Dar Ahlam.
Q: Did you book through Club 5C? Get an upgrade?
On my next business trip to Casa, I'll have to carve a weekend out for Dar Ahlam.
Q: Did you book through Club 5C? Get an upgrade?