Dakhla's Hidden Gem: Uncover Westpoint's Moroccan Magic!
Dakhla's Hidden Gem: Uncover Westpoint's Moroccan Magic!
Dakhla's Hidden Gem: Westpoint's Moroccan Magic – A Review That's Seen Some Things, Man!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the REAL dirt on Westpoint in Dakhla, Morocco. Forget those shiny brochures, I'm here to give you the gritty, the glorious, and the "did I really eat that?" lowdown. I'm talking about the experience, not just the amenities, and trust me, this place… it's an experience.
(Metadata Snippet for the SEO Heads: Dakhla Westpoint Review, Moroccan Hotel, Dakhla Surf, Wheelchair Accessible Hotel, Spa Dakhla, Hotel with Pool, Desert Adventure Dakhla, Free Wifi, Family Friendly Dakhla)
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Sadly. (But with Hope!)
Alright, let's rip off the band-aid first. Wheelchair accessible? The official line is "Yes." The reality is… complicated. While they do have elevators (a massive win!), the layout, from what I saw, could be a bit of a challenge. Some ramps might be a little steep, and navigating the sand around the pool area could be an adventure in itself. Facilities for disabled guests are mentioned, but I didn't get a chance to REALLY test them. This feels like a definite area they could improve in. More info required, but the fact they started is a plus.
Internet: Bless Their Hearts. (And Bring Your Own Hotspot, Maybe?)
Internet access? Technically yes. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Yep. Internet [LAN]? Apparently. Reality? Spotty. Like a teenager’s first shave. I struggled a bit. It’s definitely not cutting-edge, and for anything demanding (video calls? Forget about it unless you're lucky), prepare to bring your own backup plan. The Wi-Fi in public areas was slightly better, but still a tad… temperamental. On the bright side, they tried.
Cleanliness and Safety: Look, They're Trying REALLY Hard.
Post-pandemic, you know I'm checking the safety vibes. And Westpoint? They're doing their best to keep things squeaky clean. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere you look. Kudos! I saw staff trained in safety protocol, which is always reassuring. Room sanitization opt-out available – good, gives you a choice. Rooms sanitized between stays? Seems like it. Safe dining setup? Yes. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Didn’t personally witness the kitchen, but the tableware certainly seemed clean. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Mostly observed, but you're on holiday – things sometimes get a little close for comfort. Cashless payment service? Check. They're covering the bases.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Buffet of Experiences (Literally and Figuratively)
Right, let’s talk food! Restaurants, plural! Poolside bar – crucial. Coffee shop. Snack bar. I'm in! Breakfast [buffet]? Oh yes, and a pretty decent one at that. Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant – variety is the spice of life, and they brought the spice. The Asian cuisine in restaurant caught me by surprise – tasty! I had a salad in restaurant that was surprisingly fresh and a soup in restaurant that almost made me cry (in a good way). Desserts in restaurant? Don't even get me started. Let's just say my waistband suffered. They also offer Room service [24-hour], and they even have a Vegetarian restaurant - though I'm not sure if it's entirely separate.
Okay, here's the messy part. One night, I tried the Happy hour. Classic tourist gambit. Didn’t quite live up to the hype, but the bottle of water they leave with the coffee/tea in restaurant? Pure genius. Simple, but genius. I had a bad experience with the International cuisine in restaurant – I’ll be honest, quality dropped compared to the rest, and the service was… well, let's just say it wasn’t the hotel’s strongest suit. I’m not going to name the dish because I'll look like a whiner, but let's just say it involved what tasted suspiciously like a week-old potato. Shudders.
Ways to Relax: Spa Day? YES, PLEASE!
This is where Westpoint shines. The Spa/sauna area? Pure bliss. The views from the Pool with view are to die for. Seriously, just sit back and soak it in. The Steamroom, Sauna, and Swimming pool [outdoor] are all meticulously maintained. I splurged on a Body scrub and Massage. My therapist, bless her heart, worked out knots I didn't even know I had. It was glorious. Seriously, this is a major draw. The Foot bath was a nice touch too. Definitely spend some time here! Fitness center? They have one, though I'm pretty sure I only looked at it.
Things to Do: Beyond the Pool (and Into the Desert!)
Alright, let's be honest, you're in Dakhla. You're here for the wind and the waves, right? And Westpoint offers… a good base for it. Airport transfer makes arriving a breeze. They can arrange Taxi service, too. However, the hotel itself doesn't exactly scream "activities central." You’re going to be relying on the wind, the waves, and perhaps some local tour operators, though I didn't investigate those.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter (or Don't Always)
Okay, let’s speed through this. Air conditioning in public area? Yes. Concierge? Present and helpful (usually). Currency exchange? Check. Daily housekeeping? Spotless. Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service? Covered. Luggage storage? No problem. Gift/souvenir shop? Yep. Cash withdrawal? Yes. Convenience store? Kinda. They're definitely trying to provide everything. The elevator is a massive win for accessibility, as mentioned.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly-Ish
Family/child friendly? Yes, to a certain extent. Babysitting service is a possibility. Kids meal? Probably. Kids facilities? Minimal, from what I could tell. It’s not a bad place to bring kids, but I wouldn’t say it’s specifically geared towards them. More of a “do-it-yourself fun” situation, which could be great, depending on the kids.
Available in all rooms: The Comforts of a Home (Sort Of)
Okay, let's dig into the actual rooms. Air conditioning? Thank god, yes! Alarm clock? Check. Bathrobes? Luxurious. Bathroom phone? Okay, maybe a bit too luxurious. Bathtub? Some rooms have them, some don't. Blackout curtains? Essential for those midday naps. Coffee/tea maker? Yes! Daily housekeeping? As mentioned, excellent. Desk? Present. Free bottled water? Always appreciated. Hair dryer? Yes. In-room safe box? Secured my valuables. Internet access – wireless? Yup. Ironing facilities? Available, although the iron itself was a little… temperamental. Mini bar? Stocked with the essentials. Non-smoking? Yes. Private bathroom? Of course. Refrigerator? Yes. Satellite/cable channels? Plenty of options. Shower? Worked perfectly. Slippers? Nice touch. Smoke detector? Present. Sofa? Comfy. Telephone? Works. Toiletries? Decent quality. Towels? Plentiful. Wake-up service? On time. Wi-Fi [free]? As reliable as a politician's promise, as mentioned. Window that opens? Yes, thank heavens for fresh air!
The Room Itself: A Mixed Bag
The rooms were decent. Clean, generally spacious, and comfortable enough, though the décor was a bit… safe. Think "beige on beige on beige." The bed itself was comfy, the towels were fluffy, and the air conditioning was a life-saver. I had a room on a lower floor without much of a view, so that was a bit disappointing (maybe request a higher floor!). Extra long bed, perfect for a lanky traveler like me.
The "Hidden Gem" Factor: Is It Really Hidden?
Look, is Westpoint a five-star luxury palace? No. But is it a decent, comfortable, generally well-run hotel with some seriously impressive spa facilities? Absolutely. It’s got its quirks (the internet, the inconsistent food quality), and accessibility could be better. But
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into my highly unreliable and utterly chaotic Dakhla adventure. Forget polished itineraries and Instagram-worthy perfection. This is the raw, unfiltered, possibly sunburnt version. Let's get messy.
Dakhla Daredevil's Diary: A Trip That May or May Not Happen
Day 0: The Pre-Trip Panic (aka, the "Is My Passport Real?" Stage)
- Morning (ish): So, this whole Dakhla thing. Sounds amazing, right? Desert, kitesurfing, the Atlantic… Yeah, well, first hurdle: My passport. Did I actually remember to renew it? This is when I have a minor existential crisis and convince myself customs will confiscate me for "suspiciously low eyebrow maintenance." Found it! Thank the travel gods (and my habit of shoving important documents under the cat's food bowl).
- Afternoon: Flight booked. (Or so I think. Checked the confirmation email again.) Started packing. Realized I own approximately zero appropriate clothing for a desert climate. "Must. Acquire. Loose. Flowing. Things." Went to the local thrift store. Came back with a silk scarf that looks suspiciously like a tablecloth. Perfect.
- Evening: Attempted to learn a few basic Arabic phrases. Managed to butcher "Hello" and "Thank you" in so many ways, Google Translate probably wept. Gave up and settled on "Smile and point." It's a universal language, right? Prayed the baggage handlers don't have too many complaints and let me on the plane.
Day 1: Arrival and Arid Awkwardness (Dakhla, Here I Come, Maybe?)
- Early Morning: Holy. Moly. The flight. Turbulence that made me question every life choice. Finally, the magic tarmac appears. The air is dry, the sun is brutal. I emerge from the airport looking like a confused tumbleweed.
- Mid-Morning: Taxi to the hotel. The driver, bless his heart, spoke approximately three words of English. We communicated primarily through frantic hand gestures and laughter. I think I accidentally agreed to buy a camel. (Just kidding… maybe.) The hotel is…rustic. Let's call it "charmingly dilapidated." The view, however? BOOM. Ocean. Dunes. Utterly breathtaking. My inner peace found momentary Zen.
- Afternoon (The Kiteboarding Debacle): This is it. The reason I came. Kitesurfing. The instructor (a handsome, sun-kissed god with the name of “Hamid” – cue the dramatic, internal swooning) gave the lesson. It turns out, my coordination skills are best described as "questionable." I spent 90% of the time face-planting in the water, tangled in lines, and generally resembling a beached sea creature. Got a mouthful of saltwater and a hefty dose of humiliation. My inner peace vanished.
- Evening: Back at the hotel. Took a hot shower to wash the sand out, tried to get the sea salt out of my hair. Went onto the balcony to calm my nerves. The sunset was unbelievable. Like, seriously unbelievable. Ate a tagine that should have been on a postcard back home, and started planning how to conquer the waves tomorrow.
Day 2: Sand, Sun, and Stomach Gurgles (And a Cat!)
- Morning: Ate breakfast. This is a very important note, since yesterday's breakfast was a disaster because I slept at the hotel too late. Had this Moroccan bread that was so good, it made me want to cry. Seriously. I think I might be converting to a carb-based religion.
- Mid-Morning (The Dune Buggy Disaster): Booked a dune buggy tour. I envisioned myself as a desert warrior, speeding across the sands with the wind in my hair. The reality? I was terrified. The buggy handled like a runaway shopping cart. My partner (who was driving) kept swerving, nearly flipping us into a sand dune. By the end of the ride, I was gripping the seat with white knuckles, silently pleading with the universe. We arrived back at the hotel with more sand in our pants than on the beach.
- Afternoon: Walked on the beach. The wind was howling, carrying sand into my eyes. But the waves, the endless horizon… it was magical. Saw a local kid flying a homemade kite. Tried to help, but ended up getting the kite tangled in a palm tree. He just giggled and fixed it in seconds. That kid had more local knowledge than I had in years.
- Late Afternoon (Cat Encounter): Walking back to the hotel. Found a stray cat. I have a soft spot for all animals, and can not turn away from any. It was skinny and scared. Decided to feed it some food. It started purring and rubbing against my leg. Made me feel a little bit better, because it turned out I needed a friend.
- Evening: Started to fall ill. The desert is not for everyone. The tagine was delicious, but I should have gone for less spicy food the day before.
Day 3: The Desert Delirium (And a Last-Minute Rescue)
- Morning: Woke up to a throbbing head and a profound feeling of regret. The stomach that was gurgling was now erupting. This trip may be in jeopardy!
- Afternoon: The only thing I could do was stay in bed. I watched some TV. It helped pass the time
- Evening (The Unexpected Hero): This is where the tables turned. I was about to get a fever, and was about ready to quit the trip. Then suddenly, the hotel owner, who had been watching me fail for the whole trip, came to my door. It was my savior. Helped me get some medicine, and some nice soup.
Day 4: Lessons Learned and Last-Minute Wonders
- Morning: Woke up. The medication kicked in. I am getting better! The desert delirium is over.
- Afternoon: Went kitesurfing again. I was getting progressively better - or at least less terrible. ( Hamids eyes sparkled, I did well.)
- Evening: Ate dinner. The hotel owner brought me some food to my room. I am doing so much better.
Day 5: Farewell, Dakhla (Or, Until Next Time, Maybe?)
- Morning: Packing. Wishing I'd bought more of that ridiculously delicious bread. Secretly plotting my return trip, maybe with a better plan.
- Afternoon: Say goodbye to Hamid. The winds were in my favor, finally!
- Evening: Airplane food, mediocre at best. All in all, Dakhla was an adventure, good and bad. I am glad I went.
Postscript:
So, that's it. My Dakhla diary. The trip was messy and imperfect. There were moments of pure joy, moments of abject disaster, and plenty of moments where I questioned my sanity. But you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything. Dakhla, you wild, beautiful, and occasionally terrifying place, you have firmly lodged yourself in my memory. Now, to start planning the next trip… maybe I'll be less of a klutz next time. (Probably not.)
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Dakhla's Westpoint: My Messy, Wonderful Journey (and Your Questions Answered)
Okay, spill the tea: What *is* Westpoint, exactly? And why is it supposedly a "hidden gem"?
Alright, buckle up, because this isn't a perfectly curated Instagram post. Westpoint, my friends, is this windswept slice of heaven (and sometimes hell, let's be real) nestled in Dakhla, Morocco. It's basically a surf camp and a kitesurfing paradise, but calling it "camp" feels… wrong. Think more… a collection of little huts and tents, right on the beach, with the Sahara Desert practically breathing down your neck. And the "hidden gem" thing? Well, it’s kinda true. Dakhla itself is off the beaten track, and Westpoint is even *further* off. You’re not gonna find hordes of tourists here. It's a place for the wild at heart, the wind-whipped, the people who don't mind a bit of sand in EVERYTHING. I mean, everything.
Is it *really* good for kitesurfing? I'm a beginner, and I'm terrified of looking like a clumsy idiot.
Oh, honey, it's FANTASTIC for kitesurfing. The wind? It’s like a reliable, slightly grumpy friend who’s ALWAYS there. Consistent. Predictable. Perfect for learning. The lagoon is shallow, which is a lifesaver when you're trying to get up on the board. And the instructors… well, they’re a mixed bag. Some are absolute legends, patient and encouraging (bless their souls). Others… let's just say they have a very "sink or swim" approach. I remember one guy, bless him… he was so matter-of-fact. “You go. You try. You fail. You try again.” And honestly? It worked. It's a humbling sport, kitesurfing. You WILL look like a clumsy idiot at first. Everyone does. But the feeling of finally getting up on that board... oh. Pure. Joy. Also, the sand is super soft when you inevitably fall. Just a minor bonus!
What about the food? I need my avocado toast and strong coffee, you know?
Okay, buckle up, because this is where things get...REAL. Avocado toast? Forget it. Strong coffee? Maybe, if you're lucky. The food at Westpoint is… rustic. Hearty. Generous. Think lots of fish (fresh! AMAZING!), tagines, couscous, and… wait for it… bread. So. Much. Bread. Honestly, I'm still dreaming about the bread. The coffee is usually instant, but after days of salt, sun, and kitesurfing, you'll be so exhausted, you won’t care. The best part? The communal meals. You share stories with other travelers, and it really builds a cool vibe. And the meals are often prepared by amazing local staff. You'll want to tip them!
What’s the accommodation like? Is it… clean?
Clean? Well, let's be honest. "Clean" is a relative term. You're not exactly staying in a five-star hotel. It's more… "rustic chic," or maybe "beach-adjacent." The huts are basic but comfortable, and the tents are… well, they're tents. They're close to the water. And the salt gets… everywhere. You'll find sand *everywhere*. In your hair, in your bed, in your luggage, possibly even in your underwear. I once spent an hour trying to remove a particularly stubborn grain from a very unfortunate location. Let's just say, close your eyes and picture it. But the vibe is so chilled and the sunsets are so breathtaking, you'll forget about the minor inconveniences (like the occasional rogue insect). Besides, you'll be too tired from kitesurfing to care.
Is there anything to do besides kitesurfing? My partner isn't into it, and I don't want to bore them.
Okay, yeah. Kitesurfing is king, but there are other things. You can definitely go swimming (when the wind isn't *too* insane). You can explore the lagoon and the hidden beaches. There are also daily yoga classes. And… the sunsets. Oh. The. Sunsets. They're a religious experience. Seriously. I could write a whole book just about the sunsets. There's something about the way the sky bleeds into the sand, lighting the ocean on fire. Just magical. And the star gazing at night is incredible, because there's absolutely zero light pollution. You can just lie on your back and spend hours staring at the stars. It's intensely romantic.
What's the biggest thing you learned there?
Oh, wow. Hmm. Kitesurfing is a metaphor for life, you know? It's about getting up when you fall. It's about embracing the chaos and the wind. It's about trusting in yourself (and maybe a little bit in the wind gods). But honestly? I learned a lot about patience. With the wind, the instructors, and myself. I'm usually a stressed-out city person. But Westpoint forced me to slow down. To just...be. To breathe. To appreciate the simple things. Like a perfectly brewed cup of instant coffee (after a day of kitesurfing). And I learned… that sand really does get everywhere.
Would you go back?
In a heartbeat. Even with the sand, the slightly dodgy coffee, and the occasional existential crisis brought on by the vastness of the desert. Westpoint is a little bit of magic. It's a place you truly disconnect, and reconnect with yourself. It’s a place to be a little bruised, a little windswept, and a lot happy. And honestly? That’s pretty good.
What was the *worst* part of the trip? Be honest!
Alright, alright. Let's get real. The wind. Sometimes it's your friend, sometimes it's your enemy. There was this ONE day. The wind was *relentless*. It was so strong I felt like I was being sandblasted. I was getting absolutely nowhere on the board, just faceplanting into the water over and over again. I swallowed enough saltwater to fill a small swimming pool. I was cold, I was exhausted, and I was seriously questioning all my life choices. I wanted to cry, and I did, a little bit. I wanted to just...give up. And then, to top it all off, I saw a guy, who was clearly much better than me, literally FLYING across the water with what looked like zero effort. I wanted to kick his smugKrishnagiri's Mango Paradise: Breathtaking Valley Views & Eco-Orchard Escape!
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