Get set for some serious escapism at this striking, secluded retreat in the Agafay Desert. Less than an hour from Marrakech, 19 tented suites of varying sizes dot the vast, stony terrain. In the distance, the Atlas Mountains stand tall while the sun rises and sets in a spectacular fashion. At night, a gazillion stars fill the sky.
Inara Camp is the sixth glamping creation from owner Vincent, so he knows a thing or two about high-end desert camping. And it shows. The tents are hotel-level comfy. Think huge, soft kingsize beds, woven rugs and ensuite bathrooms. A log burner adds a cosy charm during the winter months. Outside, the deck is where to quaff a sundowner as you listen to the sound of precisely nothing. Bliss. Spend the day exploring the dunes by foot or by camel. Then return to camp to scoff delicious Moroccan fare in front of a fire. Float in a dreamy oasis-style desert lagoon (which comes with a small beach) with stunning views of the canyon and mountains. Swap your stories with fellow campers. Stay for a while, or include it as part of a bigger Moroccan adventure. Either way, we think this will be one for the memory bank.
Highs
- Soft kingsize beds, ensuite shower rooms, attention to detail, wide desert views – these tented suites are pure comfort
- The epic sunsets and sunrises
- The vast array of bucket-list-worthy activities on offer nearby (camel safaris, desert picnics, quad biking and more)
- The staff, who are super friendly and helpful
- The food served in the restaurant is divine
Lows
- It’s less ‘golden sand dunes’, more ‘stony landscape’, but everything else makes this a superb desert experience
- You'll have to pay to use the infinity pool, but the lagoon pool is free for all
- Prices are a bit punchy for Morocco
- WiFi is pretty weak, so be prepared to disconnect and live in the moment
Best time to go
Inara Camp is open all year. Temperatures are balmy and pleasant in the mid 20Cs during spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November). During the winter, (December-February) temperatures average at just under 20C, but nights get chilly, so keep the cosy in-tent wood burner topped up. In the summer (June-September) temperatures can hit 40C.
Our top tips
This is a remote location; it won't be a quick process to get a specific snack or pack of cigarettes, so it is best to come prepared with all your little luxuries
- Desert Camp
- 19 tents
- Restaurant + bar (open daily)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Heated Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Massages available
Rooms
19 luxury tented suites of varying sizes make up the main part of the camp. Each one offers a super comfy kingsize (or twin) bed, a cosy living area with a wood-burning stove and reversible air-con/heating depending on the season. Ensuite shower bathrooms feature orange blossom ‘Les Sens de Marrakech’ products and argan oil soap. Wooden decks with far-reaching landscape views also come as standard.
There are four types of tent here: Discovery (sleeps 2), Emotion (sleeps 3), our favourite, the Inara Suite (for up to 4) and the latest addition, Suite 19 (sleeps 2 + 1 baby). Design-wise, think eco-chic. We love the thoughtful features – locally crafted homewares, cool woven rugs, comforting wood flooring, rattan pouffes – carefully hand-picked by the owner, Vincent. If you're being picky, the chipboard headboards in the smaller tents might feel a little cheap – another reason we prefer the Suite.
We stayed in an Emotion tent and loved every detail. From the cloud-like kingsize bed, to the surprisingly powerful shower and finishing touches from a local artist (whose repurposed creations are available to buy from the on-site shop), it's clear that no corners have been cut to make this a comfortable stay. The staff even light the wood-burner while you eat, so you can return to a toasty tent as you settle in for the night.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Central heating
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Safe box
- Toiletries
- WiFi
Eating
Eating at Inara Camp is a treat. Fresh produce is selected daily from the local farm before the chef works his magic. In the mornings, expect a full breakfast with freshly baked pastries. A side serving of an epic sunrise, optional.
Dine at The Circle, a big tent, where, at night, candles flicker and a star-filled sky shines overhead. Heavenly. The restaurant is open all day. Dinner is a fixed menu of hearty, traditional Moroccan greats; we feasted on a trio of briouats (filled pastry triangles) and a prawn and mango quinoa salad to start, then onto a tantalising fish tagine and rich rib-eye steak. Dessert was fresh fruit and ktefa, a filo pastry stack oozing with creme anglaise. It's safe to say we slept well afterwards. You can also opt for a private tent if you prefer to eat separately - let them know in advance to check availability; note this incurs an extra cost.
For a change of scenery, Marrakech is under an hour away. The dining scene there is strong – you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Features include:
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- There are all kinds of adventures to be had in the Agafay Desert, organised for you by the Inara Camp staff. Speed off on a quad bike, experience a camel trek, or explore the far-flung surroundings by desert bike
- Treat yourself to an argan oil massage back at camp
- Join a yoga session, especially therapeutic against a silent desert backdrop
- Journey to the surrounding Atlas Mountains in a 4x4, stopping for a picnic when you get there
- At nighttime, marvel at Saturn through a high-grade telescope. Learn how to navigate the stars from a professional astronomer
- Explore the bustling souks of Marrakech (50 mins). There are museums to discover (fashionistas will love Musée Yves Saint Laurent) and palaces to find (start with Bahia Palace and its swoon-worthy tiling)
- Water sports enthusiasts are spoilt for choice at Lalla Takerkoust Lake (14km). Stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, hoverboarding... take your pick
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Camel rides
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Jeep safaris
- Kayaking
- Mountain biking
- Quad biking
- SUP
- Trekking
- Yoga
Kids
All ages are welcome at the camp. Kids will love the pool and some of the activities on offer nearby (did someone say camel riding?). That said, there aren’t any facilities specifically aimed at children. And remember, this is a peaceful retreat, so parents of especially-shouty kids might get a few disapproving stares.
Best for:
Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
A small family of three can happily fit into The Emotion Tent. Choose from a kingsize bed or twins. An extra bed or cot can be added for the littlest family member.
Larger families of four should opt for the Inara Suite. A kingsize or twin beds come as standard. There’s ample space for two extra beds or cots.
Families Should Know:
If you want to use the infinity pool, you will need to pay extra. Neither pool is gated. Temperatures can be high in the summer months
Distances:
- Airport: 50 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Inara Camp is set in the Agafay Desert in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, an hour south of Marrakech.
By Air:
Fly into Marrakech Menara (34km/50 mins), which is served by a range of international flights.
From the Airport
Take a taxi or arrange a transfer with Inara Camp.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Marrakech Menara Airport 34.0 km RAK
Other:
- Beach 220.0 km
- Shops 0.0 km
- Restaurant 0.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 7 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape