Boutique hotels in Dakhla

Dakhla lies on a narrow peninsula far down the Atlantic coast, sheltering a 25-mile lagoon whose flat water and steady winds have made it one of the world's top kitesurfing spots. Beyond the sport, the landscape is the attraction: white dunes falling into turquoise water, flamingos, and the rocky outcrop of the White Dune at low tide.

Where to stay

The best places are lodges and bungalow camps strung along the lagoon shore, most with their own kite schools.

Good to know

The wind blows most of the year and is strongest from April to September. Dakhla is in the territory of Western Sahara, whose status is disputed; check official travel advice. Flights connect it with Casablanca and some European cities.