By Faith Eden
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As the sun sets over the tall dunes of the Sahara Desert, sending beams of light bouncing off the golden sand, guests travel by camel’s back down to their luxurious camp for the night. The feeling of the warm sand sinking underfoot upon their arrival lets them know they have time to relax by the campfire after a day of exploration, sinking into gently rocking hammocks before their feast under the stars. This is the Nubia Luxury Desert camp in the Sahara Desert, just one magical stopping point of the Beldi Collection.

The Beldi Collection’s Luxury tours to the most stunning locations in Morocco were created with the aim of sharing the beauty of Moroccan culture and the lives of the nomadic people of the Sahara Desert. This is not just a trip but an immersion in a way of life which leaves one reconnected with nature and able to return to everyday life invigorated by a new sense of enthusiasm. Each luxury tour is tailored to meet the desires of individual travellers, meaning every experience is wholly unique and memorable.

There are a range of exciting tours offered to travelers, including journeying into the Sahara, traveling the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, taking a Moroccan camel trek on a nomadic journey, and even enjoying a luxury camping experience in the dunes. The Ultimate Morocco tour is perfect for those looking for a varied and fully immersive leap into Morocco. Over the course of ten days, groups of two to six people enjoy an off-road dunes adventure into the desert, staying at a stylish desert lodge and traveling across the high dunes of Erg Chegaga on a journey through the High Atlas. Escorted by their skilled driver and experienced Nomad team, guest follow the centuries old route to Kasbah Telouet and the Unesco World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou. Among the most interesting parts is roaming the small streets and souks of vibrant Marrakech, as well as lounging by the campfire at night under a dome of falling stars, serenaded by the sounds of traditional Berber musicians.

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"The Beldi Collection’s Luxury tours to the most stunning locations in Morocco were created with the aim of sharing the beauty of Moroccan culture and the lives of the nomadic people of the Sahara Desert."

For those looking for a retreat to nurture both mind and body, the Sahara desert yoga and Reiki Retreat, led by fully trained teacher Rebecca Hutley, is ideal. The first night is spent in a boutique hotel with a pool to relax, and leaves time for calming sunset yoga and meditation followed by dinner on the terrace, overlooking the ancient town of Ait Ben Haddou. The remainder of the trip is spent in the warm Sahara, combining adventure with tranquillity in a blend of culture, history and yoga. This trip really bonds travellers as they share in their experience, and this is marked by a spectacular celebratory meal on their last night in the desert, marking a pleasant end to a magnificent trip.

The Nubia Luxury Camp is set amongst the foothills of the high dunes of Erg Chegaga and combines modern comfort with nature and traditional delicate Persian décor. Hand-made authentic Moroccan tents house king size and single beds with lavish white duvets and pillows, ensuring absolute comfort and relaxation at the end of each day. You can even choose to sleep outdoors, your candlelit bed directly beneath the cool night air and shooting stars. Outside the tents sit a stylish lounge of woven hammocks and vibrantly coloured sofas, as well as the restaurant tent, which wafts the mouth-watering scents of a luxury dining experience to trump all others.

When it comes of food, the Beldi Collection does not fall short. At the Nubia luxury camp, chefs serve up a vast array of traditional and authentic Moroccan dishes. Whether dining in the dunes under the night sky, or smart dining in the restaurant tent, guests will taste dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients as part of the Beldi Collection’s philosophy of leaving gentle footprints, recognising the fragility of life by obtaining materials natively. Subtle spices and intriguing flavour combinations provide a culinary delight, and there is no better way to experience North African cuisine than in the Sahara itself. One favourite is kefta tagine, which blends lamb with garlic, fresh coriander, parsley and cinnamon into balls, cooked in a rich tomato and onion sauce. Eggs are cracked into the dish, cooking to perfecting in the bubbling sauce, before the meal is served straight from the pan to the awaiting diners.

With so many unique ways to explore the splendour of Morocco, the Beldi Collection is a surreal and memorable experience for all those wanting to experience life off the beaten track. Having ridden on a camel across the dunes, dined under starry skies and witnessed some of the world’s most impressive ancient monuments, guests return home with a sense of complete tranquillity, and a new lust for life.

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Faith Eden

Faith Eden is a freelance writer and editor based in London and Birmingham. She has enjoyed travelling around both Europe and the U.S., and has a particular interest in wildlife and architecture.

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