Adrere Amellal Resort
SPOT MORE COOL STUFF: Africa | Destinations | Egypt | Hotels & Lodgings | Unusual Hotels
We are prepared to stand by this bold statement: The Adrere Amellal is the single coolest eco-resort on the planet!
The Adrere Amellal is stunningly set at a scenic oasis, at the foot of a dramatic rock-mountain. The local Berbers here still live much like they’ve done for centuries, wearing their traditional clothing, speaking their native Siwi (not Arabic) and harvesting the bountiful dates and olive by hand.
The resort itself feels a little like the casbah in Star Wars (except without the space aliens and bar fights). The vibe here is truly other-worldly. What most amazing is that the entire hotel is constructed exclusively with materials available within 20 miles of this desolate location. There’s not a single metal nail or imported anything in the entire place. The pool is fed by an underground stream. The furniture is carved from local trees. There’s no electricity, but you’d hardly notice: The rooms are well lit with oil lamps and the entire hotel is kept cool as a result of the ancient construction techniques used.
The resort’s service is superlative too, up to the standards of any Four Seasons. The staff is attentive, but not suffocatingly so, and extremely knowledgeable of the local area. The room rate includes excellent meals, made with organic and locally produced products, and a selection of activities. Go on a jeep safari into the desert, visit the town of Siwa or The Temple of Arun (an oracle constructed by Alexander The Great), take a dip in a hot springs or simply marvel at the brilliant night stars — a stay at the Adrere Amellal will amaze and memorize.
