SANDSTAR PALACE

Two kilometres from the shifting crest of Erg Chebbi, Sandstar Palace places guests on the desert's edge in Merzouga — the southeastern Moroccan village that serves as the standard departure point for camel treks into the Sahara dunes. A practical base for both overnight desert excursions and day-trip dune climbing.

An outdoor swimming pool offers relief between desert forays, and a restaurant and bar keep guests fed without leaving the property. Room service, family rooms, and free parking round out the practical offer; airport shuttle can be arranged for transfers from Errachidia, roughly 100km northwest.

Merzouga sits far from Morocco's imperial cities — Fès is around five hours by road — making Sandstar Palace best suited to travellers who have budgeted dedicated desert days rather than passing through.