Frommer's Review
Phillipe Guiguet Bologne opened the lime-green doors of his enchanting Dar Nour (House of Light) in 1999. Tucked away in the high northern reaches of the medina's 14th-century kasbah (the unmarked green door is impossible to find on your own) with sweeping views of both the old city and the Straits, Dar Nour is two adjoining houses offering individually furnished rooms and suites that just beg exploration. The blue-hued Hafa Suite has its own cozy Andalusian-style living room and a private terrace, while the smaller, split-level Itaf Room is adorned with Far Eastern tapestries on its ochre-color walls. An eight-seat dining table takes pride of place in the communal dining room where guests are encouraged to engage in lively conversation. The floppy couches in the adjoining living room provide a welcome retreat should the discussion become too much for you.
Throughout the interior of Dar Nour are various objets d'art from Phillipe's personal travels, along with an enticing and extensive library that guests are encouraged to browse through. The whitewashed roof -- with bright blue chimney stacks -- is split into three terraces, all with their own sitting areas that are a godsend during the steamy summer months when the limp afternoon sea breeze finally makes its way to land. During the winter months when the nights can get quite chilly, each room is supplied with a portable heater.
Dar Nour exudes a coziness more attuned to a home-stay than a boutique hotel, due as much to the warm and rustic Arabic-Andalusian decor as the personal yet unobtrusive attention from the small staff. A sumptuous breakfast of pancakes, pastries, fruit, honey, yogurt, and fresh khübz (Moroccan flat bread) is included in the price. Dinner is on request and is usually traditional home-cooked Moroccan fare of harira soup and beef or lamb tagine with couscous and vegetables. Nadia, the house cook, can also cater the evening meal for any special dietary needs. Mint tea is, of course, available any time of the day or night. Dar Nour can be the perfect quiet romantic hideaway but is equally suitable for families or small groups.
Facilities:
Restaurant; library
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
