La Crique Nature & Spa Dakhla

La Crique Nature & Spa sits on a cliff above the entrance of the Dakhla lagoon, some ten kilometres from town. It gathers 25 VIP suites and 2 royal suites, the Sensoria spa, a fine-dining restaurant with its oyster bar over the lagoon — and above all its own watersports base, less than two minutes' walk from the rooms. Because it both houses and teaches on site, it is listed here as a school rather than a hotel, even though hospitality remains its main business.

That base is one of the outposts of the Duotone Pro Center of Dakhla, and the most recent one. It is devoted to wingfoil and explicitly aimed at intermediate and advanced riders: the full Duotone wingfoil range, renewed gear, coaching by IWO-certified instructors, a safety boat, direct beach access and one of the least crowded stretches of water in Dakhla. Kitesurf lessons for all levels are also given, by IKO-certified instructors, and stand-up paddle is available on site. Storage for your own gear is chargeable and compulsory; it includes the compressor, beach assistance and water safety.

The DRIFTER concept lets guests go and ride at the group's other watersports bases depending on the day's wind: that is how the property offers surfing, at West Point, and padel, at Dakhla Attitude. La Crique belongs to the Dakhla Hospitality Group, which also runs Westpoint, Dakhla Attitude, PK25, Lagon Energy and Les Dunes de Dakhla.