Dakhla Attitude

The sports center crew, especially Fatimah, Hazmah, and Weldi, helped make the stay even better. The whole place has a relaxed kite-camp feel, with gorgeous sunsets every day. Attitude is a Dakhla classic that still delivers, with an amazing spot and a huge, well-equipped sports center full of gear to try.

We had only one windy day out of seven, and at low tide the walk to the water was very long. At the freak windsurf center, the beach staff were lazy and left us to set up our own gear while they chatted, though the center’s owner was really nice. The accommodation and service were poor. Reception were rude and asked to keep our passports when we arrived. The room water smelled strongly of sulphur, the beds were rock hard, and our front door wouldn’t open all the way, making it hard to get our suitcases in. The food seemed questionable: there were lots of cold salads we avoided because of the water issue, while the hot dishes were repetitive and average at best. Several people had diarrhea during our stay. There are much easier windsurfing destinations to reach, with better food and places to stay.

Booking online got us good prices, and the people were very friendly. The food was good too. But once there, everything was extremely overpriced, with some unpleasant surprises, and flexibility was limited. If the on-site prices were fair, it would be five stars.

The rooms get very hot when there’s no wind, and there’s no air conditioning or even a fan. That was the only downside for me. Otherwise, I loved the place, and Attitude will be my yearly kite destination in Dakhla. It may lack some amenities, but the staff more than make up for it. For a kite trip, this hotel is just right. It isn’t a five-star resort, so don’t expect extras like shampoo, lotion, or a toothbrush. You’re in the middle of the Sahara Desert, at a paradise for kiteboarding, and the kite service is the best I’ve seen in all my years kitesurfing. Everyone at the school was top-notch and super friendly. Ibra was the best instructor I’ve ever had. In three days he took me from water starts to jumping in transitions, and he explains things brilliantly. Fátima and Simo at the rental spot were lovely, explaining things and helping with whatever I needed. And Lamin helped me untangle my kite lines a hundred times, he’s a genius.