Our story
Published on 27/06/2026
Some places don't just host you: they change you. Away from the bustle of the city, where the desert meets the ocean, Heliophora is one of them. Behind this refuge for lovers of board sports and nature lies the philosophy of its founder, Rachid Roussafi.
In search of the secret spot
A former competitor, Rachid spent much of his life travelling the world in search of the perfect spot. In the late 1980s he explored the Moroccan coast and discovered Dakhla. "I was looking for the secret spot, the one where there wouldn't be many of us on the water," he recalls. In 2002 he opened the very first camp on the peninsula.
Being a spot's pioneer brings a rare privilege: choosing the best location. In 2014 Rachid founded Heliophora on an open, safe site, sheltered by the terrain, with unforgettable sunsets.
People first
As Dakhla grew in popularity, large resorts multiplied. Rachid made a different choice. "I wanted to stay small. I like to remember every one of my guests. Here, a person is not a room number." The team takes time to talk and ride with guests, so that every stay leaves a lasting mark.
The luxury of remoteness
Being far from town is a daily logistical challenge, but it is the price of what Rachid calls "the comfort and luxury of being somewhere remote". This choice goes hand in hand with deep respect for nature:
- Local materials: architecture inspired by Amazigh heritage, with walls of earth and stone.
- Natural comfort: these ancestral techniques naturally insulate against heat and noise.
- Minimal footprint: "Be as discreet as possible on the spot, work with nature, not against it."
A Moroccan table that brings people together
The lodge takes pride in serving quality Moroccan cuisine, and menus adapt to everyone, vegetarian or gluten-free. The Heliophora table is made for gathering.
A refuge for everyone
Heliophora is a paradise for riders, but also for families and anyone seeking calm: children play safely in the shallow pools, others prefer yoga facing the ocean or birdwatching. That is Rachid's promise: a place where time stands still.