Nothing says honeymoon quite like photogenic landscapes, idyllic beaches and a sense of being somewhere truly magical… Enter, Morocco! The North African country checks all those (and plenty more) boxes and in a country where snow-capped mountains loom over the desert, there’s an experience for everyone. As for the accommodation, choose from secluded Bedouin camps to plush, revamped mansions and the most incredible of kasbahs. So, what are you waiting for? Delve into our Morocco honeymoon guide for some serious inspiration…
A luxury Moroccan escape
On this trip, you’ll be whisked away to the majestic High Atlas Mountains, the tallest peaks in North Africa. You could easily spend every moment of every day luxuriating at the hammam and soaking up the vistas from a beautiful kasbah, but should you fancy venturing out, there are some epic excursions on offer amongst the peaks. Hike or ride horseback along scenic trails, discovering rainbow-hued valleys and cascading waterfalls, raft down the Ourika River, or soar overhead in a hot air balloon. Next up is Skoura in the Sahara Desert, where you’ll discover the romantically-named Oasis of 1,000 Palms and trek through the fragrant Valley of the Roses. Then, it’s to Marrakesh, a city synonymous with the Morocco of old and a very fitting end to your honeymoon. Let the intoxicating atmosphere take effect as you stroll past mosques and minarets, gilded tombs and palaces, visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and its lush gardens, and experience the magical scenes at Djemaa el-Fna square in the evening.
Top spots to stay
A honeymoon calls for some of the most spoiling properties in Morocco – and here they are! Begin with Kasbah Tamadot, a feast for the senses in every way from the Berber-style tents and private hot tubs to the orchard spa. Dar Ahlam (the House of Dreams) is a 200-year-old kasbah with tranquil interiors and lakeside dining. Inspired by the bygone palaces of Marrakesh, Amanjena Resort boasts two-storey maisons, eadh with a secluded pool for the utmost privacy.
A honeymoon with the works
Make your honeymoon the trip of lifetime with this see-it-all Moroccan route. In charming Casablanca, you’ll visit one of the largest mosques in the world and raise a toast at iconic Rick’s Cafe, before venturing to Fez and into the Fes el Bali medina. Mysterious and enthralling, follow your feet (or a guide) through the souks and watch the artisans at work – and stock up your suitcase. Then, leave the hustle and bustle of the cities behind and head into the dunes. Silent and tranquil, the sand seas and palmeraies of the Moroccan Desert are as surreal as you could imagine. How you choose to spend your days will depend on your tastes, but with sandboarding down giant dunes, picnics in quiet oases and camel treks at sunset all on offer, there’s plenty to enjoy. Next, steal away to an alpine kasbah for as much (or as little) adventure as you fancy, before making your way to laid-back Essaouira. Located on the breezy Atlantic Coast, ride horseback along the beach, paddle-board in the shallows, and enjoy your fill of lip-smacking seafood. Bid farewell to Morocco with a few days of history, art and head-turning markets in Marrakesh.
Top spots to stay
You can’t go wrong with the top-tier service of the Four Seasons in Casablanca – including secluded poolside cabanas! – and in Fez, choose the Hotel Sahrai with its fabulous massages and mountain views. Surrounded by the terracotta dunes of Erg Chebbi, live out your desert dreams at the beautiful Merzouga Luxury Camp, then head to Les Jardins de Skoura to wash off the sand and doze in a hammock beside the pool. In the Atlas Mountains, fairytale castle, Kasbah Bab Ourika always gets our vote and in Essaouira, check out the centrally placed Riad Dar Maya. Lastly, Hotel La Mamounia in Marrakesh has an impressive history and indulgent spa – the perfect end to your trip.
Mountains to the beach
Just below the soaring High Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh is the beating heart of Morocco. Holding the country’s history, inspiring its art and welcoming curious visitors for centuries, your trip begins in this fabulous city, with days perusing the sights and stalls, and memorable evenings in the Djemaa el-Fna square amongst the snake charmers and dancers. After your city thrills, make the journey into the mountains for utterly sensational views (and a gulp of fresh air), whether it’s from your private pool, the endless hiking trails or a hot air balloon. Then, swap the cool, high-altitude air for the rugged Agafay Desert, where exploring comes easily: meander through the dunes on camel or horseback, dune buggy or foot, and stop for a dip in the Lalla Takerkost Lake. Your honeymoon ends in sublime Essaouira for a taste of the famous arts scene, seafood barbecue, and some R&R at the beach.
Top spots to stay
As enchanting as it sounds, the Villa Des Orangers is an oasis in Marrakesh with no less than three pools. Gazing over the valley below, Domaine Malika in the Atlas Mountains is impeccably decorated and evenings spent stargazing on the rooftop are divine, whilst in the Agafay, the White Camel Lodge is luxury personified with its spacious tented suites and canopied daybeds beside the pool. In Essaouira, choose L’Heure Bleue Palais for a heated rooftop pool and heavenly hammam.
Morocco in a nutshell
Combine Morocco’s hidden gems with a selection of highlights on this trip from north to south. You’ll fall in love with the country’s quiet side in Chefchaouen. Known for its quaint, cobbled lanes lined with sky-blue houses and idyllic countryside, it’s the perfect introduction to Morocco. Journey on to the buzzing medina of Fez, where little has changed since the 9th century, and visit the Chouara Tannery, one of the oldest in the world. Before you go, spend time with a local family and try your hand at cooking a traditional meal too. In Erg Chebbi, the tranquillity and monumental dunes welcome you to the Moroccan Desert before you head to Zagora’s markets and fascinating museums – and astounding views. Then, let Morocco’s unofficial capital, Marrakesh, make you fall even further in love with this diverse country and mark the end of your honeymoon surrounded by the soaring beauty of the Atlas Mountains. And for the very best view? Soar overhead in a hot air balloon.
Top spots to stay
Not far from Chefchaouen’s souks, the Lina Ryad boasts a gorgeous Grecian pool to cool off in after a day of wanderings, whilst in Fez, the Riad Fes will make you feel like royalty, especially during a private dinner by the candle-lit pool. The Desert Luxury Camp in Erg Chebbi does just what it says on the tin, welcoming you with a red carpet, serenades and mint tea delivered to your sun lounger. Surrounded by one of the world’s largest palm groves, the Azalai Desert Lodge is simply gorgeous and feels like your own personal oasis. Actually five riads each representing a period in Marrakesh’s history, La Sultana is decorated with impeccable taste and you’ll be well looked after by your personal host. A stay at the rose-hued Kasbah Bab Ourika in the Atlas Mountains guarantees fabulous views and pampering service.
