Franklin Dean
Morocco is a culturally rich, naturally stunning, and culinarily delicious country that has become a popular honeymoon destination. The country offers diverse landscapes, from vast deserts to bustling ancient cities, and its hotels, many of which are luxurious riads, offer great value. Planning a trip to Morocco can be challenging and time-consuming, but the work is well worth it to experience all that the country has to offer. In this article, we will explore the best places to visit in Morocco for an unforgettable honeymoon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Language | Arabic, Berber, French |
| Location | North Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea |
| Currency | Moroccan Dirham (MAD) |
| Flight time to Casablanca | 7-8 hours direct from NYC |
| Transport | Buses, trains, taxis, private cars |
| Accommodation | Luxurious riads, opulent resorts, guesthouses, villas |
| Food | Mouthwatering, home-cooked meals, Michelin-starred restaurants |
| Shopping | Saffron, honey, dates, leather goods, carpets, home decor |
| Attractions | Sahara Desert, Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, Tangier, High Atlas Mountains, Ouzoud Falls, Blue Gardens, Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, Medina, Maison de la Photographie |
| Best time to visit | Spring or fall (March to May or September to October) |
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What You'll Learn
Sahara Desert experiences
Morocco is a popular honeymoon destination due to its stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique blend of cultures. The Sahara Desert, in particular, offers a range of experiences for couples seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Here are some Sahara Desert experiences to consider for your honeymoon in Morocco:
Camel Trekking
One of the most popular ways to explore the Sahara Desert is by camel. Camel trekking allows you to immerse yourself in the vast expanse of golden sand dunes and experience the desert's awe-inspiring beauty up close. You can opt for a trek that takes you through the iconic Erg Chebbi sand dunes in Merzouga, where you'll witness breathtaking sunsets and sleep under a blanket of stars. Camel trekking is also a great way to interact with the local Berber culture, as you can arrange for stops along the way to take pictures and visit traditional villages and enjoy local hospitality.
Luxury Desert Camps
For a truly romantic and unforgettable experience, consider spending a night or two in a luxury desert camp nestled deep within the Sahara dunes. These camps offer private tents with comfortable beds, beautiful decorations, and en-suite bathroom facilities. Some camps even provide electricity and hot water, ensuring a glamorous camping experience. After a day of exploring the desert, relax under the sparkling night sky with a romantic candlelit dinner, often accompanied by traditional Berber music and dancing. Wake up to a breathtaking sunrise and a private breakfast served in the middle of the dunes.
Sandboarding and Other Activities
The Sahara Desert also offers opportunities for sandboarding, providing a thrilling and unique experience as you glide down the vast sand dunes. Additionally, the desert is home to ancient fortresses, rock engravings, and gorges where you can explore and discover century-old secrets. The local agents can help design an itinerary that includes interactions with water diviners or snake charmers in the Anti-Atlas region, providing a truly authentic and cultural experience.
Planning Your Trip
When planning your Sahara Desert experience, it's important to consider the time and transportation involved. The Sahara is a 9-10 hour drive from Marrakech or Fez, so a minimum of a 4-day return trip is recommended. The drive can be long and arduous, so hiring a driver or joining an organized tour can make the journey more comfortable and informative. The best time to visit the Sahara is between October and May, avoiding the peak summer months when temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
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Marrakech's medina, museums and markets
The medina in Marrakech is the old city, enclosed by 19 kilometres of pink walls built around 1122. From above, it resembles a human honeycomb, with its square riads, traditional houses with peaceful inner courtyards, and a fifth of the city's population living within. The hive's epicentre is Jemaa el-Fnaa, a legendary square that buzzes at night with food stalls and entertainers. Beyond the square are the souks, Morocco's largest, where you can find handmade crafts, spices, and cheap souvenirs. The streets then settle down, and the medina starts to feel and smell like it did centuries ago.
Two of the world's most prestigious hotels, La Mamounia and the Royal Mansour, are located inside the Marrakech medina's walls and are open to visitors. La Mamounia's gardens are nicer for strolling, while the Royal Mansour's impressive architecture and friendly, English-speaking staff make it stand out.
The Marrakech Museum is housed in a 19th-century palace, with a collection of traditional arts. The Maison Tiskiwin, nearby, offers an eclectic and personal collection showcasing Marrakech's position as a trading stop for caravans coming from south of the Sahara. The Maison de la Photographie is also worth a visit, with its collection of period photos of the city dating back over 120 years. The Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech is another notable museum in the city.
The medina has some great restaurants, including Nomad and Café Des Épices, as well as boutiques like 33 Majorelle. Villa des Orangers, a Relais & Châteaux spot in the medina, has an Eden-like quality with African decor, a large pool, and impeccable food.
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Mountainous Morocco
Morocco is a dreamy, exotic honeymoon destination, with its fascinating culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and spectacular scenery. It is a paradise of exploration, offering adventure, relaxation, and luxury.
Morocco boasts epic mountain peaks, including the High Atlas Mountains. The mountain town of Chefchaouen is a great place to visit for its peaceful blue hillside and orange skies at sunset. Book a top-floor room at Lina Ryad to catch this view.
For a more luxurious mountain experience, the High Atlas Mountains are home to some of Morocco's best luxury resorts. Here, you can enjoy the lush natural settings, take in the mountain views, and relax by the pool. The Royal Mansour in Marrakech is a great option for a honeymoon-esque experience, with a Michelin-starred head chef.
If you're looking for a more active mountain experience, consider hiking in the High Atlas Mountains. The Toubkal Ascent is a popular trek that takes you to the highest peak in North Africa.
Morocco's mountain regions offer a range of experiences, from the adventurous to the luxurious, all set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty.
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Casablanca and beyond
Morocco is a unique and increasingly popular honeymoon destination, offering a fascinating culture, mouthwatering cuisine and spectacular scenery. If you're planning a honeymoon in Morocco, you'll need to do some extensive planning and organisation. It's recommended to include a honeymoon planning expert on your vendor team for travel guidance.
Flights from New York City to Casablanca can take around 7 to 8 hours direct. The seaside Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca is a stunning place to start or end your trip. The hotel doesn't serve alcohol, but its decadent teatime treats more than make up for it. From Casablanca, you can travel onwards to other parts of Morocco by bus or train, or by taxi or private car.
If you're looking for a beach holiday, head to Tamouda Bay. The Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay is a romantic escape with amazing views, and the staff are extremely helpful.
For a more adventurous trip, you could take an excursion into the Sahara desert. The Azalai Desert Lodge provides a luxurious place to rest, lounge by the pool or relax in a daybed under palm trees before the trek to its Desert Camp in the dunes, by car and camel. A small collection of tents tended by gracious staff awaits you, where you'll feel like the only two people on Earth under the sparkling blanket of stars.
Marrakech is a fun place to linger, especially if you want to enjoy a slow-paced itinerary. You can soak up the beauty of the Riads, the chaos of the souks, the richness of the food and the interesting culture. Recommended places to stay include the chic Riad Dar Darma and Ksar Kasbah. You must try a home-cooked meal in your Riad – more authentic than dining at restaurants. For a real treat, splurge on a Sunday brunch at the Royal Mansour, where the head chef has six Michelin stars.
Fez is another great city to visit. Stay right in the Medina – the Dar Seffarine hotel comes highly recommended.
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Luxurious riads and opulent resorts
Morocco is a unique and stunning destination for a honeymoon, and it offers a variety of luxurious riads and opulent resorts. Here are some options for where to stay and what to do:
Royal Mansour, Marrakech
The most well-known luxury property in Morocco, Royal Mansour, is a dream come true for honeymooning couples who want to be pampered. Commissioned by the Moroccan king, this exclusive property offers plunge pools, a huge spa, suite-style riad (Moroccan palace) accommodations, three restaurants, and gorgeous architecture.
La Mamounia, Marrakech
La Mamounia is another one of Marrakech's most famous luxury hotels, attracting celebrities and international politicians. It boasts more than 10 restaurants, bars, and tearooms, a large spa, and a beautiful pool area. Its central location also makes it a great base for exploring the city.
Four Seasons Resort, Marrakech
The Four Seasons Resort in Marrakech offers a calm and romantic escape with spacious and clean rooms, a variety of delicious food, and friendly and accommodating staff. It is well-located, providing easy access to major attractions such as the Medina, markets, and restaurants.
Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay
With its amazing views, calm atmosphere, and helpful staff, Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay is another great choice for a romantic escape. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped, and some even have private heated pools.
Club Med Marrakech Le Riad
Club Med Marrakech Le Riad is a calm and tranquil resort with impeccable service and spacious rooms, some of which offer balconies and baths. It is conveniently located in the Medina, close to attractions such as the Jardin Majorelle.
Lina Ryad, Chefchaouen
For a sunset to remember, book a top-floor room at Lina Ryad in Chefchaouen and watch the oranges and pinks of the sky meet the peaceful blue hillside.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several options for honeymoon-worthy accommodation in Morocco, from luxurious riads and opulent resorts to charming guesthouses. Some recommended places to stay include:
- Dar Seffarine in Fez
- Riad Dar Darma in Marrakech
- Ksar Kasbah in Marrakech
- Lina Ryad in Chefchaouen
- Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca
- Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay
- Dar Beldi
Morocco has a lot to offer honeymooners, from exploring ancient cities and bustling souks to relaxing in luxury resorts and taking in the natural beauty of the desert and mountains. Here are some recommended activities and attractions:
- Visit the famous blue gardens and the Musée Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakech
- Take a shuttle into the city centre of Marrakech and visit the Maison de la Photographie
- Stay in a luxury desert camp in Erg Chebbi and watch the stars
- Visit the High Atlas Mountains
- Go to the Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira
- Shop for saffron, honey, dates, leather goods, carpets, and home decor
- Take a private, reliable tour with Tarla Tours
- Have a home-cooked meal in your riad
- Learn to cook tajine
The best times to visit Morocco are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October), as these seasons offer the best weather. Spring is particularly good as the flora is in bloom, and there are several festivals to enjoy, including the Rose Festival in El Kelaa M'Gouna and the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music.
There are direct flights to Morocco from several major US airports, including a direct flight from JFK to Casablanca. Flights from New York City to Casablanca take around 7-8 hours.
