How to Plan Your Honeymoon in Morocco

Paul A

3. July 2019

Why Morocco Makes a Great Honeymoon Destination

Morocco is a phenomenal travel destination and a superlative choice for honeymooning couples. Among the reasons why it should be your first choice for a honeymoon are:

1. The sheer variety of stunning landscapes, from snow-dusted peaks and dramatic gorges to towering sand dunes and sun-kissed beaches.

2. There are plenty of options for memorable romantic activities such as sleeping under the stars in the Sahara Desert, unwinding in a sumptuous spa of a traditional riad hotel and dining on a rooftop terrace overlooking the souks of an ancient medina.

3. The chance to get back to nature with treks through the countryside.

4. Learning about and experiencing a new culture together.

5. Luxuriating at five-star beach resorts.

Sunbeds by a swimming pool. Canva/Ma Rabelo.

Canva/polychronisgiannakakis.

Plan Your Honeymoon Itinerary

For a stress-free Morocco honeymoon, it is a good idea to plan your itinerary in advance, especially if you have a list of must-see places that's as long as your arm.

Morocco on a map. Canva/Manakin.

The key to getting it right is not to cram too much in, to build in some buffer times for unexpected delays and to leave room for spontaneous activities and outings.

You can either give a list of what you want to see and do to a travel agent and let them plan it all for you or make the internet your friend and research your own trip.

Types of Morocco Honeymoons

Morocco is a land of dizzying diversity so think about the type of honeymoon experiences you want. Are you after thrilling adventures, rich cultural experiences or nothing but blissful relaxation? Perhaps you want to retreat to a fabulous beach resort or begin your life journey together by embarking on a desert safari.

Whatever type of honeymoon you’re looking for, there's a romantic escape to suit all tastes in Morocco. Here are a few suggestions.

Adventure

Between the Atlas Mountains, Rif Mountains and the Sahara Desert there is plenty of scope for outdoor pursuits.

Go on a camel trek and camping expedition in the Sahara Desert. What could be more romantic than sitting together on a dune watching Saharan sunrises and sunsets or looking up at a night sky filled with stars?
Go on a honeymoon trek or four wheel drive excursion through the Atlas Mountains.
Go rock climbing in the Todgha Gorges, a series of limestone river canyons of jaw-dropping beauty in the Atlas Mountains.
Grab a surfboard and ride the big waves at surfing spots close to the fishing village of Taghazout.

Culture

Inside the Saadian Tombs. A beautiful color palette at the Saadian Tombs. Canva/Jon Chica Parada.

Discover insights into the history, art, architecture and traditions of Morocco on a cultural escape. Embark on tours in the country’s great historical cities.

Visit the Saadian Tombs in Marrakech, explore the Jewish quarter of Fez and browse archaeological artefacts in Tangier's Kasbah Museum housed in a former sultan’s palace.

Relaxation

Surrender your bodies to sublime spa experiences that pamper the body, mind and soul. Morocco's spas are known for hammam treatments in a traditional steam/bathhouse as well as their use of unique products such as Rhassoul mud. This natural mineral product is only mined in the country.

While there are many wonderful spas to choose from all over Morocco here are a few that have caught our attention.

Kasbah Tamadot, Atlas Mountains

A luxurious oriental style outdoor lounge at dusk. Photo: Kasbah Tamadot@Facebook.

This award-winning spa in the High Atlas Mountains is owned by Sir Richard Branson and features individually decorated rooms and superlative views of forest-covered mountain slopes. The spa offers a variety of treatments including traditional Moroccan hammam.

Mazagan Spa, El Jadida

Grilled veggies and seafood on a plate with a swimming pool and palms in the background. Photo: Mazagan Beach Resort@Facebook.

Located in Mazagan Beach Resort near the town of El Jadid, this luxurious spa boasts exceptional views of the Atlantic Ocean. There are 19 treatment rooms, private double suites and a menu of Moroccan beauty treatments and personalised treatments, including romantic partner massages.

Amanjena Spa, Marrakech

A serene swimming pool at a Moroccan resort. Photo: Amanjena@Facebook.

This spa is nicknamed ‘the peaceful paradise’ and it's easy to see why with its two hammams, glassed-in whirlpool, relaxation courtyard and an extensive menu of treatments.

Beach

If your idea of a perfect honeymoon is sunning yourself on golden sands while cool waves gently lap at your toes then Morocco has seaside destinations by the bucket and spadesful.

Take your pick of hotels and resorts in one of the seaside towns facing the Atlantic Ocean or the Mediterranean Sea. Among the best are Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort, the Hotel Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea and Spa and the Grand Mogador Sea View Luxury Hotel.

Sun beds on a wooden patio by the ocean. Photo: Thalassa sea and spa@Facebook.

Photo: Grand Mogador@Facebook.

Types of Morocco Honeymoon Accommodations

The choice is plentiful so during the planning stage devote some considerable time to discussing the type of accommodation you both prefer. Do you want to splash out on a five-star seaside resort or save some money with a more modest three-star hotel? Or how about a luxury campsite in the Sahara? Among the other types of accommodation are:

Riads - traditional townhouses with rooms around a courtyard with a fountain at its centre.
Kasbahs - former defensive structures with walls made of mud and straw that have been rebuilt or reinforced to serve as hotels.

A collage of two photos of riads in Marrakech. Riads in Marrakech. Photos: Canva.

What to Pack for Your Morocco Honeymoon

Here’s a lowdown of the essentials to pack in your suitcase.

Morocco is a Muslim country and while it is used to hosting visitors from all over the world it is a good idea to keep in mind the conservative nature of the majority of people. Therefore, when it comes to packing your suitcases for your honeymoon in Morocco it is best to pick modest attire.

While you can get away with wearing what you like in hotels and resorts as these are full of tourists it is different out on the streets, especially in rural towns and villages. The last thing you want to do is attract unwelcome attention. For men, shorts are becoming more acceptable, but it’s best to stick to long trousers and jeans, t-shirts and long-sleeve shirts. When it comes to a refreshing dip in the pool, keep the skimpy speedos at home and pack swimming shorts.

A girl in a black swimsuit seen from behind. Women should consider a one-piece swimsuit instead of a bikini. Canva/simbiothy.

For women, the advice is typically to avoid low-cut tops and to wear shirts/blouses with a sleeve and skirts that go past the knees. For swimming, consider a one-piece suit rather than a bikini.

No matter what time of year you travel bring at least one item of warm clothing with you for when the sun sets. While you might not need it if you are inland during the summer it can get a little chilly by the coast after dark.

Among the other items to pack are:

First-aid kit (include Imodium in case of stomach upset).
Travel adapter to plug into the country’s electrical sockets which take Type C and Type E two-pin plugs.
Guidebooks and maps.
Photocopies of important documentation such as passports and tickets.
Sunscreen with a high SPF factor.
Insect repellent.
Sunglasses.

The Best Time to Honeymoon in Morocco

This can depend a lot on your own personal weather preferences but if you don't like it too hot or too cold then the best time to honeymoon is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November).

The Morocco Honeymoon of Your Dreams

Your honeymoon is about the two of you and is arguably the most important holiday you will ever go on. Morocco is a richly diverse country filled with lots of bucket-list experiences so take your time to plan well.

No matter what type of honeymoon you yearn for, you will find it in this beautiful and captivating land.