The Complete Guide to a Whimsical Marrakech Honeymoon

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Considering a Marrakech honeymoon? We don't blame you. After an unforgettable big day, some newlyweds are simply eager to turn the page without closing the book on a fairytale adventure. It means finding the best honeymoon destination that's whimsical, elegant and completely gorgeous. Marrakech checks every box.

The one-time imperial city in western Morocco is full of colorful souks (marketplaces), opulent residences and charming gardens. Honeymooners can browse the souks for one-of-a-kind souvenirs and statement items for their homes. Sightseeing adventures might include a tour of the grand Bahia Palace and Jardin Majorelle, where the beauty of art meets Mother Nature.

There's no shortage of things to do in Marrakech, also known as Marrakesh. But couples can also take time to bask in their newlywed glow. The city is home to numerous five-star hotels. They offer garden views, spa treatments and breathtaking interiors.

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When it comes to planning your Marrakech honeymoon, let us be your guide. From the best time to visit to awesome things to do, use our expert tips to plan your honeymoon in Marrakech.

Marrakech Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

• Best Time to Honeymoon in Marrakech
• Marrakech Honeymoon Planning Tips
• Best Marrakech Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts
• Marrakech Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
• What to Pack for a Marrakech Honeymoon

Photo: Neil Emmerson | Getty

Best Time to Honeymoon in Marrakech

The temperatures in Marrakech are mildest in the spring and fall, making those seasons the best time to visit. From March through May and September through November, honeymooners can expect to experience pleasant 70-degree weather, which goes up to the 90s in peak summer.

Best weather: March to May, September to November.
Festival highlights: The Marrakech International Film Festival in December attracts cinema enthusiasts from around the world. Another significant event is the Marrakech Popular Arts Festival, typically held in July, which showcases traditional Moroccan music, dance and crafts. The Djemaa el Fna, the city's historic square, transforms into a lively hub of cultural performances every evening.

Marrakech Honeymoon Planning Tips

Legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent traveled to Marrakech so frequently he bought a home there. Not enough to convince you? The city is one of the best honeymoon locations for people who want to experience architecture, nature, romance and relaxation all at once. Couples can view the beauty of the Atlas Mountains in the distance. The palaces and boutique hotels offer stunning interior and exterior designs. There are also opportunities for intimate experiences, like sipping mint tea with your loved one or taking cooking classes.

When planning a honeymoon in Marrakech, consider staying in a riad, a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden, which offers a more intimate and authentic experience. Booking a honeymoon package can also ease the planning process, often including special accommodations, guided tours, and exclusive experiences like a private dinner in the desert.

Keep in mind, the flight to Marrakech is a long one. Couples not looking to dedicate so much time to travel will want to consider that before buying plane tickets.

Entry requirements: A US passport that is valid for at least 6 months.
Language: The primary languages spoken in Marrakech are Moroccan Arabic and Berber. French is also widely spoken due to Morocco's historical ties to France.
Location: Marrakech is located in western Morocco, at the foot of the Atlas Mountains.
Currency: The Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
Flight time to Destination: Flights from New York City can take anywhere between 12 and 18 hours, depending on your layovers.
Getting around: Getting around Marrakech can be an adventure. Options include walking within the Medina (old city), taking taxis for longer distances or renting a car for more flexibility. Be aware that the Medina's narrow and bustling streets are largely pedestrian and can be confusing to navigate.

Pro tip: Integrate a honeymoon planning expert into your vendor team for specialized guidance. Find top-rated travel agents on The Knot Marketplace, equipped with valuable reviews and testimonials regarding honeymoons in Marrakech.

Best Marrakech Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts

Many couples opt for riads in the Medina for a romantic and secluded escape. These traditional homes typically feature beautiful courtyards, rooftop terraces and intricate Moroccan decor, providing an intimate setting. Here are a few other hotel options to consider, too.

Photo: Agent Wolf | Shutterstock

Royal Mansour

Royal Mansour, a gorgeous luxury hotel, offers easy access to Jemaa el-Fnaa and five-star accommodations. The hotel boasts 53 three-story private riads in lieu of suites or guest rooms. Some have plunge pools and fireplaces. The spa offers an array of treatments, including a hammam. Soak in the pristine white marble bath as fountains provide a gentle soundtrack to your Marrakech honeymoon.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Selman Marrakech

Selman Marrakech is a five-star luxury hotel with a unique twist: It's home to Arabian horses. Though horseback riding isn't part of the package, guests can visit the beauties in the stable. There's also a sparkling pool and a chance to book golf experiences. The rooms, villas and suites are refined but warm with soft, luxe linens. Some are neutral tones, while others have magenta and orange accents. All are perfect for resting after a day of adventure (and free internet makes it easy to upload photos to social media).

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

La Mamounia

Once a royal estate, La Mamounia dates back to 12th-century Marrakech. It's a hop, skip and a jump from Jemaa el-Fnaa market square and Koutoubia Mosque. Spare-no-expense couples will want to splurge on one of the three riads, which have a heated swimming pool and patio terraces. The rooms are nothing to shake a stick at, either. They're comfortable and windows give way to views of the pool and gardens. The on-site spa has hammams for added relaxation.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Hotel La Maison Arabe

Hotel La Maison is not far from popular spots like Jemaa el-Fnaa square and Jardin Majorelle, but it also offers plenty to do on its grounds. Guests can take workshops at the cooking school or indulge in self-care at the spa. The hotel also arranges experiences, like full-day trips to coastal gem Essaouira and hot air balloon rides. Couples can also take the "Instagram tour," where a photographer will follow them as they explore some of Marrakech's most photogenic spots. The 37 king-size rooms offer plenty of room to rest when your adventures are done for the day.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

Four Seasons Resort Marrakech lives up to the Four Seasons reputation. The rooms are chic and airy, with large windows that let the natural light pour through. Some boast private terraces with Atlas Mountain vistas. Amenities include a pool and fitness center. The hotel is about three miles from Jardin Majorelle and the Bahia Palace.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Kenzi Menara Palace & Resort

This Marrakech resort is brimming with beauty and luxury. The lawns and gardens sparkle in the sunlight, and the citrus groves of the Agdal Royal Gardens offer a special touch. Each room at Kenzi Menara Palace & Resort has its own private terrace, so couples can enjoy a sunset or glass of wine in peace. The spa boasts jacuzzis, a leisure pool and sauna. Once rejuvenated, guests can head to Koutoubia Mosque, about three miles away.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Riyad El Caldi

Located in the heart of the old city, Riyad El Caldi has a romantic honeymoon package. The staff will decorate a couple's room with rose petals, and they'll arrive to a basket of local citrus fruits and wine. Guides can help you make the most of your stay and book fun excursions, including Essaouira. But it's also not far from closer attractions, including Jemaa el-Fnaa square—a seven-minute stroll.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Pro tip: If you're looking for Marrakech honeymoon accommodations that'll provide you more privacy or lower prices, you might also want to consider staying at a romantic Airbnb or VRBO.

Marrakech Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

From gorgeous gardens to unique souks, a Marrakech getaway can be eclectic. But many couples enjoy the variety and chance to do something new every day. Consider these adventurous honeymoon ideas for your itinerary.

Photo: Casa.da.photo | Shutterstock

Explore the Souks

These marketplaces are full of color, one-of-a-kind finds and delicious cuisine. Marrakech is home to more than a dozen of them, each offering something a little different. Souk Semmarine is a bustling hub for Moroccan rugs, leather goods and cookware. Souk Cuisine is known for its cooking classes, a fun experience for couples who plan on enjoying meals at home together for years to come. They typically start with a trip to the market to find ingredients and spices and then instructions on making the dish. After, couples can often taste it together along with some Moroccan wine.

Take in Medina Quarter

The Medina Quarter, also known as the "Old City," is a UNESCO World Heritage site full of bustling markets, which you can explore on a private tour, and popular attractions. You can Kasbah at the southern end of the quarter. Once a citadel, it's still home to Dar al-Makhzen, where the King of Morocco stays when he's in the city, and the historic Kasbah Mosque. The Koutoubia, the city's main mosque, is also in the quarter. It's a Moorish beauty with large archways and gorgeous tiles. You need to be Muslim to go inside, but visitors of all faiths are welcome to peruse the gardens and plaza. From there, head to Jemaa el-Fnaa. The city's bustling main square and marketplace has a food court and array of street performers.

Relax in Jardin Majorelle

These two-and-a-half-acre gardens are an oasis in the middle of the city. Jardin Majorelle is an ideal spot to take a breather in the middle of sightseeing or after scoring a sweet deal at a lively souk. Dreamt up by French painter Jacques Majorelle and restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent in the 1980s, the gardens are full of cacti, sculpture and tranquility. The villa is also home to Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the Berber Museum, the latter of which once served as Majorelle's studio.

Marvel Through Bahia Palace

Bahia Palace, or Palais Bahia, is a lavish structure built in the late 19th century and now serves as a museum. Couples can go inside and explore Marrakech history and many of the 150 rooms. While inside, take in colorful stained-glass windows and intricate tiles. The expansive Court of Honour, located outside the palace, is an ideal spot to soak up the sun and rest weary legs.

Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Marrakech is beautiful from the ground, but it's possible to have an elevated adventure. Hot air balloon rides allow couples to see Marrakech's souks, landscapes and mosques from above. Couples will also see the Atlas Mountains as they sail through the air at sunrise, a romantic and memorable experience for newlyweds. Some of the private tours include breakfast and spa treatments like Moroccan massages.

Pro tip: Add Marrakech honeymoon experiences to your gift registry so your family and friends can pitch in on the fun. Make sure to post a few photos to your wedding website—this way all of your guests (including those without social media accounts) will be able to see all of your Moroccan adventures.

What to Pack for a Marrakech Honeymoon

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Marrakech days can get sunny, so you'll want a good pair of sunglasses and SPF on your packing checklist to keep your eyes and skin safe. Walking shoes, T-shirts and long pants or shorts will keep you comfortable during day trips. Since the temperatures can vary, pack layers into your honeymoon luggage, like cardigans.

You'll also want some cute outfits for nice dinners. Think long dresses, nice pants, collared shirts, sandals and dress shoes. A backpack to stash layers and travel books will also make life easier while sightseeing. Luggage locks and a safe will keep valuables secure at your hotel.

Brittany Barber contributed to this article.