A honeymoon in Morocco: riads, desert nights and ocean days

How to plan a romantic honeymoon in Morocco: the best season, a sample route from Marrakech to the Sahara and Essaouira, private experiences and practical tips.

Morocco is a wonderful honeymoon destination: intimate riads hidden behind medina walls, a private dinner under the stars in the Sahara, sunrise from a hot-air balloon and slow days by the Atlantic. Here is how to put it together.

When to go

Spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November) are the most comfortable seasons, with warm days almost everywhere. Winter is sunny and mild in Marrakech but cold at night in the desert; summer is very hot inland but lovely on the coast. Read more in our guide to the best time to visit Morocco.

A romantic ten-day route

• Marrakech (3 nights). Stay in a small riad with a rooftop terrace, explore the souks and gardens, and share a hammam. For a morning to remember, fly over the palm grove in a hot-air balloon at sunrise.
• The High Atlas and the Sahara (3 to 4 nights). Cross the mountains to the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend two nights in a luxury desert camp, with a camel ride at sunset and dinner under the stars. Our 4-day desert tour gives you a whole day in the dunes.
• Essaouira (2 to 3 nights). End by the ocean in the whitewashed medina, with fresh fish at the port and long walks on the beach. It is an easy day trip from Marrakech, but even better with a few nights.

Romantic experiences worth adding

• A private table in the dunes, away from the main camp.
• A cooking class for two in a riad kitchen.
• A sunset camel ride in the Agafay desert, less than an hour from Marrakech.
• A traditional hammam and spa afternoon.
• A night in a lodge in the High Atlas valleys, with views of snowy peaks.

Choosing where to stay

Riads are the heart of a Moroccan honeymoon: a handful of rooms around a courtyard, personal service and a terrace for breakfast. In the desert, ask for a luxury tent with a private bathroom. Tell us your budget and style (boutique riads, luxury hotels or a mix) and we match the places to you.

Practical tips for couples

• Public displays of affection are best kept discreet, especially in the medinas and villages.
• Dress modestly in old towns; swimwear is fine at hotel pools and on the beach.
• A private driver-guide gives you flexibility to linger wherever you like.
• Book early for spring and autumn, when the best riads and camps fill up.

Let us plan it for you

Every honeymoon is different. Tell us your dates, how long you have and what you dream of, and we design a private, tailor-made trip around the two of you.