Four Seasons Marrakech
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Why Marrakech is the Perfect Honeymoon Destination
Marrakech is a city like no other, and it's a remarkable place to begin your life together as a newly married couple. This Moroccan gem offers the perfect blend of diverse settings, romance, and sensory adventure that will leave you with memories that you will both still be talking about years long after.
One of the things that make Marrakech such a unique destination is its blend of different cultures, religions, and traditions. With its narrow streets and vibrant souks, it's easy to lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of the city and forget about everything else. You will quickly learn that Marrakech is a bundle of juxtapositions -- old and new, hot and cold, spicy and mild. It's a journey that is not meant to be understood all in one trip. It will entice you to keep coming back so you can continue to peel back its variegated layers. If you didn't get lost or leave wishing you saw more, then you didn't truly experience the Red City.
The Medina
But it's not just the city itself that makes Marrakech such a fantastic honeymoon destination. From the aromatic spices used in traditional Moroccan cuisine to the fresh fruits and vegetables found in the city's open markets, there's something here to delight every foodie who visits. Whether you're enjoying a romantic dinner under the stars at a terrace rooftop restaurant like NOMAD or enjoying freshly squeezed fruit juice in the square, your tastebuds alone will thank you for the trip, making this place a must visit for foodies everywhere.
The Medina
Important Things to Know About Marrakech
Before you head out on your dream honeymoon to Marrakech, there are a few important things to know about this vibrant city. Marrakech is a hub of activity, and you'll want to be prepared to fully enjoy everything it has to offer.
One thing to keep in mind when you're exploring Marrakech is that haggling is a way of life here. From the souks to the street vendors, prices are often negotiable unless it's a restaurant or a shop with price tags on their products. It can be intimidating to haggle if you're not familiar with this practice, but remember that it's part of the local culture and it's expected. It's also important to keep in mind that prices may be higher for tourists, so be prepared to negotiate and stick to your budget. It's okay to say no thank you and walk away. Some friendly vendors make it into a game, so have fun, respectfully and playfully banter, and enjoy this wild part of shopping!
The Medina
Marrakech is a predominantly cash-based culture. In hotels, modern shopping centers, and higher end boutiques, you'll find major credit cards are accepted, but be prepared to mostly use cash in the Medina, street vendors, and taxis. The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a closed currency which means you won't be able to order money ahead of your trip from your personal bank, but there are many ATMs around Marrakech, so you won't have a problem getting cash anytime you need it. While there are many different banks available, look for Bank of Africa signage as their ATM screens are always available in English. It was the most reliable one for me during my visit!
The Medina
Another important thing to note is the language barrier. While many Moroccans do speak French or English, the official language is Moroccan Arabic, and many locals may only speak that. I found this was mostly the case with taxi drivers. Be sure to learn some basic Arabic phrases like hello (salam aleikum) and thank you (shrukan) or bring a phrasebook with you to help you communicate. Don't be afraid to use culturally appropriate gestures or a translation app to get your point across. Moroccans are very welcoming, so a little effort goes a long way!
Travel Tip: Use the apps Google Translate for language on-the-go help and Google Maps for directions then download the relevant content directly on your phone so you can still use it without WiFi or cell signal. We recommend Arabic and French for Translate and the city of Marrakech for Maps.
The Medina
Lastly, transportation in Marrakech can be uncomfortably tricky if you're not familiar with the city and its customs. Taxis are plentiful, but can be a source of anxiety for those new to Morocco as traditional taxi meters aren't really used and the "fare price sticker" in the window isn't much of an actual practice.
When you hail your taxi, be sure to agree on a price to your destination before getting in. Because you're a tourist, drivers will often quote high at first. For example, I was told by quite a few different trusted hotel and riad staff that 30 MAD is a very fair price for a 1 mile journey (or 50 MAD for a 2 mile journey). Anything close to 100 MAD is playing the "you're definitely not a local" card. Be respectfully firm with your asking price (if fair and reasonable) and be ready to walk away if needed. It's okay to walk away as taxis are everywhere. You will eventually find one to take you where you need to go at a fair rate. Taxis are also cash only, so it is helpful to have exact change whenever possible, but most drivers will have change. Gratuity is not expected, but appreciated.
Marrakech is a magical destination for a honeymoon. With a bit of preparation on the local culture, you'll be able to fully appreciate all the wonders this city has to offer.
Flying Into Marrakech
When to Go and How Long to Stay
The best time to visit Marrakech is during the months of September to November or February to May when the weather is pleasant and mild. The summer months of June to August can be very hot, and the winter months of December and January can be chilly, especially in the evenings.
As for the duration of your stay, plan to spend at least five to seven days in Marrakech. This will give you enough time to experience the city's rich culture, indulge in its delicious cuisine, and explore its stunning attractions. Keep in mind that Marrakech is a bustling city, and you may need some downtime to relax and recharge during your honeymoon. Consider splitting your time between exploring the city and spending some quality time with your partner at your accommodation. This way, you'll get the best of both worlds that Marrakech encompasses and create unforgettable memories together.
If you want to have a longer honeymoon, it's recommended to go beyond the city of Marrakech to explore the rest of Morocco (which is what I'm planning for my next visit!). The city can be sensory overload (or as I call it beautiful chaos), so retreating to quieter coastal towns like Essaouira or the exceptional deserts towards the Atlas Mountains will round out your trip perfectly.
Finding the Right Accommodations in Marrakech
As with any honeymoon destination, choosing the right accommodations can make or break your trip. Fortunately, Marrakech offers a wide range of options, from luxurious resorts to cozy riads.
If you're looking for the ultimate in relaxation, consider staying at one of the city's many five-star resorts, such as the Four Seasons Marrakech or La Sultana Marrakech. These properties offer everything from world-class spas to fine dining to tranquil hideaways for relaxation, ensuring that you'll be pampered to the fullest during your romantic stay.
Riad Les Trois Mages
For a more local experience, consider booking a riad (a traditional Moroccan house with a central courtyard) in or near the Medina. Riads come in all shapes and sizes, from simple and rustic to opulent and grand. No matter which one you choose, you can expect a unique atmosphere that will make your honeymoon all the more special. These properties offer a mix of traditional and modern amenities, such as rooftop terraces, homemade breakfasts or meals, pools, and hammams. During my Marrakech trip, I stayed at the Riad Les Trois Mages for a night as my friend called it her "home away from home," and it was lovely, personalized service with a rooftop lounge area and petite cocktail pool. The manager Aziz and staff were wonderfully accommodating and even provided gluten-free Moroccan bread and pancakes at breakfast for me so I could finally try some local treats.
Another accommodation option is to rent a private villa or apartment, which can offer more space, a kitchen or cooking area, and privacy than a traditional hotel room. Sites like AirBnb and Vrbo offer a range of options in Marrakech, from budget-friendly studios to lavish villas with private pools in neighborhoods like Gueliz and Hivernage.
Moroccan Mint Tea at Riad Les Trois Mages
No matter which type of accommodations you choose, be sure to do your research and read reviews from past guests to ensure that you're getting the best possible experience for your personal travel style. And don't be afraid to reach out to the property directly to ask questions or make special requests – after all, this is your honeymoon, and you deserve a stress-free vacation after all the wedding fuss!
La Sultana Marrakech
Experiencing the Culture of Marrakech: The Hammam
One of the most exciting things about Marrakech is its unique culture. As a couple, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourselves in the local way of life including wandering around the Medina and taking in the sights that make the Red City special. But write on the top of your list that you might not see on typical Marrakech travel guides: partake in a hammam treatment.
A hammam is a steam room where locals go to cleanse themselves and relax, and it's the perfect Moroccan way to unwind after a day of exploring the city and a great activity to enjoy with your partner on your honeymoon. Many riads, hotels, and spas offer various hammam experiences, so it's best to do some research beforehand to find the best option for you, but for the ultimate luxurious experience, La Sultana Marrakech in the royal quarter of the Kasbah offers a really special traditional hammam experience.
Travel Tip: To find La Sultana, ask a local shop vendor if they could point you in the direction of where La Sultana is as there is no signage. There is typically a bellhop in their iconic red cape or hat outside to assist, but look for the two red flags at the end of a short alley if they are away helping other guests. It's tucked away from the main street with its Moorish-inspired entrance leading the way.
The Spa at La Sultana Marrakech
Having experienced a Turkish hammam in Istanbul years before, I knew generally what to expect already, so when searching for a luxurious experience in Marrakech, I was primarily looking for an exceptional honeymoon treat that would make couples new to this style of bathing comfortable and pampered. Public hammams can be great for a true local's experience, but for your first time, I recommend going to a hotel spa hammam as it gives general familiarity and has staff who can also explain the process to you in English if you have questions. You will need to leave your modesty at the door for this experience as your entire body will literally be scrubbed in every nook and cranny by a professional hammam attendant!
Hammam Room at La Sultana Marrakech
During my traditional hammam treatment at La Sultana, I was led to a private changing room where I was given a spa bathrobe to wear, flip flops, and disposable thong underwear. (Men receive disaposable boxer underwear.) If you feel a bit nervous for your hammam experience, you can also wear your own swimsuit bottoms if you choose. Staff took away my belongings and clothes to be placed into a secure locker. After changing, I then entered the hammam's lounge area until the attendants were ready. This room was decorated with giant wrought iron lanterns, a cocktail pool, and cozy lounge chairs. Exquisite tiles and intricate patterns are the mark of a Moroccan paradise, and you won't be disappointed by this slice of spa heaven.
When it was time, I was then led into the private hammam room where I was doused with warm water and Moroccan black soap (traditionally made of olive oil and eucalyptus) which prepped my skin for the exfoliation process. For 10 minutes, I laid on a heated pink marble bench and allowed my muscles to relax and my pores to open. My bathing attendent returned to the room and began the hard work of scrubbing my body -- head to toe -- which was done using a kessa glove and copious amounts of warm water. In your 45 minutes of hammaming, you will have some laughs because seeing the dead skin roll off of your skin may be a icky shock, but you will literally leave feeling like a new person. Your skin will never be the smoothest as it does after a hammam! Weeks later, I'm still appreciating this treatment at La Sultana when I subconsciously rub my arm in remembrance.
Beyond having immaculately smooth skin, experiencing a hammam in Marrakech is a must-do activity for any couple on their honeymoon. It's an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and closer to your partner as you share this unique local tradition.
La Sultana Marrakech
La Sultana Marrakech
Gluten-free msemen and khobz
Eat. And Then Eat Some More.
When it comes to dining in or out in Marrakech, there are plenty of options to suit all tastes and budgets. Marrakech is known for its street food, so don't hesitate to try a variety of snacks such as harira (a spicy soup), msemen (a Moroccan pancake), freshly squeezed juice, or khobz (traditional thick flatbread with or without seeds). If you're looking for something more upscale, Marrakech has several highly acclaimed restaurants that serve elevated Moroccan and other international dishes. Many of the restaurants in the Medina offer rooftop dining, like Cafe Arabe which was one of my personal favorites, with incredible views of the terracotta-colored architecture throughout the area. It's perfect for a romantic dinner at sunset!
Rooftop Restaurant at Cafe Arabe in the Medina
Barring any food allergies or dietary needs, the one Moroccan dish you must try is tagine. Tagine is not just a dish, but a unique cooking style that uses a ceramic pot with a conical lid. It's also the name of the food prepared in that pot. The dish is slow-cooked with tender meats, fish, or vegetables in a blend of Moroccan spices and herbs. There are many different tagine variations you can try including lamb, chicken, beef, and vegetarian. Alternatively if you aren't able to eat tagine, try another Moroccan dish called tanjia instead that I discovered at Broc The Kasbah, a quirky vegan and vegetarian concept restaurant close to the Medina.
Tagine
For Moroccan beverages that you need to partake in is a glass of traditional Moroccan mint tea, served hot with sugar. The silver teapots alone are beautiful, but even in warm weather, this fresh tea is unlike any other mint tea you have had before. Should you wish to replicate this drink at home, prepare some extra space in your suitcase as you will find mint tea and silver teapots in the Medina.
For food souvenirs to bring home, look for ras el hanout (a unique to Marrakech spice blend), culinary argan oil, ghoriba (a Moroccan shortbread cookie), and of course, a tagine pot to cook your own dishes at home.
Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
Can you still enjoy Marrakech if you have food allergies and dietary restrictions? Yes! If you're like me, you can be assured that you will find a myriad of dining options in Marrakech with a bit of research. I found most restaurants understood the concept of food allergies, but in execution, it was challenging at times. The servers wanted to please, so when I pointed to something on the menu asking if it was safe for me to eat (in French and in English), they said yes, but in reality, it was not. So like anywhere when traveling, ask to speak to a manager or the chef if you have any concerns. Gluten-free was an easy find for me, but my other allergies like colored peppers and chilis were not when going to non-hotel independent restaurants. Outside of the Medina, I found Le Grand Cafe de la Poste in Gueliz to be one of the most confident with accommodating food allergies, though you will pay extra for gluten-free bread and pasta.
Four Seasons Marrakech
Make Time to Rest and Relax
The hot temperatures, busy streets, and colorful markets can be overwhelming, and it's important to take breaks to recharge. Resting and relaxing will allow you to fully appreciate and enjoy the vibrant city without getting burnt out. Marrakech is not a city to be completely understood in one single trip, so pace yourselves and take in each day as its own adventure. And one way to do this is indulging in luxury pool day to literally cool down and partake in Moroccan hospitality.
If you're staying at a traditional riad in the Medina but still want the ultimate 5-star experience while in the Red City, purchase a pool day pass for 650 MAD at the Four Seasons Marrakech that includes a 3-course poolside lunch at their Azzera restaurant, changing rooms, towels, WiFi, and shaded loungers.
Thankfully, my scheduled pool day was on a hot day, meaning the pool was a much needed respite from the early Moroccan summer weather. Upon arriving in the lobby, I was warmly welcomed and shown to the pools while catching glimpses of the locally-inspired interior design at the heart of the resort. For being a day guest, I was still treated as an honored guest which wasn't surprising. Four Seasons is known for its luxury hospitality as their corporate ethos is always treat others the way they wish to be treated themselves. It's one reason why I make an effort to visit their properties when traveling abroad.
Swim bag in hand, and once I was shown where I could change into my swimsuit, I was ready to decompress from everything that Marrakech's sights and sounds had offered me thus far. The adults-only Quiet Pool at the Four Seasons was truly an oasis of calm, surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful Moorish architecture. Whether you want to swim laps, read a book, or just lounge in the sun, this pool has everything you need to enjoy a blissful day.
The Quiet Pool at Four Seasons Marrakech
Azzera Lunch Menu at Four Seasons Marrakech
Azzera Restaurant at Four Seasons Marrakech
Without being intrusive, friendly staff with genuine smiles were always around to take my drink orders or to pass around complimentary cold mini glasses of freshly pressed juices like frothy peach to guests. Even my hydration request exceeded my expectations as several small water bottles came out in a beautiful cooler basket. One of my favorite things about traveling to Islamic countries is the bountiful non-alcoholic options. While you can still get wine and other alcoholic drinks at licensed restaurants in Marrakech, I rarely drink alcohol myself (my husband is the beverage guru for us when traveling!), so I take a lot of delight in the variety I'm offered for fun mocktails since I don't see it as much at home. It was no exception at Four Seasons because I was no sooner swept into the most delicious Lebanese mint lemonade brought to me on a silver platter that I'm still trying to figure out how to replicate at home.
After a revitalizing swim to soothe aching feet and arthritic muscles, I was ready for lunch and took a table at Azzera Restaurant overlooking the pool. The lunch menu illustrated an approachable selection of appetizers, salads, burgers, entrées, pizza, and dessert, but I most appreciated the visual food allergy icons. I had already shared my food allergies prior to my visit, but to see it clearly on the menu gave me confirmed relief that I would be in great hands. While normally not a salad person, the quinoa kale salad with cider dressing sounded perfect for the weather before an entrée of grilled chicken and vegetables. It didn't take much convincing for me to request and enjoy a scoop of tasty vanilla ice cream to finish off my meal. When in Morocco after all.
Four Seasons Marrakech
The Medina
After spending time in the beautiful city of Marrakech, it is evident why it is considered one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. From the picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage to the luxurious accommodations and delicious culinary delights, there is no shortage of experiences for newlyweds to enjoy together. Couples can spend their days exploring the vibrant markets, relaxing in tranquil spas, and eating their way through Morocco's ancient city. With its perfect blend of tradition and modernity, Marrakech offers the ultimate romantic getaway for any couple looking for a magical one-of-a-kind destination that begs subsequent visits in years to come.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS
Chelsea LaVere Barton with spa photos provided by PR & Marketing team at La Sultana Hotels
Looking for Honeymoon Style Ideas? Shop Our Current Faves!
Disclosure: Some dining and activities were provided so we could better experience Four Seasons Marrakech and La Sultana Marrakech. All love and opinions for what's been mentioned in this feature are our own. Some of the above product links are affiliate-linked and purchasing through these links helps support Tidewater and Tulle and its wonderful partners! You can find our full disclosure policy here.
