Honeymoons in Cornwall and Devon

Honeymoons in Marrakech

Honeymoons in Marrakech

Explore Morocco's mermerising city of Marrakech

Escape to Morocco's hotbed of culture for city buzz, spa bliss - and a honeymoon to remember.




Escape to Morocco's hotbed of culture for city buzz, spa bliss - and a honeymoon to remember...

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The mystique of Marrakech is a palpable phenomenon. You feel it as soon as you step outside the airport - and yourself - as the taxi transports you to an exotic elsewhere, to a 'Land of God' where mountains meet the mesmeric medieval city that oozes old world romance.

One of the Kingdom of Morocco's most celebrated cities, its bohemian, hippy trail beginnings still resonate as you wind your way along the dusty, labyrinthine streets and absorb everything that this alluring Arabic destination has to offer.

Its North African location affords Marrakech a hot, semi-arid climate that promises stores of sunshine all year round. Rising from the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, the 'Red City' offers a myriad of awe-inspiring sights to stimulate the senses and stir the soul.

Jemaa el Fna square is the action epicentre of Marrakech's medina (old city), where sprawling souks and multilingual market vendors cloaked in jellabas provide visitors with a shopping and sensory overload.

The scene is as much a feast for the eyes as everything else, throwing up theatrical performances from acrobatic troupes and musicians to storytellers, dancers and snake charmers as the metaphysical becomes bewitchingly manifest.

Then there's the food, with menus sprouting a mouth-watering range of national cuisine, regional delicacies and global food fusions including mezze, tajine, couscous, bessara and pastilla, whose appetising scents scatter in wafts of spiced smoke. And don't forget to sample some signature sweet mint tea - a head-spinning sugar hit when served with a plate of baklava.

Housing a plethora of cultural hotspots including local hammams and mosques, there's also the architecturally awesome Ali Ben Youssef Medersa, Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace and Yves Saint Laurent's beautiful legacy, Jardin Majorelle and Museum of Islamic Art.

Beyond the hustle and haggling, sand dunes and shooting stars sublimely await if you opt for an overnighter in a Saharan Berber camp. Alternatively, schedule a coastal excursion to Casablanca, Agadir or Essaouira, or fly across to the sun-drenched Canaries for a multi-stop 'moon.

For luxe privacy...
MOSAIC PALAIS AZIZA AND SPA
An exclusive oasis just outside the city, the Mosaic Palais presents guests with a five-star lap of luxury, making it the perfect private haven for honeymooners.

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Thomas Foreman Photography

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Thomas Foreman Photography

Bedecked in dazzling Moroccon design, its elegant interiors sweep guests into a state of unbridled bliss as you're invited to freely roam the elegantly manicured gardens and gorgeous grounds. Featuring all the sumptuous facilities you could wish for, spend some dreamy downtime between the swimming pools, smattering of uber cool lounge and bar areas, and a sojourn in the heavenly hammam and spa.

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Thomas Foreman Photography

The boutique bolthole boasts an exquisite collection of guest rooms, suites and pavilions, while the spectacular garden villas each come with their own private garden, plunge pool, steam room, gazebo, barbecue and outside dining area. Picture silk-draped sofas, scented candles, intricately handcrafted wooden furniture and huge, cloud-like four-poster beds that spell pure seduction.

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Thomas Foreman Photography

Experience the culinary art of Maroliano, which offers a tantalising mix of Italian and Moroccan menus, while La Pergola offers light al fresco seafood, grills and home-grown salads. Or why not spoil yourself to a spot of deluxe private dining for an extra dose of indulgence? At the Mosaic Palais, you'll celebrate your newly-wed status in truly sweet style.

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Thomas Foreman Photography

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Thomas Foreman Photography

Stays at Mosaic Palais Aziza & Spa from �295 per room per night, based on two sharing on a B&B basis. Rate includes complimentary airport pick-up and taxes.
+212 524 32 99 88
www.mosaicpalaisaziza.com

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Thomas Foreman Photography

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Thomas Foreman Photography
 
For serenity with style...

SIRAYANE BOUTIQUE HOTEL AND SPA
Heading out of the medina and across the dusty outer reaches of Marrakech, the road leading to the Sirayane Boutique Hotel and Spa isn't indicative of something special. But, sweeping into the drive and stepping inside its grand lobby, the tone is set for a sublime Marrakech experience that is quite unlike many of the hotels in its vicinity.

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The sense of tranquility is palpable. The staff slip by like spirits, unobtrusive but welcoming, the mood is mellow and intimate - and it's impossible not to feel chilled out.

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The bold architecture blends cubist forms and sleek lines, while the interiors offer a modern, pared down take on traditional Moroccan style; think soft grey walls, luxe metallic textures, vivid splashes of colour and contemporary twists on the furnishings that populate the souks.

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Hugged by oversized sun loungers (perfect for loved-up sun-baking and stargazing beneath Moroccan skies), a supremely positioned pool is the hub of this tranquil oasis, offering glorious views across the Atlas Mountains, their pearly peaks towering against blue skies.

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A range of accommodation options offer sleek design, mod-cons and unfeasible comfort; opt for a room with a private terrace for views across the gardens and breathtaking mountain backdrop. For the zenith in privacy and luxury, choose a deluxe suite, which combines the luxurious surrounds with a spacious living area, Jacuzzi, pool and garden.

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The Sirayane Restaurant serves delicious Moroccan cuisine and international dishes in cosy surrounds before views across the gardens, which are lit romantically at dusk, while the breakfast buffet is brimming with a veritable banquet of dishes - a scrumptious way to start the day.

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The spa, where a gym, treatment rooms and an oriental hammam with a beautiful domed ceiling are tucked away down sweetly scented corridors, offers an indulgent range of treatments. Slough off the dust of a day's sightseeing and, as you sink into the utter bliss of a massage, let your senses be enveloped by the charm of this lusciously laidback place.

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+212 525 118 880 / +212 660 115 751
contact@sirayane.com www.sirayane.com

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For palatial surrounds...
ROYAL MANSOUR
Stepping into the extraordinary climes of Royal Mansour is like entering a royal palace. From the lavish drapes to the exquisite mosaics, the marbled floors to the graceful furnishings, the air of opulence is intoxicating.

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Royal Mansour comprises 53 three-storey riads, tranquil courtyards, intimate restaurants and a sublime spa. Hidden amidst lofty walls just a stone's throw from the Koutoubia Mosque and Jemaa el Fna square, it is difficult to believe the m�lee of venders, storytellers and snake charmers is so close to this peaceful oasis.

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Built by King Mohammed VI as a celebration of Moroccan's finest art and craft talents, 1200 Moroccan artisans carved, painted and crafted each detail of this magnificent place, from the finely carved stucco and latticework to the painstakingly crafted mosaics.

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This exquisite attention to detail is echoed in the luxurious riads, which range from one to four bedroomed properties. Connected by a network of tunnels so that staff can go about their work unseen, each riad comes with breathtakingly beautiful interiors and rooftop terraces with private plunge pools overlooking the heights of the medina.

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The captivating beauty and ingenious design continues in the bars and lounges. Sink into the snug, stylish surrounds of Le Bar a Cigare and revel in the unadulterated glamour of Le Piano Bar. Wonderful details carry through each space; the roof of the library, for example, opens like a book and makes a perfect spot for stargazing through a conveniently positioned telescope.

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The otherworldly beauty of the spa, with its soaring atrium and intricately carved white halls, comes with two pools, a hammam, fitness centre and luxe treatment rooms.

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Then there's the food. Prepare for the dining experience of your life at the hotel's three restaurants, which are overseen by Parisian chef Yannick Alleno who holds three Michelin stars. Choose from the finest in French and Moroccan cuisine or more casual all-day dining at La Table. The first-class service and divine dishes are fit for a king - befitting a truly unforgettable - and positively regal - honeymoon.
www.royalmansour.com

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HOT SPOTS
Part of the magic of Marrakech is discovering its hidden jewels. Let us give you a head start...

Le Marrakchi

Delectable Moroccan cuisine is served alongside the mesmerising theatre of Jemaa el Fna in this beautifully located restaurant; candlelight, live Berber music and belly dancers add to the heady atmosphere.
www.lemarrakchi.com

Heritage Spa
Tucked away along the labyrinthine streets of the medina, Heritage Spa is a sanctuary of tranquility. Choose from a tantalising choice of treatments utilising natural organic products, as well as one of the best hammams in Marrakech.
www.heritagespamarrakech.com

Kosy Bar
Watch storks nest as the sun sinks over the medina in this uber glam bar and restaurant; think luxe interiors, refreshing cocktails and a tempting menu of Moroccan and Asian fusion dishes - a haven amidst the hum of Marrakech.
www.kosybar.com

Terrasse Des Epices

Take a break from the bustle of the souks for some downtime in this stylish rooftop cafe. Bask in sunshine, city views, contemporary-cool surrounds and tasty Franco-Moroccan cuisine.
www.terrassedesepices.com


words Hannah May and Rebecca Matthews

Copyright Wed magazine 2014