The cultural heart of Morocco is the ultimate honeymoon destination for style, romance and affordable decadence. WED takes a visit…



Marrakech. The very word tastes exotic. And, weaving your path through the city streets, the air thick with the scent of spices, leather and perfume, the sense of being somewhere entirely other is as palpable as the African sun hot on your skin. Tirelessly struggling on your behalf, we at WED have dined on the city’s intoxicating culture to bring you the lowdown on a honeymoon with an enticing edge.

THE LOCATION                                                   
Morocco’s second largest city is nestled amidst the foothills of the Atlas Mountains in the south west of the African country. The real bonus? It’s just under a four hour flight from the UK.

WHY GO?
There’s the dusky pink hue of the historic city framed against its picturesque mountain backdrop. There’s the labyrinthine streets, and the jostle of traders, donkeys, carts and children at play, echoing a medieval way of life. There’s the enchanting culture, steeped in mystery, magic and spirituality. Beyond this beauty and romance, there’s the abundance of chic boutique accommodation, vibrant emporia and fabulous cuisine – the ideal recipe for a sensuous and luxurious honeymoon adventure with optimum opportunity to eat, shop and chill. And then there’s the warm climate. Although the northern tip of Africa benefits from sun all year round, visit from March to June or September to December for the most pleasant temperatures.

WHAT TO DO
A visit to Jemaa El Fna is a carnival for the senses and a must for any visitor to Marrakech. By day, you can wile away hours sitting at one of the cafés around the square, supping on the famous (and oh so sweet) Arabian mint tea and drinking in the view of the snake charmers, juice stalls, horses, carts and entertainers which traverse the square. At night, Jemaa El Fna hosts the world’s largest open-air eaterie, numerous food stalls snaring passersby with a colourful and aromatic array of Moroccan cuisine. As the sun sets behind the Koutoubia Mosque, the performances of musicians, storytellers, magicians and dancers commence, drum beats and the calls of henna artists fill the air, and the atmosphere reaches bewitching heights.  

If you like to shop, prepare for the retail fix of your life. If you don’t, you’ll still appreciate the cultural rewards of a visit to the souks. Amongst the hustle and bustle of traders and shoppers, you will discover an incredible array of spices, perfumes, leather goods, jewellery, crafts and textiles; the vibrant selection of beautifully crafted pottery, carpets and lamps is a veritable treasure trove if you are setting up home. Just prepare to haggle – hard. Head to the Mouassine quarter for chic boutiques frequented by many an A-lister. Just expect to leave Marrakech with a carpet and an obligatory pair of Moroccan leather shoes or babouches.



Marrakech has a wide choice of spas for some chilling out and skin-reviving therapy. A traditional Moroccan hammam will leave you feeling so clean you sparkle though if you want some degree of privacy, a tourist hammam or spa is the best option. A zen experience awaits at the Isis Spa, a contemporary styled riad close to Jemaa El Fna, which offers a traditional hammam as well as various massages and facial treatments in a scented and serene setting. The couple’s package is ideal for honeymooners, offering the bathing and scrubbing benefits of a hammam followed by a divine massage.       
www.riad-isis.com

A trip to the Atlas Mountains is the ideal antidote to the madness of Marrakech. Take a day trip to drink in the awe-inspiring landscape of green valleys, deep gorges and rocky plateaux, and explore the unspoilt culture of the Berber villages. Venture further and spend a tranquil few days in one of the Kasbahs nestled in the mountains; or, for the intrepid, head to the edge of the Sahara for camel treks and spend the night in a traditional Bedouin tent amidst the dunes of the desert.



WHERE TO BED…                                   
Marrakech boasts a sumptuous array of accommodation. If you want to be in the thick of the jostling culture, opt for a boutique hotel or riad, a traditional Moorish style courtyard house. Most are located along the windy streets in the heart of the Old City, and typically offer a luxurious blend of sweeping palms, mosaic art and stunning design with an intimate and laidback ambience. Out of town retreats are becoming a popular option for those who want to kick back and soak up some sun in opulent surrounds. Check out www.hipmorocco.com for some accommodation inspiration.

…AND GET WELL FED
Morocco is famed for its spicy cuisine, its array of slow-cooked meats and mountains of couscous. And Le Marrakchi is a magical place to sample it. Offering a ringside view of Jemaa El Fna, the stylish mosaic interiors are lit by soft candlelight while the menu offers traditional Moroccan cuisine and a fine selection of local wines. You might even be treated to a belly dance.  

No visit to Marrakech is complete without a meal amidst the smoke and banter of the traders at one of Jemaa El Fna’s food stalls. Great for those on a budget, you’ll find plentiful tajines, hot meats, kebabs and – you guessed it – couscous.

words Rebecca Matthews

Copyright WED Magazine 2010