A Couple’s Travel Guide To Morocco

A stay in a luxury desert camp surrounded by the deafening silence of the vast Sahara Desert and the starry nights makes this a romantic destination and a must-see in Morocco. Despite staying in the most luxurious of camps, electric lights are replaced with moody candles and lighting as the sun sets. The restricted electricity also means no wifi or internet access for a disconnected stay.

The city of 1,001 nights, Marrakech turns up its magic when it comes to couples’ travel. Mysterious alleyways for wandering, colorful souks for shopping and admiring, vibrant squares including the Place des Epices and the famous Jemaa el Fna as night falls make the city intriguing day and night. Romantic hammams, dinners in centuries-old palaces and a stay in a romantic and modern riad are just some of the highlights of couples’ stays in Marrakech.

The little blue village in northern Morocco has seen a boom in tourism in recent years and for just cause. The winding alleyways where all buildings within the old medina are painted blue and set against the Rif Mountains soaring in the background, make every turn picture perfect. And the cooler temperatures make curling up next to the fire in the riad the perfect ending to a day. Be sure to plan a day trip to the nearby God’s Bridge for fabulous views and stunning scenery.

Little Berber villages dot the mountainside while the snow-capped Atlas Mountains provide 360-degree breathtaking views, proving that there is nothing more romantic than a mountain getaway. Spend a morning hiking through the lush valleys with a picnic en route, and a mint tea upon return as a reward for your efforts.

This is the ideal destination for foodies, where restaurants are cozy and intimate while serving up some of the finest modern Moroccan cuisine. Then as the sun sets, head to one of the beach restaurants or rooftop terraces in the medina for drinks as the sun lights up the sky in various shades of orange, red and purple over the Atlantic Ocean.

The historic city of Fes is home to some of the most elegant riads demonstrating the finest Moroccan craftsmanship – beautiful tilework, intricately-carved cedarwood, delicately-engraved stucco. But for those who want a more modern stay, hotels abound offering exceptional spa treatments and modern conveniences. With the old city filled with history and thousands of tiny alleyways, stops at the Koranic schools and workshops make for a step back in time.

Easily accessible by budget airlines for a weekend getaway, Rabat – the capital of Morocco – is quickly becoming a cultural hotspot. The recently opened Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art hosts intriguing exhibits and a comprehensive permanent collection, art lovers can easily spend a morning here. Then head over to the romantic Andalusian Gardens in the Kasbah of the old city and enjoy a cup of mint tea overlooking the river.

Known as ‘Little Marrakech’, Taroudant sees few visitors despite a growing number of impressive boutique hotels popping up. A horse-and-carriage ride around the old city is a lovely way to spend an hour or two before sampling some of the regional cuisine.

Just 45 minutes from Marrakech, the Agafay Desert is perfect for couples wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakech without the distance required to reach the Sahara Desert. Quiet and serene, the Atlas Mountains loom over this rock desert where the silence is golden and dinner under the stars before curling up in a luxury tent for the night is divine.