M
orocco is a destination
synonymous with exotic
adventure. The name
alone conjures enticing
images of sand dunes
and palm trees, mosques and markets, silks
and spices. Far from the quintessential beach
break, this is a place to indulge every sense,
stray from the road less travelled and lose
yourself in a land that is the stuff of legend.
From bustling Marrakech to quaint mountain
villages and the epic Sahara desert, the
country’s show-stopping landscapes
offer the perfect backdrop for a totally
unique honeymoon.MARRAKECH MAGIC
The adventure begins as the plane
descends into Marrakech airport.
Beneath a clear blue sky, watch the
countryside take shape — vast, red-gold
and punctuated with verdant orchards of
oranges, figs and olives in precision-planted
lines. The short journey to the medina —
the ancient, fortified city — is a cacophony
of scooters, minivans, camels and donkeys.
Organise an airport pick-up offered by most
lodgings — it’s your speediest and most
fuss-free route. Once inside the thick, stone
walls, you’ll discover a totally different world
of dusty labyrinth-like paths. For a
traditional experience that’s no less luxe,
choose to stay in a riad — a traditional
Moroccan house built around an interiorcourtyard. These small,
boutique hotels are nothing to
look at from the street, but
don’t panic. Inside
unassuming, often unmarked,
doors you’ll find gardens,
reflecting pools and plush
furnishings, oozing with
character. You really do get what you pay
for here, and standards can vary, so it’s a
good idea to do your research when it
comes to selecting the perfect option.
Once settled, it’s time for sight-seeing.
Take note: the medina is not a place for the
faint-hearted so let your jetlag wear off a
little before venturing out. When you do,
you’ll find a colourful whirlwind of sight and
sound, throbbing with life. Spend your time
bargaining in the souks for embroidered
slippers, metalwork and leather goods. Pick
up a hand-woven carpet to remind you of
your stay. As evening comes, wander to
Jemaa el Fna, the city’s main square and a
UNESCO-protected site, to rub shoulders
with snake charmers, acrobats, drummers
and over-zealous henna ladies. Line up for
deliciously fresh orange juice and dine on
Moroccan classics like chicken and
preserved lemon tagine and pigeon pastilla,
a delicious sweet-and-savoury pie, in a
breezy rooftop restaurant. For a little peace
amid the madness, take a side trip to Yves
Saint Laurent’s beloved Jardin Majorelle just
beyond the medina’s walls. This tranquilgarden provided the designer with much
inspiration, and became the place he chose
to have his ashes scattered after his death.
Or, indulge in some top-to-toe pampering,
at a traditional hammam, where you’ll be
scrubbed, soaped and steamed to
silky-smooth perfection.TOP STOPS
Check in to atmospheric Riad
ZamZam (riadzamzam.com) in the
north of the medina — the seven
pretty rooms surround a palm-spiked
courtyard. Breakfast on the rooftop is
deliciously decadent, while the views
out to the mountains are simply
lovely. Hungry? Step out for dinner
at the super-chic Le Foundouk
(www.foundouk.com) — request a
table on the roof terrace and enjoy
French-Moroccan food under the
stars. Or dress up and dance the
night away at Pacha Marrakech —
Morocco’s most famous nightclub.CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The Sahara’s rolling dunes turn
rose gold at sunset. Shop for hand-tooled leather goods and
exotic lamps in the Marrakech souks. The country’s breathtaking
earth-toned architecture.THE MEDINA IS A MAZE —
PREPARE TO GET LOST A FEW
TIMES! ASK YOUR HOTEL FOR
A MAP, PACK A COMPASS
AND WORK OUT WHERE
NORTH IS. YOU’LL BE ABLE
TO WIND YOUR
WAY HOME.MOROCCO
289 | bridetobe.com.auWORDS: EMILY TAYLOR