'Morocco had always captured our imaginations,' says newlywed Sarah, 'It's only three hours away, so it felt like we were getting a long-haul destination without the travelling. And, as we were going in January, the weather was pleasant, too.
We spent the first three nights at Riad Farnatchi, a nine suite riad (traditional Moroccan house) in Marrkech's medina (old town). Our suite was wonderful, decorated in spicy reds and oranges, with a divine bedroom and its own private courtyard.
Marrakech feels both modern and, in parts, like you're going back in time. Many men wear traditional full-length robes and the streets are filled with children. I loved the medina, with its alleyways and stalls selling everything from chameleons to exotic spices and leatherwork. The food was great. We liked the gently spiced lamb tagines and must have eaten our weight in pigeon pastis, a type of sweet meat pie. We mainly ate at the riad, although we also loved Crystal, an Alain Ducasse restaurant at Pacha (pachamarrakech.com).
After the madness of Marrakech, we headed into the mountains to stay at the Kasbah Tamadot hotel for four nights, the drive was fabulous, taking us across flat plains outside the city, then up through the red-rock hills, before we reached the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
The Kasbah was striking, with red walls overlooking a sheer drop
to a rushing river. There are lots of activities at Tamadot. You
can hire horses for a trek, take hot-air balloon rides and play
tennis. I enjoyed a wonderful massage in the hotel spa and we went
for walks along the lanes and across to the peaks. The food was
divine, too. Morocco is a fantastic honeymoon destination. The
people are friendly and the natural beauty of the mountains is just
breathtaking. If you're a sun-worshipper, May is a better time to
visit.'
The Ultimate Travel Company (020 7386 4646; www.theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk).