Battled over, coveted and cherished for millennia by tribesmen, dynasties and scores of foreign armies, Morocco is the home of opulent luxury, and makes an idyllic retreat for a sensory-rich honeymoon with memories that will stand the test of time.
Painted in streaks of varying cultural hues, with traces of Gallic, Arab and Ottoman influences weaved into its modern day society, this charming North African country is famed for wild deserts, delicately perfumed teas and the spectacular panorama of the Atlas Mountains. The Spanish mainland lies just off the coast in the near distance, beyond the Strait of Gibraltar and the glittering mouth of the Mediterranean.
A hopeless romantic, Morocco unites sublime natural beauty with age-old traditions and timeless hospitality. Arguably the jewel in its crown is Marrakech, nestled in the foothills of the Atlas Mountain range and a few hours from the unscrubbed splendour of the Sahara Desert. Whether you’re sports junkies, spa sloths or simply yearn to sip tea in the bustling souks and watch the world go by, there’s something to please the most diverse of tastes in this metropolis, whose original name translates into ‘Land of God’.
When it comes down to it, the Honeymoon is about spending those precious first days of marriage revelling in your new statuses as Mr and Mrs. And that’s where Dar Darma Riad, a contemporary spin on the traditional Moroccan palace, steps in.
Located in the thriving heart of the Medina, this luxury hotel offers gentle respite from the heat and hustle of Moroccan life with six individually decorated apartments arranged around a lush central courtyard. A popular option is the Orange Suite, which incorporates a ground-floor sitting room, private balcony and thrillingly, a secret staircase.
Dar Darma’s warren-like interior, featuring vaulted stone ceilings and lustrous fabrics, afford guests discretion, while amenities such as the in-house hammam, open air pool and complimentary train station pick-up service highlights convenience as well as indulgence.
From the hotel’s central standing, the city of Marrakech is a joy to explore. The Medina comprises of narrow, labyrinthine streets, the air hazy with spice, spirit and old world intrigue. It’s easy to spend an entire day wandering hand-in-hand through this captivating quarter, grazing on street snacks, browsing artisan goods and becoming bewitched by the sheer vibrancy of the district. Meanwhile the Ville Nouvelle, also moments from Dar Darma’s entranceway, houses the Jardin Majorelle. Conceived in the early twentieth century by Frenchman Jacques Majorelle, the twelve-acre botanical garden hosts the impressive Islamic Art Museum and was once owned by Yves Saint-Laurent.
Dotted with distinctive blocks of cobalt blue, Jardin Majorelle pairs Oriental elegance with the raw beauty of desert foliage and should top every honeymooner’s checklist.
There is plenty to take advantage of within the regal confines of Dar Darma, however. Borrow a book from the library and curl up in a shady nook in one of the outdoor lounges for an afternoon of literary escapism. Pore over the vibrant landscape from terraces that showcase views stretching over the city’s rooftops or spend a lazy day together by the pool. Check yourselves into Dar Darma’s traditional hammam spa for facial cleansing, a detoxifying massage or a clarifying Gommage peeling treatment.
The in-house restaurant, using only the finest in fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, also gives newlyweds the opportunity to enrol in cooking lessons to learn the art of traditional dishes such as a Moroccan tagine and harira soup.
However you choose to commemorate your honeymoon - souk-diving or Sahara surfing - Dar Darma Riad and the bohemian delights of Marrakech has that je nais sai quoi for the perfect honeymoon escape.
DAR DARMA RIAD
11/12 Trik Sidi Bohuarba
40000 Marrakesh, Morocco
t. +212 524 380708
DarDarma.com