Mini-mooning in Morocco: 6 Must-Do Activities for Newlyweds in Marrakesh

Marrakesh was on my travel list for as long as I could remember, so imagine my excitement when we got to Gatwick Airport the morning after our civil wedding and found out that’s exactly where we’d be spending the next seven days for our mini-moon! My husband had taken full control of planning the trip, and let’s just say he kicked things off with a bang because I was completely caught off guard.

1. LE JARDIN secret MUSEUM

Visiting Le Jardin Secret was a refreshing and almost spiritual experience. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the medina, it offered a serene escape that felt like stepping into a different world filled with tranquility, fresh air, and the gentle sound of birds chirping. We wandered through the beautiful gardens with lush greenery and intricate architecture, just floating through the space in complete peace.

Before heading off for our wild desert adventure later that day, we grabbed a quick bite at the on-site café. It was simple, delicious, and just what we needed to fuel up. We also explored the small gallery, which gave us a deeper appreciation of the garden’s rich history and cultural significance.

If you’re looking for a peaceful moment to pause, reflect, and recharge while in Marrakesh, Le Jardin Secret is truly worth a visit. You’ll find details on tickets and pricing here.

2. QUAD BIKING AND CAMELback RIDING AT Agafay DESERT

We kicked off our adventure with an hour of camelback riding through the breathtaking Agafay Desert, a landscape unlike anything I’d ever seen before. The endless stretch of golden sands and rocky terrain was unreal. But let me tell you, Marrakesh heat is not for the faint of heart! If you ever do this, bring all the water because I was melting, and I couldn’t help but feel for the poor camels carrying us through the sun-drenched terrain.

From there, we jumped straight into quad biking, an activity that quickly turned into both an emotional rollercoaster for me and premium entertainment for my husband. I was terrified from the get-go, saying my prayers and gripping the handlebars like my life depended on it (because it did). And let’s just say my nerves got the best of me. In a moment of pure panic, I managed to crash directly into the instructor. Yep. You read that right.

After that little mishap, he very kindly suggested (okay, firmly requested) that I switch roles and ride as a passenger instead. And that’s how I found myself in full Passenger Princess mode, holding on for dear life while my husband had the absolute time of his life zooming across the desert.

The session ended with some much needed Moroccan tea and biscuits which was refreshing despite the heat.

3. HAMMAM MASSAGE AT marajah spa

We couldn’t leave Marrakesh without indulging in a traditional Hammam massage, it was a must and ended up being one of my favourite experiences. We were so deep in relaxation that we barely got any content; we just wanted to soak up the moment and be pampered properly.

I found Marajah Spa on TikTok as you do these days, and there were hundreds of convincing reviews. The influencers were certainly influencing because we decided to give it a try. A quick call later, and luckily, they had availability that same evening! The spa caters exclusively to women and couples, and just a heads-up if you’re planning to visit, they only accept cash. It’s on the pricier side compared to some other spas I looked into, so we went in with high expectations.

We opted for the Le Royal package which was heavenly! First, we were led into a private steam room, where warm water and Moroccan black salt were poured over us, followed by an intense full-body exfoliation using a luxurious blend of essential oils. Even our faces got the exfoliation treatment! After that, we moved to the lounge area, where we were served traditional Moroccan tea and biscuits while getting a foot massage, pure bliss.

The final part of the experience was a dreamy full-body massage in a private room, with soft music, aromatic lotions, and rich Moroccan oils. I don’t think I’ve felt so relaxed in my life. The entire session lasted two hours and cost 650 MAD pp (around £55 each), and it was worth every penny although my husband begged to differ. My skin felt ridiculously soft and plump, the glow was real! Fully rejuvenated, we returned to our hotel to relax before ending the night with food and shisha at our rooftop hotel, a perfect close to an indulgent evening.

4. MUSÉE YVES SAINT LAURENT MARRAKECH

A visit to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum was high on our Marrakesh bucket list, and it completely exceeded expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the museum’s calm, curated atmosphere, modern architecture, clean design, and a clear tribute to YSL’s iconic legacy.

We started with a mini photoshoot, of course. The museum’s earthy tones and sleek interiors made for the perfect backdrop and we couldn’t resist capturing the moment. After that, we wandered through the gallery, where we browsed everything from original sketches to stage designs and fashion pieces that showed us just how visionary Yves Saint Laurent was. His love for Morocco was beautifully woven through each exhibit.

One of the unexpected highlights was the in-house cinema-style theatre, where we watched a short documentary on the life and legacy of YSL. It gave so much context to the pieces we’d just seen, his early days, creative journey, and the deep inspiration he drew from Marrakesh. It made the experience even more meaningful and personal.

After the film, we headed to the YSL café for a much-needed treat. The atmosphere was just as refined as the rest of the museum, with a calm, creative energy. We tried a few bits, but let me put you on to the mango cake! Soft, rich, and absolutely delicious. If you go, please try it and thank me later!

We wrapped up our visit at the book and gift shop where we picked out some beautifully designed art prints to bring home for our family and friends. It was the perfect way to end the afternoon and take a little piece of YSL’s creative world back with us.

If you’re in Marrakesh and love fashion, design, or simply crave a bit of calm inspiration, the YSL Museum is a must. It’s the kind of place that not only looks beautiful but feels beautiful and stays with you long after you leave. Book your tickets here.

5. VISIT THE SOUKS & riads

If you’re going to Marrakesh, visiting the souks and riads is a non-negotiable. And while you’re at it, bring a bag (or three) because I can almost guarantee you won’t be leaving empty-handed. The vibrant maze of stalls, the scent of spices and endless racks of beautifully woven textiles, it’s a sensory overload in the best way possible.

We stumbled across a stall selling natural herbs, cold-pressed oils, and scents, and if you know me, you know that’s my weakness. My husband described me as a kid in a candy store at one point, and he wasn’t wrong. I was in my element! But a little PSA: clutch onto your valuables, because as magical as the souks are, pickpockets do lurk. And while we’re on the topic of staying sharp, let me tell you how I got absolutely swindled.

A lovely (very strategic) lady offered to do my henna, and before I could even process what was happening, my hand was being decorated. The moment she finished, she demanded 200 MAD on the spot. And just like that, I was out of pocket and officially inducted into the tourist hustle club. My husband found it hilarious, and honestly, I had to laugh too, these locals don’t play when it comes to business. Lesson learned!

Of course, I couldn’t leave without grabbing a few traditional Moroccan ceramics and pottery as a little keepsake of this incredible city. Meanwhile, my husband picked up a couple of kaftans, light, airy, and perfect for blending in a little better.

And just when I thought I was done falling for the hustle, we somehow found ourselves dancing with a group of locals. It was all fun and games until… yep, you guessed it, another payment was requested. At this point, I had to respect the grind. My husband and I couldn’t stop laughing about it for the rest of the trip.

To wrap up the day, we found a cozy Moroccan restaurant where we finally got to sit back, enjoy some authentic cuisine, and soak in the atmosphere with live entertainment. The perfect way to end a whirlwind day of culture, shopping, and one too many rookie mistakes.

6. DINNER AT NOBU rooftop RESTAuRANT

My husband and I are admittedly shameless foodies, so trust me when I say, Nobu did its big one in Marrakesh. From the moment we stepped onto the rooftop, we knew we were in for a treat. The ambiance was pure elegance. Chic decor, soft lighting, and a stunning view of the city that made everything feel extra special. But it wasn’t just the aesthetics; the food, the service, the vibe, everything was top-tier.

The staff were beyond lovely, making sure we were well taken care of the entire night. They even surprised us with a little treat to celebrate our nuptials, which was such a sweet touch. Now, let’s talk drinks. The cocktails at Nobu? Certified sneakers. I ordered a Piña Colada and strawberry Mojito feeling all cute and sophisticated, then came the shots of tequila on the house and BOOM, from that moment on, the night became a blur.

My husband, who doesn’t drink, was thoroughly entertained as I slowly but surely descended into full-on tipsy mode. Pure comedy for him, pure vibes for me. The music was hitting, the drinks were flowing, and we were just in our own little world, laughing, reminiscing, and soaking up every moment of our mini-moon magic.

By the end of the night, I was floating (both figuratively and possibly literally), and it was hands down one for the date night books. Exceptional food, amazing service, and a night full of love and laughter with my favourite person. If you’re ever in Marrakesh and looking for an unforgettable dining experience, this is it.

Then we were off to our hotel which was a 10/10, but we’ll talk about that in a later post!