# Honeymoons

For a honeymoon in Dubai, Oman, Egypt or Morocco, Sabaro chooses intimate houses, suites and villas with private pools, and two-part trips that end somewhere quiet: the city then the dunes or the beach in Dubai, Muscat's beach then the mountains in Oman, the Nile then the Red Sea, Marrakesh then the Atlantic, the Atlas or the desert. In Tunisia, the Bay of Tunis or Hammamet can be combined with the gateway to the Sahara from October to April, or with the beaches of Djerba from June to October. In Turkey, Istanbul combines with the cave hotels of Cappadocia, from April to June and from September to October, or with the bays of Bodrum and Kalkan, from June to October.

Source : https://sabaro-travel.com/en/themes/honeymoon/

## Three ways to build the trip

**In two parts: sightseeing, then rest.** This is the most common shape. In Egypt, a cruise between Aswan and Luxor, a few nights on Luxor's West Bank, then the Red Sea: from Luxor to Soma Bay the road covers 232 km, about 3 h 30 of driving, to be done by day, since driving at night outside towns should be avoided. The trip idea [Nile cruise and Red Sea in 10 days](/en/ideas/egypt-nile-and-red-sea-10-days/) follows this pattern. In Morocco, Marrakesh then the coast: Essaouira is 2 h 30 by road, as in the idea [Marrakesh and Essaouira in 7 days](/en/ideas/morocco-marrakesh-essaouira-7-days/); Oualidia, further north, suits those who prefer a lagoon and oysters. The two La Sultana houses, one in the Marrakesh kasbah, the other above the Oualidia lagoon, pair well in a single trip.

**In Dubai, two parts without leaving the emirate.** In Dubai, both parts fit within an hour's drive. Start in town, at [The Lana](/en/hotels/the-lana-dubai/), in Business Bay, with its rooftop pool facing Burj Khalifa, its Dior spa and its chefs' restaurants; finish in the dunes, at [Al Maha](/en/hotels/al-maha/), in the heart of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, or on a private beach, at the [Bvlgari Resort](/en/hotels/bvlgari-resort-dubai/) or [One&Only The Palm](/en/hotels/one-and-only-the-palm/). A dawn balloon flight over the reserve, from about €245 per person, and Al Maha's private dinner in the dunes, AED 1,250 (UAE dirhams), about €300, per couple, are the moments people remember. The season runs from October to April; the very hot summer is spent indoors. The [Dubai desert](/en/dubai/desert/) page details these outings.

**In Oman, sea, mountains and desert.** [Oman](/en/oman/) lends itself to a trip in three parts, over short distances: the beach in [Muscat](/en/oman/muscat/), the cool air of the [Jebel Akhdar](/en/oman/jebel-akhdar/), 2 hours' drive away, then a night in the [Wahiba Sands](/en/oman/wahiba-sands/), just over 2 hours from Muscat. In Muscat, three addresses suit a couple: [Al Husn](/en/hotels/al-husn-muscat/), for guests aged 16 and over, above its private cove, from about €425 a night; the Summerhouses at [Jumeirah Muscat Bay](/en/hotels/jumeirah-muscat-bay/), beach houses with a private pool and a round-the-clock butler; and [The Chedi](/en/hotels/the-chedi-muscat/), with its water gardens and Michelin Key, the guide's distinction for hotels. On the Jebel Akhdar, at about 2,000 m, the Anantara's Cliff Pool Villa has its private pool on the edge of the canyon; [Alila Jabal Akhdar](/en/hotels/alila-jabal-akhdar/) is more secluded still. In the dunes, [Canvas Club](/en/hotels/canvas-club/) sets up a camp for you alone, 30 km down a track, with a cook, a campfire and a shower under the stars; the comfort is that of upmarket camping, with no mains electricity. The season runs from October to April.

**A single address.** Some couples want to unpack only once. They choose a place that is enough on its own: the all-suite Oberoi at Sahl Hasheesh, with spa, reef and dive centre; Amanjena, between olive grove and golf course, south of Marrakesh; the Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay, on the Mediterranean, from June to September; Kasbah Tamadot at Asni, an hour from Marrakesh, which adds the Atlas trails. For a stay without children, the [Adults-only hotels](/en/themes/adults-only/) page presents La Maison Bleue in El Gouna and the other adults-only addresses.

**A road trip.** For couples who like to move, the trip can follow a route with smaller stops: the Dadès valley, where the Eden Boutique Hotel has 18 suites facing the "monkey fingers" rocks, on the way to Merzouga; or the Siwa oasis in Egypt's Western Desert, where the candlelit Taziry Ecolodge organises horse rides and stargazing. The [Boutique and historic hotels](/en/themes/boutique-hotels/) page brings together other houses of this kind.

## The calendar

The wedding month often decides the destination.

| Period | Where to go | Why |
|---|---|---|
| November to February | Upper Egypt, Marrakesh, Red Sea | Mild days in Luxor (23 to 29 °C highs); Red Sea around 22 to 23 °C at its coolest; cool nights in Marrakesh (5.9 °C average low in January) |
| March to May | Marrakesh, Atlas, Dadès, Egypt with early starts | 24 to 29 °C in Marrakesh; Luxor remains manageable in March and April, in the morning |
| June to September | Red Sea, Atlantic coast, Mediterranean, Atlas | Tamuda Bay's season runs June to September; in Essaouira the July high stays around 22 °C; in Luxor average highs exceed 39 °C |
| September and October | Marrakesh, Red Sea, Atlantic | 28 to 33 °C in Marrakesh; Red Sea still warm; Agadir's sea above 19.5 °C until October |
| October to April | Oman: Muscat, Jebel Akhdar, desert | In Muscat, average highs of 25 to 27 °C and sea around 24 °C from December to February; on the Jebel Akhdar, 15 to 20 °C from December to March; above 35 °C in Muscat from May to September |
| October to April | Dubai | Average highs of 24 to 31 °C from November to March; sea at 22 °C at its coolest, in January and February; above 39 °C from June to September |

Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on 8 February, with Eid al-Fitr on 9 or 10 March: the guide [Religious holidays 2027](/en/guides/religious-holidays-2027-morocco-egypt/) explains what this means for a trip, and the guides [Ramadan in Dubai](/en/guides/ramadan-dubai/) and [Travelling in Oman during Ramadan](/en/guides/ramadan-oman/) do the same for Dubai and Oman.

## The room

On a honeymoon, the room matters more than usual. Sabaro looks at three things.

**A private pool.** Several addresses have one. At Amanjena, the 220 m² Pool Pavilions have a 25 m² heated private pool. At the Royal Mansour Marrakech, each of the 53 private riads has its own rooftop pool. The 92 villas of the Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay, from 203 to 420 m², each have a pool. At the Mandarin Oriental Marrakech, every villa and suite has a private pool or plunge pool. On the Red Sea, the Oberoi at Sahl Hasheesh has a 125 m² Grand Suite with Private Pool, the Four Seasons in Sharm el-Sheikh a One-Bedroom Suite with Plunge Pool, the Steigenberger Pure Lifestyle a penthouse with a private pool. In Dubai, each of Al Maha's 42 villas has a heated private pool, the Bvlgari's One Bedroom Beach View Villa has its heated pool and garden a few steps from the sand, and [Anantara The Palm](/en/hotels/anantara-the-palm/) has the first overwater villas in the Emirates, above its lagoons; the hotel is under phased renovation until spring 2027.

**The intimacy of the house.** A small house changes the feel of a stay: 12 rooms at La Sultana Oualidia, each with a terrace and a seawater jacuzzi; 13 suites at La Maison Bleue; 16 rooms at Hôtel Le Doge, a 1930s townhouse in Casablanca; 28 rooms, all different, at La Sultana Marrakech.

**The grand palace.** For a big occasion, Marrakesh has several palaces: La Mamounia, opened in 1923 and awarded three Michelin Keys, the Michelin Guide's hotel distinction; the Royal Mansour, two Keys; Selman, built around a stud of purebred Arabian horses, with a Chenot spa. Kasbah Tamadot, in the Atlas, also has three Keys. In Dubai, the Bvlgari has only 101 rooms and 20 villas, looked after by a butler, with two Michelin-starred restaurants; the [Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab](/en/hotels/jumeirah-marsa-al-arab/), opened in 2025, has rooms of at least 67 m², all with a terrace, and an adults-only pool; at the Marina, [Address Beach Resort](/en/hotels/address-beach-resort/) has the world's highest outdoor infinity pool on the 77th floor, for ages 16 and over after 11.30 am, and [Banyan Tree](/en/hotels/banyan-tree-dubai/) its 500 m private beach on Bluewaters Island. These hotels welcome children: a couple who want a setting without families should look at the adults-only addresses instead.

## Good to know

**In Siwa.** The oasis is a conservative society: alcohol is not drunk in public, and neither are displays of affection.

**In Dubai.** Public displays of affection are banned and a kiss can lead to arrest; same-sex relationships are illegal in the Emirates, and same-sex marriages are not recognised there. Alcohol is served from age 21, in licensed hotels and restaurants. The guide [Alcohol and rules of conduct in Dubai](/en/guides/alcool-regles-dubai/) covers these rules, and the guide [Dubai and the regional situation](/en/guides/situation-regionale-dubai/) the advice of European governments.

**In Oman.** According to the UK government, it is illegal to share a hotel room with someone of the opposite sex to whom you are neither married nor related, and same-sex relationships are criminalised. Alcohol is served from age 21 in licensed venues such as hotel bars, and is banned in public. Away from tourist beaches and hotels, shoulders and knees stay covered. The guide [Oman and the regional situation](/en/guides/situation-oman/) gives European governments' advice.

**Spa for two.** Several spas have a couples' suite: the Oberoi at Sahl Hasheesh, the Four Seasons in Cairo, the Ritz-Carlton in Rabat, the Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses, and in Dubai the Bvlgari, the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira and One&Only The Palm, whose Oriental Suite combines a steam bath and a hammam for two. In Muscat, the Mandarin Oriental's couple's suite has its own hammam and terrace; on the Jebel Akhdar, the Anantara's spa has two couples' rooms. The [Spa and wellness](/en/themes/spa-and-wellness/) page presents treatments and the large spas.

## Tunisia: from the Bay of Tunis to the gateway to the Sahara

[Tunisia](/en/tunisia/), a few hours' flight from Europe's main cities, direct or with one stop, lends itself to a two-part trip: a few nights by the Mediterranean, then the desert from October to April, or the beach from June to October.

**By the sea.** In [Carthage](/en/tunisia/carthage-sidi-bou-said/), the [Villa Didon](/en/hotels/villa-didon-carthage/) has ten suites facing the Bay of Tunis and a cantilevered pool; in Sidi Bou Said, [Maison Dedine](/en/hotels/maison-dedine/) has five rooms, for guests aged 16 and over, and an infinity pool. In [Hammamet](/en/tunisia/hammamet-cap-bon/), [La Badira](/en/hotels/la-badira/) keeps its 130 suites for guests over 16. In [Monastir](/en/tunisia/monastir/), [Dar Benti](/en/hotels/dar-benti-monastir/) has a suite with a private heated jacuzzi.

**In the desert.** In Tozeur, many of the suites and villas at [The Mora Sahara](/en/hotels/the-mora-sahara-tozeur/) have a private pool, facing the Chott el Djerid. In [Douz](/en/tunisia/douz-sahara/), the villas of [The Residence Douz](/en/hotels/the-residence-douz/) have a roof terrace for watching the dunes and the starry sky.

**[Djerba](/en/tunisia/djerba/).** The [Hasdrubal Prestige](/en/hotels/hasdrubal-prestige-djerba/), on Sidi Mahrez beach, has only suites, including 95 m² junior suites, around an 11,000 m² thalassotherapy centre.

## Turkey: Istanbul, then Cappadocia or the sea

[Turkey](/en/turkey/), a few hours' flight from Europe's main cities, direct or with one stop, lends itself to a trip in two parts: a few nights in Istanbul, then Cappadocia in spring and autumn, or the sea from June to October.

**In Istanbul.** The [Çırağan Palace](/en/hotels/ciragan-palace-kempinski/) has a heated infinity pool on the Bosphorus; the [Four Seasons at the Bosphorus](/en/hotels/four-seasons-bosphorus/) occupies a 19th-century Ottoman palace. In Pera, the [Pera Palace](/en/hotels/pera-palace/) opened in 1895, and some rooms at the [Georges Hotel Galata](/en/hotels/georges-hotel-galata/) have a balcony over the Bosphorus.

**In [Cappadocia](/en/turkey/cappadocia/).** The rooms are carved into the tuff, often facing the dawn balloons. The [Aza Cave Hotel](/en/hotels/aza-cave-hotel/), in Göreme, takes guests aged 12 and over; in Uçhisar, the [Ariana](/en/hotels/ariana-sustainable-luxury-lodge/) has only 11 suites, and the [Museum Hotel](/en/hotels/museum-hotel-cappadocia/) is the region's only Relais & Châteaux. In Ortahisar, the [Exedra](/en/hotels/exedra-hotel-cappadocia/) has suites with a private pool.

**By the sea.** In [Bodrum](/en/turkey/bodrum/), [Birdcage 33](/en/hotels/birdcage-33/) and [Casa Nonna](/en/hotels/casa-nonna-bodrum/) are reserved for guests aged 16 and over; [Susona Bodrum](/en/hotels/susona-bodrum/) has suites with a private pool. In [Kalkan](/en/turkey/kalkan-kas/), every room at the [Hotel Villa Mahal](/en/hotels/hotel-villa-mahal/) looks out to sea from a terrace. In [Alaçatı](/en/turkey/cesme-alacati/), [Alavya](/en/hotels/alavya/) has 25 rooms in six houses of the old village.

## Frequently asked questions

### Which hotel for a Red Sea honeymoon?

The Oberoi Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh, made up only of suites from 85 to 225 m², including a category with a private pool, or La Maison Bleue in El Gouna, 13 adults-only suites. For more buzz, the Steigenberger Pure Lifestyle in Hurghada.

### Which hotel for a honeymoon in Dubai?

The Bvlgari Resort, on its island, for privacy and its villas with pools; Al Maha for a villa with a private pool in the dunes, on full board; One&Only The Palm for the beach and the Guerlain spa; The Lana for a few nights in town before the beach or the desert.

### Which hotel for a honeymoon in Oman?

Al Husn in Muscat, for guests aged 16 and over, or a Summerhouse with a private pool at Jumeirah Muscat Bay; then a Cliff Pool Villa at the Anantara on the Jebel Akhdar, and a night at Canvas Club, a private camp in the Wahiba Sands.

### Can we combine culture and beach?

Yes. In Egypt, Luxor and Soma Bay are 232 km apart, about 3 h 30 by road; in Morocco, Marrakesh and Essaouira are 2 h 30 apart.

### Which season?

November to April for sightseeing in Egypt and Morocco; you can swim in the Red Sea all year, with water at 22 or 23 °C at its coolest, in February and March. Summer suits Morocco's Mediterranean coast, Essaouira and the Atlas.

### Which hotel has a private pool in Morocco?

Amanjena (Pool Pavilions), the Royal Mansour Marrakech (a rooftop pool on every riad), the Mandarin Oriental Marrakech and the Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay.

### Which hotel for a honeymoon in Tunisia?

The Villa Didon in Carthage or Maison Dedine in Sidi Bou Said, above the Bay of Tunis; La Badira in Hammamet, for guests over 16; for the desert, The Mora Sahara Tozeur, with its private pools, or The Residence Douz.

### Which hotel for a honeymoon in Turkey?

In Istanbul, the Çırağan Palace or the Four Seasons at the Bosphorus; in Cappadocia, the Ariana, the Museum Hotel or the Aza Cave Hotel, for guests aged 12 and over; by the sea, Birdcage 33 in Bodrum, for over-16s, or the Hotel Villa Mahal in Kalkan.