Scarabeo Camp
morocco, morocco · ★★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
Scarabeo Camp offers the Sahara-like glamping experience far closer to Marrakech than a trip to Merzouga requires — the Agafay stone desert, 30km south of the city, is a dramatic landscape of rocky plains and undulating grey moonscape with the snow-capped Atlas Mountains as a permanent backdrop. The 24 luxury tents at Scarabeo combine proper beds, en-suite bathrooms, and the highest-quality Moroccan textiles with the irreplaceable experience of sleeping under a desert sky. Camel rides, stargazing, hammam, and a beautiful pool make it a complete romantic experience for honeymooners who want a desert adventure without a two-day journey to the Sahara.
- ✓Trust couples-verified reviews
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- ✓Are willing to invest in once-in-a-lifetime
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Want a direct beachfront
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
88/100
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
Book one of the premium Tents with the most panoramic Atlas Mountain view — the Agafay desert faces the Atlas directly, and the sight of snow-capped peaks rising from a stone desert plain is extraordinary. The larger Deluxe Tents have more space and are set further apart for privacy. All tents have proper beds, en-suite bathrooms with Moroccan tile work, and private outdoor terrace seating facing the desert and mountains.
No Surprises
True cost breakdown — 7 nights for two
Based on mid-range rooms, premium-economy flights from Europe, full dining and signature experiences. Adjust for your actual travel profile.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Room (7 nights avg $1,000/nt) | $7,000 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $600 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $10,500 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $600 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $1,400 |
| Total estimated | $21,000 |
Book Your Stay
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Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrival in the Agafay Desert
Drive 30km south from Marrakech into the Agafay stone desert as the city disappears behind you. Scarabeo Camp appears in the desert, lanterns lit and the Atlas Mountains filling the western sky. Check into your tent as the late afternoon sun turns the rocky plain gold. A camel ride at sunset, the mountains in silhouette and the desert stretching in every direction, is the perfect arrival moment — followed by a candlelit dinner under the stars.
Desert Dawn & Hammam
Wake before sunrise for the most magical moment at Scarabeo — the dawn light on the Atlas peaks turns them from grey to pink to gold as the desert plain below changes from silver to ochre. A morning hammam in the camp's beautifully designed spa pavilion, then a leisurely breakfast with Atlas views. The pool is heated and perfectly positioned for an afternoon of desert swimming with mountain views.
Marrakech Medina Day
A 30-minute drive returns you to Marrakech for a day — the city after the silence of the desert feels more vivid and alive than ever. Explore the souks, visit the Majorelle Garden, and have lunch at a rooftop restaurant above the medina with views over the minarets. Return to the camp in the late afternoon and the silence descends again like a gift. Dinner by firelight in the desert.
Quad Bikes & Desert Exploration
The camp offers quad bike tours of the Agafay desert — the stone plateau with its rock formations, dried riverbeds, and Berber villages is extraordinary on four wheels. The tour includes tea at a local Berber family's home in a clay-built village on the desert edge. Return for a stargazing session after dinner — the Agafay's darkness and altitude provide a Milky Way display that will astonish guests from any city.
Yoga, Spa & Desert Silence
A day dedicated to the Scarabeo experience in its purest form: morning yoga on the desert terrace as the sun rises over the Atlas, spa treatments through the morning including an argan oil massage and ghassoul clay body treatment, then an afternoon of total silence reading in a hammock with the desert and mountains as your only view. A private dinner in your tent for two, served by your personal attendant.
Ouirgane Valley & Atlas Villages
Drive further into the Atlas foothills for the day — the Ouirgane Valley, 30 minutes south, has a beautiful lake, walnut groves, and traditional Berber villages accessible only on foot. A guided hike through the valley stops at a village school and a local cooperative making traditional Berber rugs. Lunch by the lake, then return to the camp for a sunset camel ride and a final evening under the stars.
Farewell Desert Morning
Last desert morning: coffee on your tent terrace as the Atlas peaks emerge from dawn haze, a final swim in the pool, and a slow breakfast. The 30-minute return drive to Marrakech airport is one of the easier final-day logistics in Moroccan travel. The Agafay desert and its Atlas backdrop, the extraordinary starry nights, and the simplicity of the camp experience will remain among the defining memories of your honeymoon.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
Scarabeo is a glamping property — while the tents are genuinely luxurious with proper beds and bathrooms, guests who need hotel-grade sound insulation, climate control to exact temperatures, or conventional room facilities may find the tent format less comfortable.
The Agafay desert is a stone plateau, not a sand desert — those expecting Lawrence of Arabia dunes will be surprised; the landscape is dramatic but in a more austere, rocky way than the Sahara.
Desert nights can be cold year-round and very cold in winter — the tents are heated but warm layers for stargazing are essential whatever the season.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon booking inquiry — Scarabeo Camp Agafay Dear Scarabeo Camp team, My partner and I are planning our honeymoon and are very interested in staying with you from [DATE] to [DATE] ([X] nights). We are particularly interested in: a Deluxe Tent with maximum Atlas Mountain views and privacy Could you please let us know: - Current availability for our dates - Any honeymoon packages or special arrangements - Details on stargazing experiences, camel rides, and the couples' spa treatments available Thank you for your time. [Your names]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Scarabeo Camp good for honeymooners?
It is one of the most romantic and original honeymoon experiences in Morocco — the desert sky at night, the Atlas Mountain panorama, the intimate camp scale, and the combination of complete remoteness with proximity to Marrakech create an ideal honeymoon for couples who want adventure and beauty alongside luxury comfort. The camel rides and stargazing are genuinely magical.
What is the best time to visit?
October through April is ideal — the Agafay is pleasant in day temperatures (20-25°C) and cool at night, and the Atlas peaks are more likely to carry snow that dramatically contrasts with the desert plain. March and April can see wildflowers briefly blooming across the stone plateau. July and August are very hot (35-40°C+) and the daytime experience is limited to the pool and shaded areas.
What should we book in advance?
Book as early as possible for weekends and peak season (October-March), when the camp is in highest demand. The specific tent position (most Atlas views, most private) should be requested at booking. Pre-arrange any private dinner experiences, couples' spa packages, and desert excursions with the camp before arrival.
Is it adults-only?
No, Scarabeo Camp is not adults-only and welcomes families. However the glamping format, the absence of children's entertainment, and the sophisticated atmosphere mean that in practice the clientele is predominantly couples and adult groups. The camp's limited size (24 tents) means any children present are quite visible.
What's the best room type for a honeymoon?
A Deluxe Tent with the most panoramic Atlas Mountain view and the greatest separation from other tents is ideal. All tents are beautifully furnished but the larger deluxe category offers more floor space and a bigger private terrace. Specify your priorities (maximum Atlas views, maximum privacy from other guests) when booking.
How do we get there?
Fly into Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) and take a private transfer to the camp — approximately 40 minutes through the city and south into the Agafay. The camp can arrange airport transfers. Having a rental car at the camp is useful for day trips to Marrakech and the Atlas villages, or the camp's own driver service can be used for excursions.
Same Vibe, Different Destination
