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From Argentina to Spain, some classic romantic destinations are getting refreshed and renewed and ending up better than ever.

Something old, something new—it’s an old wedding tradition. But the blend of old and new needn’t end there. Four wonderful destinations—Marrakech, Buenos Aires, New Orleans and Valencia—meld history and progress, past and present, to create a storybook honeymoon setting. These locales are sure to make your first wedded days memorable.

Marrakech, Morocco

Tranquility reigns at Octogone Terre Resort and Spa in Morocco.

The sun-kissed city of Marrakech

Marrakech. Even the name is exotic. And like the dance of the seven veils, Marrakech swirls with a delicate beauty that’s reflected in the patterned tiled floors and jeweled archways of its buildings. This is North Africa’s best-preserved medieval imperial metropolis, a gem at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. As a trading post on the caravan route to Timbuktu centuries ago, Marrakech was infused with Arab, Berber, French and Spanish influences. It became a city of intriguing opposites: secluded palaces and clamorous souk markets juxtaposed against sacred mosques and heavenly gardens. Now the city is a tantalizing tapestry of yesterday and today. Among the snake charmers, storytellers, merchants, jugglers and belly dancers, you’ll find surprisingly modern hotels and eateries. In recent years, the glorious setting, filled with a pungent aroma of saffron and lamb, has drawn Hollywood’s A-list directors, who have woven the background into blockbusters. (Gladiator was filmed here, as were portions of Troy and The Bourne Ultimatum.) Tip: Bring a cardigan for chilly evenings and a scarf to show respect (and feel comfortable) among traditionally veiled women.

By day: Take a horse-drawn carriage to the lovely Jardin Majorelle, which can be likened to the famed French gardens at Giverny outside Paris. In 1924 landscape painter Jacques Majorelle grew more than 300 types of plants, which are mirrored in an ornamental pool. Soon after the gardens were opened to the public in 1947, they fell into disrepair. But in 1980 Parisian designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé, who have a home in Morocco, lovingly restored them to their original splendor. Come before sunset, when the scent of bougainvillea seems to linger forever, and shadows on the pool cast a spell (Ave. Yacoub el Mansour; jardinmajorelle.com). Visit Dar si Saïd, a 19th-century palace that houses a museum of antique Moroccan pottery, jewelry, daggers and carpets. Haggling in the serpentine souks of the city’s medina, or old quarter, is a popular activity; in its labyrinthine alleys, you’ll find perfumes, woven baskets and jewelry. (Bonus: Many sellers accept credit cards.) Head outside the city for a hot-air balloon ride over the Palmeraie Desert in the Atlas Mountains and stay overnight in a bivouac, or open-air tent, draped with gorgeous carpets. You’ll dine à deux by lantern light, while belly dancers entertain you.

At night: Take a gamble at Le Grand Casino La Mamounia with poker, roulette and baccarat; the atmosphere recalls the grand days of the great European casinos grandcasinomamounia.com). For a completely modern disco featuring electro house music, go to Pacha Marrakech—it was voted best by clubbers worldwide. Its 5,000-watt sound system is Africa’s largest (pachamarrakech.com).

Where to stay: Riad Meriem, an intimate five-suite hotel housed in an ancient townhouse in Médina, the city’s old quarter, was recently restored by trendy New York interior designer Thomas Hays. Here, the sun-drenched courtyard contains a refreshing plunge pool. Stroll around the outdoor pathways near the property and get lost in the maze of ancient walls. The hotel’s mod guest rooms have sleek platform beds and are painted in vibrant colors, accented by custom light fixtures (riadmeriem.com).

Octogone Terre Resort and Spa is an intoxicating blend of five-star luxury and old-world delights. This 52-suite getaway, located just outside Marrakech’s city center, pampers guests with indulgent spa treatments, a large pool, high-end fitness machines and access to a golf course. And while all the materials and décor are locally sourced, the minibar, wireless Internet and cellphone dial-a-translator service are all-American (octogonehotels.com).

*Bridal Guide Exclusive! Mention Bridal Guide and receive a 60-minute Moorish spa service for two, featuring hamman (a ritual bath) and gommage (body exfoliation). Go to bridalguide.com/deals for more information.

Where to eat: Ranked by The New York Times as one of the five best restaurants in the world, Dar Yacout is not to be missed. The popular spot is housed in a palace and serves the finest Moroccan cuisine in a magical setting. Try the most popular dish, a heady blend of couscous and lamb. Intrigued? Book soon (79, derb Sidi Ahmed Soussi, Médina; phone: 011-212-24-38-29-29 ). If you’re craving an Italian meal, try La Trattoria de Giancarlo. Set in a 1920s villa, an architectural blend of Art Deco and Moorish design, the eatery offers romantic candlelit dinners by the beveled pool or beneath Mandarin trees (179, rue Mohamed El Beqal, Guéliz; latrattoriamarrakech.com).

For more information on Marrakech, go to latrattoriamarrakech.com.

Photography: (top) Courtesy of Octogone Hotels & Resorts.

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