Words by Debby Donnelly-Addison
Deep in the heart of Marrakech’s bustling medina lies IZZA, where traditional Moroccan craftsmanship meets contemporary design. Heavily influenced by the late designer, Bill Willis, this homage to the arts houses an impressive £5 million collection including everything from photography and mixed media to oil paintings and NFTs.
A reinvention of North African luxe
Taking a sidestep from the whitewashed Riads that have become synonymous with Moroccan luxury in recent years, the interiors of IZZA are reminiscent of an art deco/medina martini; take one-part 1930s luxe and six parts traditional craftmanship, serve shaken, not stirred. The result is a glamorous reinvention of Moroccan luxury where geometric, intricately arranged zellij tiles meet sleek, curved furnishings.
One could almost imagine Yves Saint Laurent himself, sipping a dry sherry in the oud-scented bar lounge in which his correspondence with Bill Willis lines the walls. The abundance of personal letters and photographs, found in a suitcase at Bill’s property a few doors down, are dotted everywhere from the suites to the hallways, a poignant reminder of a life lived for the arts.
Opulence and oud
The hotel boasts fourteen exquisite rooms, various in size, paralleled in luxury, each named after an artist of note. Some, you will be familiar with, such as Grace Jones, and Jack Kerouac, whereas others are lesser known but no less worth the privilege of namesake. The late French Moroccan photographer, Leila Alaoui, and her mother Christine, both have suites named in their honour, with Leila’s breath-taking portraits hung in the entrance halls of the riad itself. The largest suite on site, IZZA, is named after the gentle Moroccan lady the property was purchased from, the one exception to the ‘artists only’ rule.
The hotel tilts its hat to the late Bill Willis without losing sight of the local traditional craftsmanship or appropriating Islamic art. Willis, arguably the most renowned interior designer of his time, was captivated by Moroccan art and left his life in America to immerse himself in the vibrant culture of Marrakech.
Each room boasts at least one unique feature piece fusing craftsmanship with the contemporary: a sumptuous copper bathtub, a gargantuan chandelier, one even has a secret tea lounge. Beds are topped with heavy linens, and windows lined with intricately carved shutters to ensure a good night’s sleep. Rainfall showers and luxurious toiletries in hand-crafted bottles wait for you in the spacious ensuite bathrooms, many of which contain faded polaroids and titbits from Willis’s private collection.
When not immersing themselves in the multitude of artworks on display, all guests have access to three pools, a smattering of sun loungers up on the roof terrace, a well-stocked library complete with roaring open fire, and a multitude of cosy hidey-holes tucked away around the building. Those weary from a long day of exploring the souks can unwind in the traditional hammam and spa; a warm, marble nook where you can indulge in a variety of treatments such as a deep tissue massage or facial. Just make sure you know exactly what a hammam is before you sign up for one.
Dining amidst art
Located on the roof terrace with sweeping views of the Red City and Atlas Mountains beyond, the restaurant’s social dining concept is reflected in its beautiful menu of small sharing plates, fusing traditional local cuisine with European influence. From the creamy crab croquettes to the slow-cooked lamb tagine, each dish reflects Morocco’s rich culinary heritage.
Led by chefs Paul Weaver and Ahmad El Hardoum, the seasonal menu is available for dinner under the stars or dinner under your duvet, anything goes at the ‘House of Friends’, an appropriate moniker for this convivial hotel and restaurant.
Beyond the front door
At IZZA, guests can immerse themselves in the vibrant art scene of Marrakech, both inside and out. The hotel hosts exclusive events and art exhibitions, showcasing the works of local and international artists. The nearby Jemaa el Fna square is a hub of cultural events and performances, where guests can experience the rich traditions of Moroccan music, dance, and storytelling. The nearby Bahia Palace is a must-visit, although it’s strongly recommended that you hire a tour guide as there is a distinct lack of on-site information available for a building so steeped in history.
Take a stroll through the Medina and discover the rich cultural heritage of Marrakech, from the bustling souks filled with traditional handicrafts to the historic mosques and palaces. Just a short walk away is the lush Le Jardin Secret, although true art lovers will want to make the slightly longer, 25-minute walk to Jardin Majorelle, the private oasis of Yves Saint Laurent. As local law states that all buildings must be built of red clay unless they are out of the public eye, Laurent’s cobalt and sunshine yellow villa is a playful alternative to traditional Moroccan architecture, as long as you can get past it looking like an Ikea.
Booking tips and best times to visit
To make the most of your stay at IZZA, it is recommended to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during the peak season. The best times to visit Marrakech are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded. Avoid visiting during the peak summer months, as temperatures can soar above 38°C. By planning your visit during the shoulder seasons, you can enjoy milder temperatures and fewer crowds while exploring the vibrant city of Marrakech.
Factbox
Prices range from €200 (approx. £170) to €850 (approx. £725) per room per night, including daily breakfast, airport transfer on arrival, and a 45-minute massage in IZZA’s spa and hammam treatment room.
Address: IZZA, 46 Driba Laarida, Sidi Ahmed Soussi, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
Phone: +212 661-956246
Website: izza.com
All imagery unless stated otherwise credit: IZZA Marrakech
