KCR Spring 2025 Magazine - Flipbook - Page 64
IZZA Marrakech, Morocco
IZZA Marrakech, situated in the heart of the city’s historic Medina,
seamlessly blends traditional Moroccan aesthetics with contemporary
luxury. Opened in September 2024, this boutique hotel comprises seven
interconnected Riads, o昀昀ering 14 uniquely designed rooms. It blends
traditional Moroccan architecture with inspiration from socialite and
interior designer Bill Willis.
An American expat who moved to Marrakech in the late 1960s, he was
instrumental in reviving traditional Moroccan decorative arts, infusing
them with a modern sensibility. This in昀氀uence is evident in the intricate
zellij tilework, tadelakt plaster, and cedar wood carvings that adorn the
property.
The original concept was to create a nice, private Riad for the owner but
an adjoining property, containing a pool, became available, and then a
third with a rooftop. As more were purchased, it soon became apparent
that this would work well as a hotel. In the future, adjacent properties
may be added, but the complex will still preserve its boutique character.
The hotel also styles itself as The Museum in the Medina, with a dazzling
art collection, worth a cool £5 million, on display. You’ll 昀椀nd over 300
contemporary and digital artworks on the walls of the rooms and shared
spaces. It’s a unique opportunity to live among signi昀椀cant pieces of art.
Other highlights include a lap pool, cunningly slotted into the courtyard
on the ground 昀氀oor, and a walnut-clad library, with 昀氀oor-to-ceiling
bookshelves, rolling ladders and leather chairs. Don’t forget the Hamman which o昀昀ers private sessions in an ambient, candlelit room tiled in
deep neutral tones
Each of the 14 rooms and suites is named for and inspired by one of
the characters from its bohemian past. . One is called Jack (Kerouac),
another is Allen (Ginsberg), and the top suite, of course, is Yves (Saint
Laurent), spacious and airy. The largest, Izza, (named after the Berber
woman who lived here) is a self-contained two storey apartment, with
private courtyard. Spiralling steps lead to the terrace with views of the
medina below.
In many of the rooms, even junior suites, the beds sit in the alcoves
between two walls, almost like being inside a giant egg. They’re 昀椀lled
with essential goodies including Egyptian cotton bed linens, Nespresso
machines and organic bath products made with ingredients from the
nearby Ourika Valley. Gather around the rooms are several private
courtyards, secluded lounges, and sitting areas.
The expansive rooftop, scented by rose-昀椀lled terracotta, cactus and lemon trees, is the location of the restaurant, Noujom, named after Bill Willis’s original Marrakech residence. . Breakfast is served with homemade
M’semen Flatbreads and Bagrir, Moroccan semolina pancakes. Freshly
squeezed juices, seasonal fruits and egg dishes are all delivered to order.
Lunch and dinner menus are seasonal, ingredients sourced locally, with
an emphasis on sharing plates. These include Monk昀椀sh Tagine with
Olives and Preserved Lemons, signature Lamb Chops with Roast Onion
and Tabouleh and Crispy Moroccan Fried Calamari with Lemon and
Cucumber Salsa plus Dill Aioli.
There’s also a rooftop bar serving local wines & beers and bespoke
cocktails carefully curated by head bartenders Rebecca & Jonas. They
run sessions teaching you how to make them. Down below is the black
and white Bill’s Bar, a faithful recreation of Bill Willis’s iconic design
for Rick’s Café in Casablanca. You’ll also 昀椀nd a co昀昀ee shop and tearoom
tucked away o昀昀 the stairwells.
The spa o昀昀ers a sequence of experiences all ancient in their origins.
Enjoy reviving, relaxing & restorative massage treatments surrounded
by selected works of contemporary art. The Hamman o昀昀ers private
sessions with bene昀椀ts including increased blood circulation, lower blood
pressure lower muscular tension and a boost to the immune system
The hotel makes a great base to explore the medina. A stone’s throw
away is the famous Dar Yacout Restaurant, a little further is Bab
Moussoufa, one of the city wall’s gateways. A few twists and turns and
you’ll be in the heart of the souks leading to the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa,
Marrakech’s main square. Here, inhabitants and tourists gather day and
night to eat, shop or observe the live entertainment.
IZZA Marrakech o昀昀ers more than just luxury, it also provides an immersive cultural experience. By seamlessly integrating traditional Moroccan
craftsmanship with contemporary art and design, the hotel creates a
unique space where past and present converge. It makes for a unique
blend of tradition and modernity in the heart of the medina. Images:
Izza.
https://izza.com/
By Rupert Parker
