El Fenn is a hotel you can’t ignore when visiting the medina of Marrakech. It’s a huge boutique hotel made up of thirteen different riads in the medina, with no fewer than 41 completely uniquely styled rooms and suites. There are countless courtyards, each with its own distinct character. The hotel features three swimming pools, two restaurants, two cocktail bars, a spa, and even a large in-house shop filled with art objects (El Fenn literally means “art/beauty”), books, clothing and jewelry to admire.

When welcomed by Manager Karim he guides us past the most beautiful spots: a mauve-colored suite (no TV, but an enormous bathroom, because this is a place you come for peace and quiet), the striking turquoise “Vogue” room with leather floors where a spectacular shoot once took place, a fascinating citrus tree that grows both oranges and lemons, the family turtle roaming freely around the courtyard, the riad cat and Karim’s own highly photogenic workspace. We also get to see the separate entrance for guests who aren’t staying at El Fenn but come to enjoy the vast rooftop terrace (1,300 square meters).

The rooftop bar and restaurant (with views of the Koutoubia) is as outstanding as the rest of El Fenn. With it’s signature red colored lounges and accents. Here tourists come to enjoy the extensive lunch menu of the day: salads, shrimp, chicken skewers, artichoke, quiche, couscous with nuts and dried fruits and perhaps a house wine. Here you can literally lounge all afternoon and sink deeper and deeper into the red cushions. Time truly seems to stand still here and the ruina of the medina is completely absent. El Fenn feels exactly as it was intended to. After all, the two original owners never planned to open a hotel; they were simply looking for a holiday home in Marrakech. With authenticity, community, and sustainability as its core values, it is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and pleasant places in the city. Not to miss on your must-visit Marrakech list.

El Fenn Marrakech
2 Derb Moulay Abdullah Ben Hezzian
Marrakech 40000

Photos: Tess van Daelen

From luxury riads hidden inside the heart of the medina to trendy rooftop bars with sunset Atlas views, stylish resorts, aesthetic lunch spots and places with a true Arabian Nights vibe… Marrakech truly has it all. No matter how many times we visit, we still keep discovering new places (like the breathtaking, recently opened Palais Beit al Noor). These places offer a bit of everything for everybody; authentic Moroccan charm and international luxury. Planning your trip to Marrakech? Save this list because trust me, you’ll want to visit every single one of these magical places.

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