PRESS COVERAGE

The riad is inspired by Willis and a certain classic Marrakech aesthetic, but is also a space for forward-looking digital art... Some of the courtyards have cooling plunge pools, and there’s a beautiful rooftop that feels like a secret garden refuge, with day beds and an excellent locavore restaurant.

If there’s one place where the spirit of Marrakech’s bohemian history and the heights of today’s art world seamlessly converge, it’s IZZA. The new riad, situated in Marrakech’s historic medina, channels a distinct vision rooted in the legacy of designer Bill Willis; the American expat who redefined Moroccan interiors with his lavish, Moroccan-meets-modernist style.

This multi-riad hotel combines traditional and modern, holding a unique contemporary art collection while also honouring the colourful nature of Moroccan craftsmanship. Fourteen luxurious bedrooms partner with pool terraces, salons, courtyards and a flower-framed roof terrace to create this exquisite medina hideaway.

Izza captures the freewheeling spirit of 1970s Marrakech, when rockstars, poets, and designers flocked to the medina in search of beauty and escape... Behind its unassuming doors lie seven interlinked riads, reimagined with intricate tilework, sculpted plaster, and an art collection that is an ode as much to the future as the past... and a sense that the party never quite ended.

There are visual treats everywhere. Room sizes vary considerably around the courtyards, and include a private apartment as well as a palatial, pinkish suite that doffs its cap towards the 1970s work of Yves Saint Laurent.

Among the most delightful new riads in the Medina are... IZZA, an art-filled complex inspired by the American architect and decorator Bill Willis, a longtime Moroccan expat.

After an extensive eight-year restoration project that merged seven riads, Izza opened its doors last year, offering a tranquil oasis amid the vibrant chaos of Marrakech… Izza exudes a bohemian spirit defined by two key elements: its extraordinary art collection – many of them digital and AI-driven – and the influence of Bill Willis. More than a sanctuary for rest and relaxation, Izza serves as a space where the past, present, and future converge.

IZZA is conceived as a ‘living, breathing’ space – an attempt to evoke the city’s artistic past while celebrating its present. It is flush with artworks, both contemporary and international, historic and local... Partnerships with local artists aim to foster opportunities through a residency programme and artists talks to bring together local and visiting artists and industry leaders.

The fashion crowd has long held a fascination with Morocco’s bohemian enclave, and a new direct flight on United Airlines from Newark Liberty International Airport brings Marrakech closer than ever... and the decadent Izza offers one of the most magical rooftops in the city.

Izza brings arresting contemporary art and modernised Moroccan detailing to an elegant 14-room riad. Every custom furnishing, every pearly zellige tile and engraved hardwood door has been painstakingly handcrafted to welcome visitors enchanted with Maghreb culture. What really sets it apart, though, is its secondary life as a ‘museum in the medina’, with 300 works of art seasonally curated and shared within the walls

One of the newest entrants into this category is Izza, a 14-room hotel on the quiet side of Marrakech’s medina. The hotel, which opened last year, blends traditional Moroccan riad architecture, inspiration from 1970s socialite and interior designer Bill Willis, and dazzlingly contemporary art, mostly made by emerging Moroccan and international artists.

Other rooftops in town can feel a little nightclubby or hectic, but the one here is home to a restaurant that offers modern Moroccan fare with international influences—like a whole grilled stuffed sea bass with spiced couscous served in an aromatic langoustine bisque... There’s a charred cauliflower with spiced labneh and toasted buckwheat that’s out of this world.

Bill Willis' influence carries on throughout Izza both literally and figuratively: A slew of his old letters with Saint Laurent, Mick Jagger, Grace Jones, and more adorn the walls of the hotel... As for the hotel itself, the renovation is nothing short of stunning... with one of the largest rooftop terraces in the area. When you’re up there for sunset, listening to the gentle sounds of the streets below, there’s a sense that Saint Laurent himself has just stepped away from the dinner table and might return at any moment.

Best hotel in Marrakech for artistic surroundings... the design of the space is relatively minimalist, with whitewashed eggshell walls, earthy linens, and mahogany furniture taking centre stage. Some more opulent design touches break up the monotony, including traditional tiled bathrooms and bold contemporary artwork.

There’s an alchemy of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary art within the walls of this destination. Izza feels like a breath of fresh air—a garden of peace that transports you from the noise and swallows you into an inner labyrinth guided by art… Bill’s Bar is perhaps one of the most notable tributes to the architect, with a number of artifacts and stories of the socialite’s notorious life hung across the walls… the hotel’s terrace restaurant also embraces the coexistence of tradition and contemporary.

Guests will stumble across a slew of Bill Willis' old letters with Saint Laurent, Mick Jagger, Grace Jones, and more adorn the walls of the hotel... As for the hotel itself, the renovation is nothing short of stunning... with one of the largest rooftop terraces in the area. When you’re up there for sunset, listening to the gentle sounds of the streets below, there’s a sense that Saint Laurent himself has just stepped away from the dinner table and might return at any moment.

The Izza hotel is staging a group show with work by digital artists from the hotel’s own collection along with installations by the Moroccan artists Safaa Erruas, Amina Agueznay and Amina Benbouchta. The Saturday night party at the riad hotel to celebrate Izza’s artist residency is a sendoff for the fair week.

Best for cutting edge art... what really makes this place stand out is its modern art. Showcasing a 300-strong collection of contemporary and digital art in its various spaces, the effect is a pleasing contrast to the traditional craftwork of the decor.

Izza was my favourite hotel, a peaceful, intimate, art-filled haven appealing to solo travellers with its ‘house of friends’ ethos… In terms of rooftop dining, I’d make a beeline for Noujoum and Le Trou Au Mur. The former is Izza’s pretty terrace restaurant, serving up small plates and good cocktails in whimsical surroundings

Africa's Best New Hotel Restaurant 2024. And the winner is... IZZA.

The art collection in IZZA isn’t just background noise, but is front and centre of the hotel – vintage photographs and signed letters tell a story alongside contemporary Moroccan pieces that add a new chapter, each one playing a part in a rich, layered conversation between past and present... Every corner I walked through or past, was filled with a sense of anticipation, waiting to see what I was going to find in the next frame!

Both food and drinks are produced with local ingredients and flavors. Especially fish and seafood are sourced from the Atlantic Sea off the coast of Morocco on the menu. It's all served with a European twist. Beautiful and delicious.

Everyone in Marrakech is talking about IZZA. And with good reason: the city’s latest hotel doubles as a museum of contemporary art, home to a cutting-edge $10-million collection. Head to the rooftop bar for an Americano, followed by delicious pan-roasted shrimps with garlic, harissa and citrus caviar at in-house restaurant Noujoum—striking works by Brazilian photographer Sebastiao Salgado above olive-green banquettes.

The space has a unity and calm that transports you into an oasis from the bustle of the medina outside. The unique designs of the fourteen individually styled rooms out-do all the five-star hotels in town. I stayed in the Yves (Saint Laurent) room, which is so pretty, pink, comfy, and tastefully done. It was a treat to sleep cocooned in a great interior and wake up to tea in the sofa nook.

Izza exudes a bohemian spirit defined by two key elements: its extraordinary art collection – many of them digital and AI-driven, and valued at over $6.5 million – and the influence of Bill Willis, the American interior designer who is still considered integral to Marrakech’s creative scene in the 1960s and serves as the hotel’s muse.

It’s now been two months since I spent 48 hours at Izza Marrakech... and in those two months, I’ve shared the link to its website at least a couple of times a week on average; gone deep into the warren hole of its architecture, artwork and Moroccan history; and have already planned a return trip later this year. This never happens.

IZZA is a design-led sanctuary for quiet connection, blending art, spirituality, and stylish comfort. There's a tranquil courtyard pool and a rooftop terrace for evening cocktails, all in a cool, creative energy perfect for two.

IZZA is one of those rare finds that feels both timeless and entirely of the moment. This stunning riad offers a kind of effortless elegance that so many places in the city attempt but so few manage to achieve. No overdone arches, no excessive embellishments, just a perfectly restrained balance of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and modern sensibility.

Art is not an afterthought here; it informs the building’s very structure. Woven through stairwells, salons, and courtyards, visual works occupy the space as naturally as light and air... The artistic dialogue extends through the Associate Artist Program, an ongoing invitation for artists to create site-specific works in direct response to the building. Rooms become temporary ateliers. Public spaces flex to hold new ideas.

The food deserves a special mention. Moroccan food is sometimes quite bland, but the hotel’s fusion cuisine, blending local traditions with Mediterranean influences, creates light and fresh dishes, inspired by local traditions but elevated to fit contemporary preferences.

Izza Marrakech is the go-to bolthole for creative spirits, with fourteen bedrooms and a panoramic rooftop set across three courtyards.

Noujoum at the hotel IZZA has been wonderfully supportive and provided internships for our graduates, Nora Fitzgerald Belachen, founder Amal Centre

Izza features numerous tributes to Bill Willis, including a replica of his fireplace, the "Bill's Bar" named after him, featuring personal artifacts and photographs, and design elements such as Tadelakt walls and Zellige tiles that reflect his style.

IZZA is a design-forward sanctuary built for quiet connection, blending art, spirituality and sleek comfort. There's a serene courtyard pool and a roof terrace for evening cocktails, all wrapped up in cool, creative energy that’s perfect for two.

IZZA's pretty terrace café and restaurant, Noujoum, is reached through wandering through art-filled riads, serves up small plates and good coffee and cocktails in whimsical surroundings. Head over for breakfast as the sun slowly rises from the horizon, or check it out as the sun sets for magical colours and shadows.

IZZA Marrakech offers 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.

If you want to stay in a classy property which is based around the riad concept, but also gives you the convenience of a boutique hotel, then IZZA is the perfect choice. Noujoum, the rooftop restaurant is a delightful mix of local cuisine and international flavours. There really isn’t anything else like IZZA this close to the Medina of Marrakech.

If you want to stay in a classy property which is based around the riad concept, but also gives you the convenience of a boutique hotel, then IZZA is the perfect choice... There are three tranquil courtyards that hide you away from the sun during daytime and any guests in the evening, while Noujoum, the rooftop restaurant is a delightful mix of local cuisine and international flavours

On the rooftops of the interlinking riads, you'll find an expansive terrace overlooking the Medina. This is where you'll find the hotel's excellent restaurant, Noujoum, which serves delicious sharing plates inspired by Moroccan traditional recipes.

Soulful sanctuary IZZA swiftly became the city’s most talked-about place to stay after opening just under two years ago... From cocktails in the courtyard at Bill’s Bar to the new DJ-backed “Soul Brunch” on Saturday mornings at Noujoum, IZZA serves up a stylish drinking and dining edit.

I’m heading to Marrakech this month to visit Izza, one of its design-led hotels. The property hosts over 300 artworks so I’m looking forward to 48 hours of culture, sunshine and serious medina shopping.

IZZA provides an authentic and immersive experience. Inspired by Morocco’s history and influenced by iconic figures like Jack Kerouac and Yves Saint Laurent, the property is adorned with over 300 framed art pieces, creating a captivating ambiance.

The hotel is the definition of relaxed luxury. As soon as you cross the threshold, you’re in a sanctuary... Inhale the calm – my husband called it the best smelling hotel he’d been to! The rooms are a tasteful combination of Moroccan traditions (dark wood and stone features) and luxurious fabrics, not to mention the extremely comfortable beds and some swimming pool-sized baths!

The hotel is a splendid fusion of contrasts; offering a blend of solitude and social spaces, vintage and modern furnishings, and a focus on local traditions and digital innovation, IZZA stands as a captivating retreat for those looking to explore the magic of Marrakech while enjoying exclusive events, cultural connections, and rejuvenation of mind, body, and soul.

Engage with local communities while bedding down in stylish stays, with a percentage of your itinerary’s cost funding on-the-ground charities.

Nestled in a boutique hotel decorated with inspiration from Bill Willis, Noujoum Izza Marrakech invites an exhilarating hybrid of art gallery and culinary tools. With over 3000 contemporary artworks to admire, this secret rooftop is the perfect place to savor tasty dishes made with local ingredients. Don’t miss the saffron rabbit dumplings or the signature méchoui that will awaken your taste buds.

As with many of the best riads in Marrakech, Izza is in the middle of the Medina. It’s actually formed from seven interconnecting riads, with a seriously impressive art collection, consisting of more than 300 works. These span digital pieces, alongside more traditional mediums. The rooms are named after great 20th-century luminaries, such as Yves Saint Laurent, Cecil Beaton, Jack Kerouac and Grace Jones.

If you’re lucky enough to stay here, you can spend days exploring the art collection, library, two swimming pools, the hotel bar on the ground floor and the various lounge areas, which are spread across the hotel’s maze of courtyards, rooftop terraces and floors.

Our visit this time centred on the IZZA Hotel, a welcome addition to the city’s luxury scene… The multi-million-pound art collection at IZZA has been thoughtfully curated and sourced from a variety of partners… ensuring that creativity is omnipresent.

Izza bills itself as much as an art gallery as a hotel... Even for guests with no knowledge of digital art, however, every ounce of the hotel and its 14 suites is lovely. The engravings on the bathroom taps, the hand-turned espresso cups at breakfast, the bespoke scent of the foyer and the quaint library with sliding ladders to reach the top books – no detail was too small for the designers during the property’s eight-year renovation.

Everyone in Marrakech is talking about IZZA. And with good reason: the city’s latest hotel doubles as a museum of contemporary art, home to a cutting-edge $10-million collection… Anchoring the lot is 300+ paintings, photographs and NFTs, from Leila Alaoui’s haunting photographic series, Les Marocains to motion portraits by the Ethiopian collective, Yatreda.

Named in honour of the strong, neighbourly and respected berber woman whose ancient home resided on the site, Izza is the property’s largest suite… From its private courtyard with seating and arabesque fountain and its private terrace courtyard with sun loungers, cabana and absolutely stunning plunge pool on the rooftop of the hotel, overlooking the Medina.

The menu of Noujoum reflects the ‘House of Friends’ concept that has shaped Izza… Dishes aim to showcase the best Morocco can offer, combining traditional cooking methods with a European influence… The kitchen is run by Head Chef Ahmad El Hardoum… Alongside them is talented Pastry Chef, Abderazzak El Boukhari.

Arriving at Noujoum, the eclectic, intimate rooftop restaurant tucked within the boutique riad hotel Izza, feels like a secret haven… Highlights include crab and leek croquettes, king prawns with langoustine and saffron mayonnaise, and beef carpaccio with truffled artichoke, pickled girolles, and pastilla.

Riad IZZA with its casual modern vibe, period craftsmanship and fascinating multi-million-dollar digital and AI art collection is a great place to stay if you want to tap into the cultural side of the city. They have a resident event ambassador who’s always dreaming up interesting collaborations and get you into all manner of smart galleries as well as organising unusual cultural tours of the city.

Hotel Izza presented Line(s) of Desire, an exhibition that explores the primal forces of creation, transformation, and dissolution… With its striking Bill Willis-inspired design, the hotel delves into desire as a radical energy that blurs the lines between permanence and transience, form and formlessness, disrupting boundaries like material versus immaterial and presence versus absence.

Luxury art hotel IZZA has announced the launch of its standalone restaurant, Noujoum… The stunning rooftop houses gardened terraces with views across the bustling Medina – an ideal location from which to enjoy sunsets and suppers under the stars… The kitchen is run by Head Chef Ahmad El Hardoum… Alongside Ahmad is talented Pastry Chef, Abderazzak El Boukhari.

The kitchen is run by Head Chef Ahmad El Hardoum… alongside Ahmad is talented Pastry Chef, Abderazzak El Boukhari, who has 10 years’ experience in defining jaw-dropping delicious delicacies and desserts, including IZZA’s special version of tiramisu.

IZZA opened a group exhibition of nine artists, most of whom are Moroccan or French-Moroccan… Operating as a design-focused riad within a residential neighbourhood just north of the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, IZZA also functions as a meeting space for artists and has a collection of more than 300 artworks.

Noujoum set atop the new IZZA hotel serves dishes including rabbit ravioli with saffron and preserved lemon butter.

Willis’ style may have provided the inspiration for Izza’s interiors – my pink-toned suite is exuberantly eclectic, featuring glorious vintage pieces… but the hotel also celebrates his fellow creatives. Each of the 14 rooms at Izza is named for one of them… This hotel’s multi-million-dollar art collection is resolutely contemporary and features many of today’s top local talents.

The fourteen rooms at Izza are named after famous writers, architects, and designers who held Morocco dear to their hearts. The sophisticated interior reflects that same cultivated spirit. In this intimate boutique hotel, something different is hidden around every corner, such as a courtyard pool with floating candles and hanging plants, a hammam spa, or a panoramic rooftop restaurant.

The riad is a museum in the medina and a tribute to the iconic designer Bill Willis… With over 300 works, you’ll spend hours wandering through the riad, exploring different artistic styles and eras.

Marrakech’s non-profit Amal Centre trains disadvantaged women (for free) to become professional chefs. At Izza – an arty riad in the Medina – where two interns now enjoy permanent roles… Izza’s superb restaurant, Noujoum, is worth recommending.

Noujoum has quickly become one of our top recommendations… The space is elegantly designed, but it’s the food that really makes an impression… With attentive service and a stunning rooftop view, Noujoum is quickly becoming a favourite spot in the medina.

The IZZA hotel is sequestered within the medina itself, with a panoramic rooftop that looks out over the old city centre… The hotel’s design is inspired in equal parts by classical Marrakech architecture and by the influence made on Morocco by the creatives who have journeyed to the country.

The riad's restaurant, Noujoum, is embellished with curated art pieces and handmade tableware, too. Noujoum’s menu is similarly creative with chef Paul Weaver combining traditional Moroccan dishes with European and Mediterranean influences. Favourites include crisp calamari served with a zesty cucumber salsa and rabbit ravioli doused in a delicate saffron and preserved lemon butter emulsion.

IZZA’s commitment to giving back is intricately woven into its identity, making it not just a luxury destination but a force for positive change… Through meaningful partnerships, such as with the Amal Centre, IZZA provides apprenticeships and practical training for women entering the hospitality industry… Similarly, IZZA’s collaboration with Pikala Bikes offers guests eco-conscious ways to explore Marrakech while simultaneously supporting local youth.

Imagine a place where every corner whispers stories of freedom and creativity, a space where adventurous souls meet and connect. Welcome to IZZA Marrakech, a 'House of Friends' nestled in the vibrant heart of the medina. Here, each room tells a unique story, each dish is an invitation to explore boldly reinvented local flavors.

Willis’ style may have provided the inspiration for Izza’s interiors – my pink-toned suite is exuberantly eclectic, featuring glorious vintage pieces including a 1950s Italian desk made of African wenge wood, ’70s Murano glass lamps, tapestry chairs and custom rugs woven by women in the High Atlas mountains – but the hotel also celebrates his fellow creatives.

IZZA draws its main inspiration from the hedonistic intellectuals and creative freedom seekers who visited Marrakech in the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s... This counterculture era of spiritual escapism and human connection is kept alive at IZZA through her shared spaces, the acts of local musicians, as well as a menu that is focused on local, seasonal and sustainable produce.

We then ascend to the crown jewel of Izza—Noujoum, the newly opened rooftop restaurant. Translating to ‘stars’ in Arabic, Noujoum captures the magic of Marrakech’s skyline. The cuisine at Noujoum is a fusion of Mediterranean and traditional Moroccan flavors, carefully crafted by their renowned chefs... Every dining experience becomes an immersive journey, combining culinary delights with the beauty of global art.

With its tranquil courtyards and tadelakt interiors, twinkling rooftop and traditional hammam, this Moroccan hideaway is magical. This boutique getaway has everything you could want, including a museum-worthy art collection, rooftop bar and a spa – all just a short walk from one of the most vibrant markets on earth. To mark its one-year anniversary, the hotel now also boasts a stunning standalone restaurant, Noujoum.

The cool, bohemian property has quickly gained attention for its striking design and commitment to community…Each of the 14 hideaways at IZZA – all named after socialites and creatives from the 1960s and 1970s – has its charm… Decorated in a mosaic of emerald zellige tiling, the long pool is an inviting place to cool off after a dusty day of sightseeing.

A Moorish palace in miniature, Izza wants you to know every moment of your stay has been considered: your welcome cocktail gorgeously garnished, the lanterns perfectly calibrated, the vines around the rooftop terrace choreographed into place. Towering doors of engraved Moroccan hardwood lead into bedrooms where solitary travellers can find real peace — swathed in luxurious fabrics, with terraces overlooking the pool, foot bath or burbling fountain.

The new Izza luxury design hotel has quickly made a name for itself, earning a spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Hotels in Marrakesh 2024 list… Set in seven interconnected riads in the historic medina, Izza draws inspiration from creative icons of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, including Jack Kerouac, Jimi Hendrix, and Grace Jones, as well as renowned Marrakesh architect Bill Willis.

With a massage room, hammam spa, rooftop terrace, bar, and restaurant serving Moroccan cuisine, IZZA provides an authentic and immersive experience. Inspired by Morocco’s history and influenced by iconic figures like Jack Kerouac and Yves Saint Laurent, the property is adorned with over 300 framed art pieces, creating a captivating ambiance.

The design pays homage to socialite-architect Bill Wills, one of the creative spirits who shaped the city’s louche, exotic side in the 20th century. Its 14 rooms are named after other creative “freedom seekers” of the 1960s and ’70s, most of which were part of that aesthetically adventurous world.

Comprising 14 stunning, individually designed rooms, tranquil courtyards, pools, spa and hammam, the house is a sanctuary in the red city. Dining is on an intimate roof terrace while, inside, the hotel houses over 300 framed pieces of art, consisting of contemporary and traditional Moroccan works alongside one of the largest physical collections of digital art.

Blending art and hospitality is nothing new, but what sets IZZA apart is its positioning as a vibrant arts hub… Proving itself a cultural hub as much as a place to rest your head, IZZA recently launched its artists’ residency… By acting as an incubator for local talent, IZZA is firmly cementing its position as a hotbed for emerging artists, while supporting the local community.

The artistic theme is apparent as soon as you step through the doorway. In the lobby, laid with traditional zellige tiles in green and white and decorated in low-key modernist style, striking outsize photographic portraits gaze down from the walls. The dining concept was created by Paul Weaver, and is now overseen by head chef Ahmad El Hardoum, who emphasises the importance of locally sourced ingredients, put to good use in traditional Moroccan dishes given a modern twist.

This gorgeous and well-priced new small hotel inside a quiet part of the medina in Marrakech is a combination of five original riads, preserving much of the architecture and flavour of its heritage. Every space is full of stunning design, extraordinary tiles, sunny courtyards and rooftop terraces, and packed with contemporary art.

While the art collection may be firmly focussed on the future, there is an element of nostalgic romance about the design which takes layers of inspiration from the designer Bill Willis… Notably, in a city that is increasingly becoming about being seen, there is an over-arching air of discretion and privacy running though this property… the library – fortuitously just at the end of my little terrace – was a personal favourite.

It’s this sensory cacophony that has drawn artists here for decades, including the bohemian circle led by Yves Saint Laurent, socialite Talitha Getty and interior designer Bill Willis in the 1960s. IZZA, a beautiful new boutique property in the medina, pays homage to the iconic figures.

Guests can indulge in the on-site spa treatment room and hammam, as well as the only fitness center in Marrakech equipped with Peloton bikes… The rooftop terrace offers a serene setting for bespoke cocktails and a menu that celebrates local, seasonal, and sustainable Moroccan flavors with a modern European twist.

Boutique art hotel, IZZA, is a blend of seven interconnecting riads inside the Medina of Marrakech. The property was eight years in the making and the meticulous design brings to life the work of renowned socialite and designer, Bill Willis.

A new art hotel has emerged like a desert flower among the festive alleys of Marrakech 's Medina . We're 10 minutes from the souks, 20 from the Jardin Majorelle and Jemaa el-Fnaa, but the frenzy of the city center doesn't reach us here. We leave behind a colorful world to enter another equally vibrant one, entering the peace of an oasis of just 14 rooms, lush courtyards, and terraces where you can wait for a sunset of orange and candy pink fading across the city skyline.

Marrakech has also recently seen the debut of the boutique property Izza, which opened just one week before September’s earthquake. Fortunately, the 14-room hotel in the historic Medina did not suffer any structural damage and in the days after the disaster the property prepared emergency food packs for impacted communities in the Atlas Mountains.

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… all guests have access to three pools, a well-stocked library complete with roaring open fire, and the traditional hammam and spa; a warm, marble nook where you can indulge in a variety of treatments.

Izza, set across seven interconnecting riads inside the Medina. After an ambitious eight-year renovation, the property has 14 individually designed rooms. Guests can explore three spacious courtyards, relax in three pools (including one on the rooftop), and spend time at the spa and hammam

Dining at IZZA is a delight, with meals often enjoyed on the tranquil rooftop terrace, a floating garden surrounded by greenery… When in this part of the world, a Hammam should always be on the agenda… IZZA Boutique Hotel is that hidden gem within Marrakech’s vibrant Medina.

The dining menu itself is seasonal, with a particular focus on sharing plates. Noujoum favourites include smoky monkfish tagine laced with charred peppers, and tender grilled octopus served on a bed of zucchini mousseline.

The hotel is a splendid fusion of contrasts; offering a blend of solitude and social spaces, vintage and modern furnishings, and a focus on local traditions and digital innovation, IZZA stands as a captivating retreat for those looking to explore the magic of Marrakech while enjoying exclusive events, cultural connections, and rejuvenation of mind, body, and soul.

Moroccan tables, vintage Murano lighting, and midcentury furniture are set against a backdrop of French fabrics and linens and custom Berber rugs in taupe, ivory, and earthy tones.

IZZA is a 14-room converted riad that recalls the boho-chic stylings of Marrakech’s hedonistic heyday, with rooms named after free-spirited stars such as Yves Saint Laurent, Mick Jagger, Jack Kerouac, Cecil Beaton and Grace Jones… Part-hotel, part-gallery, it has a staggering £5m of original artworks hung across its walls, a rooftop restaurant serving refined Moroccan cuisine and supports non-profit projects in the area.

IZZA is already considered something of an art hub around Marrakesh, thanks to its multi-million dollar private collection… An exquisite attention to detail is evident wherever the eye falls at IZZA, from arabesque motifs and mosaic zellige tiles in the petite hammam to ornate wooden doors.”

In addition to being a beautiful property, IZZA also supports local community initiatives, partnering with The Amal Women’s Training Center & Moroccan Restaurant to empower disadvantaged women through culinary training and job placements, alongside providing literacy training... IZZA also collaborates with Pikala Bikes, which promotes education and employment among local youth through bicycle tourism and mechanic training, helping them earn additional income and gain professional skills.

Designed as a bolthole, rather than a party pad, the large footprint of the property has blended seven riads together, with each of the fourteen rooms named after one of the celebrities who embraced Marrakesh’s hedonistic lifestyle in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s… Every nook and cranny of the affectionately monikered, ‘House of Friends’ has been fitted out with hand-selected pieces of mid-century vintage furniture…

The rooms are little sanctuaries that offer a glimpse into Berber hospitality and give you a feeling of staying in a friend’s house. If you had a very fancy friend that is. Someone who has the coziest bed and linens, soap that smells like orange blossoms, and tiny tarts as a welcome on your nightstand. In addition, modern creature comforts that are not a given in Morrocan riads like fast wifi, hot showers with great water pressure, and a heater unit for winter stays.

The interiors are every inch a classic Moroccan riad, but Izza Marrakech also gives guests a hefty side serving of contemporary art and culture in the heart of the Medina... Local craft heritage also has its place in the interiors, which are outfitted with pieces designed and made locally, including metal lanterns, etched notebooks and Babouche slippers.

“Izza quickly catapulted to the top of the list of my favorite riads in Marrakech… For dinner I made way up to the roof and I recommend you do the same… I ordered the crab and leek croquettes with saffron mayonaise as well as the ravioli with rabbit… They also bring you the yummiest butter with preserved lemon and olives and make the absolute best deserts.

Channelling a vibrant hedonistic spirit while also providing a calm away from the chaos of the Marrakech’s medina, Izza is a hotel like no other – with an art collection to rival any contemporary gallery… the calibre of the art lets you know that Izza is serious about being at the heart of Marrakech’s creative scene, but the hotel is taking that stance further still. It has mounted an associate artists’ programme that will help develop the careers of 18 emerging local artists.

IZZA is an oasis of calm with a rooftop restaurant, indoor pool and rather uniquely, millions of pounds of artwork on its walls… Willis’s design flair and maverick lifestyle meant other notable names of the age come to seek him out: Mick Jagger, Grace Jones and Yves Saint Laurent to name but a few, and the bedrooms at IZZA are named these and other associates

The new riad hotel Izza Marrakech houses an important physical collection of digital and generative art, a “Museum in the Medina”

One of the most exciting design-forward riads in Marrakech, Izza opened its doors at the end of 2023 to rave reviews. In the making for over eight years and designed as an ode to interior designer Bill Willis (the man behind Yves Saint Laurent’s Marrakech home), despite comprising seven interconnecting riads, three pools, three tranquil courtyards, an intimate roof terrace and 14 individually designed rooms, the riad still evokes a sense of home.

On the wall of the small but elegant Bill’s Bar – with an interior reminiscent of the Willis-designed Rick’s Café in Casablanca – a collage of frames offers a glimpse into the private life of this complex man… The hotel’s restaurant was created by Paul Weaver and is now overseen by head chef Ahmad El Hardoum, who emphasizes the importance of local ingredients, used in traditional Moroccan dishes with a modern twist.

The influence of Willis, a leading figure in Moroccan interior design, is reflected throughout the hotel. The Bill Willis Bar, for example, pays homage to his landmark project, Casablanca, by recreating Rick's bar with artifacts and photos from Willis's life.

Nestled within Marrakech’s medina, IZZA is an independent boutique property, seamlessly blending seven interconnected riads… Boasting 14 individually designed rooms, three courtyards, and three pools… With a massage room, hammam spa, rooftop terrace, bar, and restaurant serving Moroccan cuisine, IZZA provides an authentic and immersive experience

it is the name of free-spirited men that the 14 rooms and suites display: Allen Ginsberg, Pierre Bergé, Brion Gysin… And of course Yves Saint-Laurent who invites himself into the largest and most sublime suite of the hotel… like those of Leila Alaoui whose XXL portraits are the worthy sentinels of the small lobby of the hotel, we also find hangings of NFT pieces scattered on all the walls of the property.

IZZA boasts fourteen rooms, each a homage to a famous freedom seeker of Marrakech… It’s no surprise that IZZA has been self-proclaimed the ‘museum of the medina’ as its walls burst with its Sixties Heritage… Arguably the most memorable is Leila Alaoui’s photograph series, ‘Les Marocains’…

The roof terrace is a tranquil refuge boasting panoramic views across the city… IZZA’s alluring menu fuses Moroccan classics with contemporary Mediterranean-inspired dishes with flair and finesse… The best hotels cause a conundrum in the mind of the traveller. This feeling is heightened at IZZA, which provides a secluded sanctuary and welcome escape from Marrakesh’s madding crowds and the mayhem of the medina.

As great platters of carefully spiced monkfish tagine, and slow-roasted lamb – accompanied by some seriously good Moroccan wines – are eased down the long, green-tiled tables, the last stragglers for dinner slide on over from the glamorous bar. The night is invariably young. Bill Willis, who famously spent most of his waking hours after dark, sleeping through the day, would surely approve.

Marrakech isn't short of boutique riad hotels. The new Izza is nevertheless unique: The hotel features a remarkable collection of contemporary and digital art with more than 300 works, including photographs by Sebastião Salgado and AI art by Refik Anadol.

The newly opened riad Izza in Marrakech’s bustling medina bills itself as a house of friends. Its 14 rooms are named after creative “freedom seekers” of the 1960s and ’70s, most of whom were connected to renowned socialite and interior designer Bill Willis... Despite all that nostalgia, the highly curated art collection aims to be one of the world’s most expansive permanent exhibitions of digital and generative art.

Guests can explore three spacious courtyards, relax in the three pools (one of which is set on the rooftop), and spend time at the spa and hammam. Art is a big focus, too – the hotel has a multi-million-pound collection of over 300 pieces of art, comprised of contemporary Moroccan works alongside one of the largest physical collections of digital art from around the world. Look out for the AI pieces by artist Refik Anadol.

Fighting for a life worth living was perhaps the driving force for the iconic misfit Bill Willis (1937-2009), the creative visionary and inspiration for IZZA’s architecture and interiors… This is the approach that the creatives at IZZA have utilised holistically to support not only the aesthetics of the art, the guest experience, but also the wood and mosaic craftsmanship.

The main pool, in all its emerald green glory, is found within a tranquil oasis in the centre of the riad... Mesmerising, hand-carved Moorish archways provide the perfect backdrop to rejuvenate your senses once you return from your expeditions in the city.

The mellow vibe is further enhanced by the individually styled, bright, and breezy rooms which are all named after hedonistic intellectuals and other free spirits who either visited or made Marrakech their home between the 1950s and 1970s. Thus, they all reflect the distinct flair and originality of each personality in question.

Of all the rooms available at IZZA, Grace stands out for its diverse art collection and Parisian textiles. Named after the renowned musician and actress, Grace Jones, this bedroom is adorned with a custom-made textile and hardwood bedhead. The detailing continues with bespoke taupe floor tiles complemented by a hand-cut zellige border inlay.

Not only is the property charming, but it’s also home to a $6.3 million art collection, featuring over 300 pieces of art ranging from contemporary Moroccan artwork to physical NFTs

From the colourful ottomans on the rooftop terrace to the mint-green tiles around the pool, it’s Morocco at its most evocative.

All day snacks include smoked aubergine batbout with calabrese pesto; crab and leek croquettes with saffron hollandaise, and Merguez sausage with chermoula and salsa. All seafood is sourced from the sustainable Ace Maree Fish Supplier with as much produce coming from native waters.

Moroccan proverbs are etched into the colourful Moroccan babouche, room linen and amenities, including the toiletries, which are made with 100% organic extracts by the finest artisans in Morocco, specially formulated for the hotel and presented in uniquely designed packaging.

IThe property will house over 300 art pieces valued at over £5 million... each piece has been carefully curated and installed... with its own museum label and dedicated gallery webpage.

IZZA will bring together various elements of Morocco’s history, drawing its main inspiration from intellectuals and creatives of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. The likes of Jack Kerouac, Jimi Hendrix, Yves Saint Laurent, Grace Jones and Bill Willis – one of Marrakech’s most famous architects – will be felt throughout the property.

What surprised me most is that Noujoum is more than a hotel restaurant—it’s a real local hotspot. After a few conversations in the Medina, it became clear that this is one of the most talked-about new places to eat in Marrakech. The kitchen is led by chefs that bring together technique and tradition in a menu that feels both rooted and adventurous. It's the kind of place you want to come back to, even if you're not staying at the hotel.