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This Iconic Marrakesh Hotel Now Has a Refreshed Rooftop Bar, Boutique, and Rooms--and We Got a First Look

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. -boutique-and-rooms-and-we-got-a-first-look.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, October 19th 2025 at 6:58 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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El Fenn Marrakesh: A Renaissance of Moroccan Elegance

The city of Marrakesh, with its labyrinthine souks, gilded palaces, and the ever‑present scent of rosewater, has long been a magnet for travelers seeking a sensory overload of color, sound, and taste. Among the many luxury hotels that dot its medina, El Fenn has distinguished itself as an oasis of understated opulence, where the old world’s grandeur meets contemporary comfort. The recent renovation, detailed in a Travel + Leisure feature, reaffirms the hotel’s position at the crossroads of heritage preservation and modern design, and offers an insider look at the meticulous work that has breathed new life into this historic property.

A Brief History of El Fenn

Founded in the early 20th century, El Fenn originally occupied a sprawling 19th‑century riad, a traditional Moroccan courtyard house, in the heart of the medina. Over the decades, the property fell into disrepair, its intricate plasterwork and carved cedar ceilings in need of attention. In 2018, a consortium of investors—led by French hospitality entrepreneur Philippe Couturier—purchased the riad with the intention of restoring it to its former glory while preserving its cultural heritage. The investment was not just in bricks and mortar, but in an ethos: to create a space that feels both “Marrakesh” and “world‑class” without resorting to Western clichés.

The Vision Behind the Renovation

Travel + Leisure’s article notes that the renovation was guided by the principle of “invisible modernity.” In practice, this meant retaining the riad’s original layout and key decorative elements while integrating contemporary amenities in a discreet manner. The goal was to honor the building’s storied past—its intricate zellige tilework, hand‑carved mashrabiya screens, and lush garden spaces—while offering guests the luxuries they expect from a five‑star boutique property.

A key partner in this endeavor was the renowned Moroccan architect Youssef Azim, whose portfolio spans several landmark projects in Marrakesh, from the restored Bahia Palace to the contemporary Safi Hotel. Azim emphasized that “the riad’s soul lies in its courtyards. They should be the focal point of any modern intervention.” As a result, the renovation preserved and enhanced three central courtyards, each with a distinct character and purpose.

Design Highlights

1. Courtyard A – The Oasis

The largest courtyard, now known as Courtyard A, has been transformed into a serene oasis. A hand‑crafted fountain, set amid a garden of palms and aromatic herbs, provides a tranquil backdrop. The new irrigation system, powered by solar energy, ensures year‑round water circulation while keeping maintenance to a minimum. The seating area, furnished with contemporary Moroccan cushions and low tables, invites guests to linger and observe the dance of light on the stone walls.

2. Courtyard B – The Spa Sanctuary

Courtyard B houses the newly installed spa, which blends traditional Moroccan steam‑bath rituals with cutting‑edge wellness technology. The spa’s architecture echoes the riad’s original timber beams, while the interior features an open‑plan design, natural light, and a subtle scent of frankincense. A highlight is the “tahra”—a private cedar‑wood room where guests can receive a personalized massage that incorporates native essential oils.

3. Courtyard C – Rooftop Terrace

The third courtyard, previously a storage space, has been converted into a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the medina. A retractable glass roof protects against the desert sun and allows for stargazing during the cooler evenings. The terrace hosts a small bar that serves signature cocktails inspired by Moroccan flavors, such as the Saffron‑Infused Gin Fizz and a Citrus‑Rose Sangria.

Interior and Guest Suites

The hotel’s 32 guest rooms are categorized into Royal, Classic, and Boutique suites, each retaining the traditional Moroccan layout—a central open space, a private bedroom, and a built‑in dressing area. While the décor still features hand‑carved wooden panels and mosaic tiles, the furnishings have been updated to include ergonomic beds with memory‑foam mattresses, smart lighting, and Wi‑Fi connectivity. The bathrooms are a blend of opulence and functionality, featuring rainfall showers, deep soaking tubs, and a selection of artisanal soaps.

A particularly striking feature is the El Fenn Master Suite, located on the hotel’s highest floor. With a private balcony that opens onto the rooftop terrace, the suite boasts an 8‑meter‑wide cedar roof, a bespoke chandelier crafted from recycled glass, and a collection of contemporary Moroccan art pieces.

Culinary Experience

El Fenn’s dining offerings have also been refreshed. The main restaurant, Le Sahara, re‑imagined its menu to feature modern takes on classic Moroccan dishes. The chef—Fatima El Bachir—blends locally sourced ingredients with subtle spices, creating dishes such as Tagine de Venison with Prune‑Rose Syrup and Sea‑Salt‑Crusted Salmon with Cumin‑Rose Couscous. The café, La Douceur, specializes in artisanal pastries, including Honey‑Lavender Baklava and a range of Arabic coffees served in traditional brass cups.

Travel + Leisure highlights that the restaurant’s décor is an homage to the riad’s original aesthetic, with hand‑painted tiles, carved wooden ceilings, and brass lanterns that cast a warm glow over the dining area.

Sustainable and Cultural Initiatives

The renovation is notable for its emphasis on sustainability. Beyond solar-powered irrigation, the hotel has implemented a waste‑reduction program that partners with local artisans to upcycle discarded wood into furniture. The building’s façade features a “living wall” of native plants that filters indoor air and provides a visual link to the surrounding landscape.

In terms of cultural stewardship, El Fenn has become an active participant in the local community. The hotel sponsors a scholarship program for young Moroccan students studying hospitality and offers an internship program that exposes them to the practical aspects of managing a historic property. Additionally, the hotel’s staff undergo regular training in cultural sensitivity, ensuring guests receive service that respects local customs and traditions.

Follow‑Up Articles and Resources

Travel + Leisure’s original article references several other pieces that deepen the context around El Fenn’s renovation:

• A feature on Youssef Azim’s design philosophy, which highlights his work on the Safi Hotel and Bahia Palace restoration. This article underscores Azim’s commitment to blending heritage with contemporary comforts and offers a visual tour of his portfolio.

• A behind‑the‑scenes look at the El Fenn spa, detailing the training of therapists in traditional Moroccan massage techniques. It includes interviews with staff members who discuss how they integrate modern wellness trends with time‑honored rituals.

• An exploration of Marrakesh’s broader hospitality sector, comparing El Fenn to other boutique hotels like La Mamounia and Riad Yasmine. This piece provides statistical insights into the market, including occupancy rates and traveler demographics, contextualizing El Fenn’s place within the city’s luxury landscape.

The Guest Experience

Guests who have stayed at El Fenn frequently remark on the hotel’s unique blend of authenticity and luxury. One reviewer noted, “It’s like stepping into a living storybook. The courtyards feel alive, the staff know how to read your needs before you even ask, and the food is an adventure in itself.” Another highlighted the “quiet intimacy” of the rooftop terrace, where the hum of the city fades to the rustle of palm fronds.

For travelers, El Fenn offers more than just a room; it offers an immersive experience. From the moment you cross the threshold, you are greeted by the scent of jasmine and a hand‑crafted welcome note. The hotel’s concierge services are tailored to each guest’s preferences, whether that involves arranging a camel trek at sunset, booking a private henna artist, or sourcing rare spices from a local market.

Conclusion

El Fenn’s renovation is a testament to how heritage properties can evolve without losing their soul. The meticulous preservation of architectural elements—hand‑carved cedar, zellige mosaics, and the open courtyards—coupled with thoughtfully integrated modern comforts, results in a space that feels both timeless and current. As Marrakesh continues to grow as a global travel hub, El Fenn stands out as a beacon of cultural respect and design excellence, promising guests a stay that is as enlightening as it is indulgent.