Hotel of the Week: IZZA, Marrakech

Wandering through the winding streets of Morocco’s Red City, the small entryway leading to IZZA’s front door is somewhat masked by Marrakech's labyrinthine medina. Yet right at the heart of the city lies a design-focused artistic haven, comprising seven interconnected riads, complete with calming courtyards, turquoise pools and possibly the most enviable rooftop in Marrakech. 

First opened in 2023, IZZA is inspired by the work of renowned American architect Bill Willis,best known for his revival of traditional techniques such as tadelakt and zellij and is a leading figure in Moroccan-inspired design. Despite its carefully curated aesthetic, IZZA never feels overly formal. Instead, guests are encouraged to adopt the intimate ‘House of Friends’ policy, a communal sentiment encouraging visitors to feel they are amongst their closest confidantes during their stay. 

My time at IZZA was my first venture to Marrakech, and from the moment I stepped into the calming dark green reception, greeted by the welcoming staff, I began mentally planning my return.

THE ROOMS

Each of the 14 boutique rooms is named after paragons of 1960s and 70s creative culture connected to Bill Willis and Marrakech’s artistic heyday. Reflecting the bohemian spirit of the era, the rooms pay homage to classic Moroccan architecture, combined with carefully chosen furnishings and thoughtful detailing, like notable artworks and traditional musical instruments. 

During my stay, I was housed in Christina, named for Moroccan photographer Christina Aloui and decorated with an intricate Arabesque feature wall and three William Mapan prints. To avoid the room feeling “too busy”, there are soft beige furnishings and, importantly, an incredibly comfortable oversized mattress. Once the curtains were closed, I’m not sure I’ve ever felt quite so relaxed – a sensation enhanced by an early morning coffee from the room’s Nespresso Machine on the Juliette balcony overlooking the courtyard.

The spacious tiled bathroom featured a practical double sink and a large walk-in shower with a rainfall showerhead. IZZA’s toiletries are specially formulated for the hotel and the fresh, herby scent of verbena clung to my hair for days.

It was a delight to come back to after long, slow days exploring, made even more special by the small pastries and fresh fruit platters  awaiting me on the glass table each afternoon. 

THE FOOD AND DRINK

My room led straight down to one of IZZA’s two drinking spots, the Bill Willis bar. A stylish watering hole just calling out for a round of aperitifs to be ordered, the bar features a large collection of the architect's personal artifacts, including school reports, photographs and even a letter from YSL co-founder Pierre Berge, with whom Willis collaborated on numerous design spaces throughout Marrakech. 

Looking upwards through twisting staircases lined with brightly geometric tiles (as a 5ft 7 woman, I urge taller guests to watch out for their heads), I found myself at Noujoum, IZZA’s rooftop restaurant. In spite of the 360-degree views, the high walls and lush greenery of the dining spot can lead you to momentarily forget you’re atop the epicentre of Marrakech’s medina. 

Sunset is best accompanied by one of many signature cocktails, and if you’re so inclined, IZZA offers guests the opportunity to step behind the bar and take a turn as the mixologist for the evening. I’d recommend trying the Noujoum Spritz, a refreshing take on the classic Aperol, complete with white wine, lemon and grapefruit.  

Lunch and dinner menus stay the same throughout the day, and opting for a range of dishes to share and sample, in classic ‘House of Friends’ style, is highly encouraged. Featuring local produce, some even grown on IZZA’s own rooftop, the seasonal menu, curated by British consultant chef Paul Weaver, features fresh ricotta ravioli, grilled octopus, fragrant tagines and perfectly cooked lamb chops that highlight head chef Ahmad El Hardoum’s mastery of blending Mediterranean flavours with traditional Moroccan cooking. 

Breakfast at Noujoum arrives laden with freshly baked pastries, m’semen flatbreads and delicate beghrir pancakes served with house preserves. Alongside classic brunch dishes such as avocado toast and eggs royale, subtle harissa adds a distinctly Moroccan touch. There is also traditional loubia, a hearty white bean stew served in glazed clay pots. 

The menu standout has to be the seafood tower featuring three tiers of citrusy crab salad, lobster tails, spicy prawns and sea bass ceviche. The oysters, however, were a thing of beauty. Six gloriously large meaty morsels topped with vinegary shallots and tabasco. Sweet, flavourful, and in fact, some of the best I’ve ever tried. IZZA’s seafood is transported fresh each day from nearby providers in Dakhla, Safi and Oualidia, known as the oyster capital, so it’s unsurprising that the rooftop restaurant boasts such incredible-quality produce.

Desserts at IZZA have a playful edge, from poached pear paired with herbaceous sorbet to a tiramisu sculpted into the shape of a coffee bean. The chef’s signature is a zesty end to the indulgent menu, pairing yuzu caviar with cream and a mint-lime caramel sauce. Just don’t be put off by the slightly overly zealous green hues.

THE ARTWORK

I’d highly recommend sectioning off a portion of your stay to wander IZZA’s assemblage of over 300 digital and print artworks. The collection features contemporary and traditional works from renowned artists, including two spectacular large photographs from Leila Alaoui’s ‘Les Marocains’ series, seen in the reception. 

Other notable pieces include Sebastiā Salgado’s ‘Amazonia’ series, motion portraits by Yatreda and an AI video installation by Refik Anadol. Small QR codes are located next to each image, encouraging guests to explore the context behind each piece. One of my favourite works was found nestled in the courtyard, a photograph of musician Alo Wala by Moroccan artist and photographer Hassan Hajjaj - definitely worth a visit on your way to the rooftop sun deck to bask in the Moroccan heat. 

WELLNESS

While the entire setting of IZZA evokes a deep sense of relaxation, I was keen to try out the in-house spa, which offers both massages and a hamman. As someone with multiple back problems, I can be picky with my massages. I want to feel the tension in my knotted muscles melt away by the end of the treatment, so I was impressed when the treatment began with firm pressure – I normally have to request a bit more elbow grease. 

The noise coming from the reception can be slightly distracting, but the peaceful instrumental music kept drifting me back into a meditative state during the 45-minute treatment. The massage was followed by a fragrant tea and a salty snack of pistachios and cashews, giving me a few more tranquil moments to bask in my state of utter relaxation. More health-focused features are dotted throughout the riads, including two turquoise pools and a well-equipped gym.

AND BEYOND

Feeling inspired by the abundance of architecture and art, I flexed my creative muscles at a workshop with ceramic artist Fanny Lopez, who showed us how to decorate our own pots and plates with her signature stencil designs. Her workshops can be booked through the hotel, and guests can purchase Fanny’s pieces at the gift shop near reception. 

We also embarked on a guided tour of the nearby contemporary art museum MACAAL. A worthy spot on any Marrakech itinerary, the museum features works from African artists, including a particularly sombering exhibition initiated by artists Prune Nourry and Ade Banut  titled ‘Statues Also Breathe’ – a memorial project for the 108 missing Chibok girls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2014.

For those hoping to meander through the bustling souks of the medina, IZZA is ideally located just a short walk away, making it easy to spend a few hours perusing the maze-like markets, brimming with local hand-crafted jewellery, ceramics, and leather goods. 

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