El Fenn Cecile Treal
Celebrating 20 Years Of The Vibrant El Fenn Hotel
Updated Apr 23, 2024
Full of vibrancy and style, El Fenn is the luxury hotel that sits in the heart of the medina, Marrakech and this year, it welcomes its 20th anniversary.
Famous for its 41 individually styled rooms and suites, the hotel also offers three pools, a spa, as well as a rooftop restaurant and bar that’s undergone a makeover to mark the milestone. As co-owner Madeline Weinrib says, “We love mixing vibrant colors with clashing prints and textures at El Fenn. Our roof terrace has always been a vibrant sanctuary with real wow factor, overlooking the bustling medina below, but for 2024, our 20th anniversary year, we wanted to be even bolder, and to really enrich the experience. We’ve combined red and white parasols and blinds, with Suzani prints and retro zellige tables and we hope the result will surprise and excite those that visit.”
El Fenn ©Cécile Perrinet
The heart and soul of the property, the vast rooftop, overlooks the Marrakech cityscape including the Koutoubia Mosque and the Atlas Mountains. In true El Fenn style, it has taken the hotel’s signature red and white statement stripes and has combined them with playful textiles that further nod to local craftsmanship. The place to be, whether it’s to relax by the pool, enjoy a long lunch or a sundowner cocktail, the terrace offers an oasis with scenic views.
El Fenn Cécile Perrinet
For a dose of heritage, and touch of the contemporary, the roof terrace features bespoke furnishings that have been specially commissioned and produced by local artisans; cue the cool red and white parasols that have been hand-stitched by an upholsterer in Casablanca. Then there's the Suzani pattern, a classic Arabic print which features on the seating and daybeds and contrasts beautifully against the bold stripes. For a retro nod, there are zellige tables that channel the '60s look, and the zellige ceramic tiles have been made by local artisans to color match the fabrics.
El Fenn Cécile Perrinet
The anniversary celebrations don’t stop with the terrace either, as the spa and boutique have also received a facelift. The vintage '60s and '70s feel remains in the spa with the palm tree prints, and there's been an influx of fauna adding to the serene atmosphere. There's a new menu uses too, using products that have been organically grown and produced in Morocco, and a focus on the traditional hammam experience.
El Fenn. Cécil TREAL
The boutique continues to champion local designers, and there are new ranges, including a collaboration with a non-profit co-operative AlNour, creating beautiful hand embroidered clothing. As well as clothing, it's the place to shop the El Fenn look, where guests can pick up decorative plates, blankets, lamps and towels.
El Fenn. Cécil TREAL
Madeline says to expect a whole host of activations to mark the 20 years, “To celebrate our 20th birthday, we have just launched a 20 for 20 special offer – a 20% discount on El Fenn’s most iconic room. Plus, we are about to launch a series of retreats that explore and celebrate the El Fenn design DNA – look out for these over the coming weeks.”
El Fenn. Cécil TREAL
Continuing Madeline says, “We are also working on some very exciting collaborations with a number of Moroccan designers and women's co-operatives; I have invited three of my favorite local women kaftan designers, Sanna Atelier, Norya and Salima to make a special anniversary kaftan for the El Fenn boutique. Also, in the pipeline are collaborations with Resipsa and Oubaich, and the launch of our own El Fenn toiletries, inspired by our orange courtyard and made in collaboration with the Moroccan organic brand Botanika.”
El Fenn. Cecile TREAL
Rates: A double room at El Fenn, including breakfast and afternoon tea, costs from €350 per night.
Address: El Fenn Hotel, Restaurant and Rooftop Bar, Derb Moulay Abdullah Ben Hezzian, 2, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
El Fenn. Cecile TREAL
What to pack
Kelburn Midi Dress by Barbour: For a light and airy dress that’s ideal for summer, look to midi style by Barbour. It offers a textured design with a fitted bodice, puff sleeves and peplum at the hem; team with strappy heels or your favorite flats.
Alvar Earrings in Turquoise by Lizzie Fortunato: Add a little serenity to the look with these Alvar earrings, that don varying shades of turquoise stone, grandidierite beads, and finished with white freshwater pearls.
Dream Maker 10 Suede Flat Sandals by Tamara Mellon: A holiday staple, these ankle tie flat sandals from Tamara Mellon have been handcrafted from leather in a deep shade of teal. Gorgeous.
Kelburn Midi Dress by Barbour, Alvar Earrings in Turquoise by Lizzie Fortunato, Dream Maker 10 Suede ... [+]
Barbour / Thomas Kletecka Photography / Tamara Mellon
Dolores Floral-Print Cotton-Blend Voile Maxi Dress by Sundress: For poolside wafty vibes, cue this cute and colorful cotton sundress by French brand, Sundress. It’ll tap into the retro vibe of the hotel.
Racerback Swimsuit by Anja Paris X La Redoute Collections: A vibrant destination calls for a vibrant one piece, and this hot orange racerback swimsuit is a collaboration piece between Anja Paris and La Redoute.
Sunglasses Case in Panama by Smythson: House your sunnies in style, thanks to this leather case by Smythson. The style is available in orange and scarlet red, as well a classic and neutral shades including the signature house shade of nile blue, taupe, and black.
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Felicity Carter is a London-based journalist who covers style, dining, travel, the arts and events for luxury global magazines. She’s been a contributor to forbes.com for seven years, covering fashion, beauty, travel, and culture.
Felicity has interviewed a range of individuals within the lifestyle realm, from fashion designers, Hollywood actors and musicians to Michelin-starred chefs, and hospitality leaders. Highlights include interviewing the CEO of Hermès, Robert Chavez on the Maison’s new flagship for Forbes.com, Valentino on his major retrospective for CR Fashion Book, and Isabel Marant for MUSE’s fashion issue. Her travel writing has taken her to rainforests, remote tropical islands, and the red carpets of Cannes.
Her portfolio across print and digital includes Dazed, Country & Town House, CR Fashion Book, Cultured, i-D, Interview, L’Officiel, MUSE Magazine, Numéro, Town & Country, Twin, and Vogue Italia.
Felicity graduated with a degree in English Literature. Follow her for luxury lifestyle and travel news.