Riad El Fenn

Design-focused, hip, boutique

2 Derb Moulay Abdellah, Ben Hssein, Bab El Ksour

212-52-44-41-210

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At a Glance

Richard Branson’s sister’s riad in the medina brings a cheeky-yet-cozy option to the heart of Marrakech.

Indagare Loves

  • The rooftop restaurant and bar (serving one of the best veggie-forward menus in Marrakech) with cozy lounge areas and plunge pools overlooking the soaring Koutoubia mosque.
  • The curated boutique filled with unique Moroccan accessories, clothing and homewares made by local designers.
  • The concierge team, who gives excellent recommendations.
  • The intimate spa with treatments ranging from massages, facials and hammam.

Review

Seriously hip and fun, this riad in the medina is owned by Richard Branson’s sister Vanessa. It’s filled with contemporary art from her sensational collection, including works by Bridget Riley and Fred Pollock, and sits a mere five-minute walk from the Jemaa el-Fnaa. The artistic touch continues in interior details—silver buckets bursting with yellow roses, tables covered in swaths of silk and walls painted in cherry, pomegranate and sage. The overall effect is impeccably tasteful yet full of character; it’s the kind of place you expect that aging rock stars might hole up for weeks at a time. You can email wirelessly by the pool, while tortoises munch in the garden; or enjoy the hammam or the library. The 31 rooms are spacious with big beds, deep baths and wood fires. The Douiria split-level suite has a leather floor and its own roof terrace with a plunge pool.

The food is fresh and local, and at night, the rooftop turns into a buzzing bar. There is also an indoor bar and restaurant adjacent to the boutique. The staff is so laid-back and attractive that they may let service slip a bit, but you must understand that efficiency is overrated in a place this hip.

Who Should Stay

Those who like the lived-in look and don’t need everything to be five-star; there’s a laid-back, house party atmosphere that makes it feel more like your trendy Moroccan friend's expansive riad than a proper hotel—Madonna even privatized the property for her birthday.

Good To Know

Each of El Fenn's 31 rooms has a different theme and décor. Consult with your travel specialist, who can match you with the best aesthetic.

Written by Melissa Biggs Bradley

What's Nearby
Indagare employees walking up stiars

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