Known for its striking colour-soaked interiors, the landmark Marrakech hotel El Fenn will be marking its 20th anniversary this Autumn with the theme I Believe in El Fenn – Celebrating 20 years of Colour.
Inspired by the first piece of art to hang in El Fenn – Bob & Roberta Smith’s I Believe in Van Gogh – the celebrations will centre on the boutique hotel’s passion for art, eye-catching interiors and bold colours, all key elements of El Fenn’s DNA.
In November, the UK’s queen of colour, Sophie Robinson, will lead two very special retreats that will give a behind-the-scenes look at Marrakech’s vibrant art, culture, and creativity. Completing the anniversary plans is a luxury wellness retreat and the launch of a limited-edition range of products in the boutique featuring I Believe in El Fenn, including ceramic plates, t-shirts, and candles.
Vanessa Branson, El Fenn’s co-owner, said, “It’s been a joy to witness the evolution of El Fenn over the years. The interiors have always been about taking risks, and the belief in art has been a guiding star from the beginning. With El Fenn meaning art in Arabic and the El Fenn logo being written in Arabic, our celebrations are all about the inclusiveness of art, which transcends all races, religions, and genders.
“From the moment guests enter, the interiors are an assault on their senses, and our retreats will offer the opportunity to be immersed in the colourful world of El Fenn.”
The Retreats
El Fenn will host an exclusive Interior Design Retreat with the UK’s queen of colour, designer, TV presenter, and interiors expert Sophie Robinson (above). In addition to mini masterclasses on all things colour, the retreat will also include a deep dive into the most creative—and colourful—designers in Marrakech.
There’ll be everything from artisan-made ceramics and vintage markets to a look at the new breed of creatives working from ateliers in the city’s most exciting design district. Guests will also have time to explore the historic Marrakech medina, as well as visit some of the most beautiful dining destinations.
Price: from £2,995pp, including three nights at El Fenn, Retreat activities and all meals. Dates: 29 November and 3 December 2024
For those who would prefer to focus on wellbeing over interiors in a colourful setting, there’s a two-centre Luxury Wellness Retreat in collaboration with a luxury desert camp and IAM Retreat.
Designed to uncover Morocco’s rich culture, retreat guests will enjoy rejuvenating workshops to help unleash creativity and declutter the mind.
Sharing circles, meditations and sound baths will be combined with a mixology class, an Arab Art workshop, a Moroccan drum class and even a silent disco under the stars. Plus, there will be visits to Jardin Majorelle, the YSL Museum, the souks and a sunset camel ride in the desert. This adds up to a truly transformative experience.
Guests split their time between El Fenn (3 nights) and a luxury desert camp in Agafay (2 nights). Price: from £4,995pp, including five nights’ accommodation, Retreat activities and all meals. Date: 21 November 2024.
El Fenn Today
Over the past two decades, El Fenn has flourished from a 6-bedroom riad into a game-changing boutique hotel with a labyrinth of 41 jewel-toned suites—all individual in style. Known for its vibrant colours, exceptional artworks, picture-perfect colonnades and courtyards, and fashionable roof terrace, it has earned itself a reputation as one of Marrakech’s most beautiful and bohemian hotels.
The El Fenn formula continues to mix old and new – expect hand-carved cedar wood ceilings, tadelakt lime plastering using pigment from the medina and zellige tiling, balanced with modern pop art and a kaleidoscope of clashing colours and textures.
Facilities abound, too, with three pools, an outstanding boutique, a spa with a hammam, a vast roof terrace with a restaurant and cocktail bar, and a residents-only Colonnade Café.
Prices: A double room at El Fenn, including breakfast and afternoon tea, costs from £323 per night.
Lead image by Joanna Vestey for El Fenn. Other images used in this feature supplied by the hotel.
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