Located in the buzzing medina of the Moroccan city, Izza, a serene Marrakech Hotel is also an art lovers paradise. Its interiors, inspired by Bill Willis' eye-catching style, is matched by a 300-strong collection of contemporary art, valued at over $6.5 million.
Tucked away in the north-west quadrant of Marrakech’s medina, Hotel Izza exudes a bohemian spirit defined by two key elements: its extraordinary art collection – many of them digital and AI-driven – and the influence of Bill Willis, the American interior designer who is still considered integral to Marrakech’s creative scene in the 1960s and serves as the hotel’s muse.
For those unfamiliar with Willis, picture a Tennessee-born designer with a handsome demeanour and a penchant for colourful scarves. He was educated at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, arriving in Marrakech in 1967, drawn by the allure of a hedonistic lifestyle and armed with a remarkable talent for transforming spaces. Willis quickly fell in love with the Red City, which offered an exoticism and a sense of belonging he had been seeking. This appreciation quickly made him a key figure in popularising a style that fused traditional Moroccan aesthetics with modern design, reigniting interest in the country’s craftsmanship and heritage.
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Willis remained in Marrakech until his death in 2009, designing for notable figures like the Italian icon Marella Agnelli, while also mingling with close friends and clients such as Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. His legacy continues to shape the city through the homes of YSL and in luxury hotels in Marrakech, like Izza, where a palpable sense of nostalgia reflects the free-spirited lifestyle that Willis embraced. The hotel, though not one of the spaces designed by Willis himself, stands as an ode to the designer and the bohemian cultural zeitgeist he embodied, with each of its 14 rooms named after icons of his era – Jack (Kerouac), Allen (Ginsberg), Marianne (Faithfull), and the top-floor Yves (Saint Laurent) suite. Each room is as eclectic as the figures it honours, featuring custom Parisian textiles, extravagant copper bathtubs, and vintage furnishings, adding a distinct charm to the hotel’s atmosphere.
Against this backdrop, its arrival in Marrakech coincides with a broader creative resurgence in the city. While the 1960s brought an influx of artists, musicians, writers, and hippies that transformed Marrakech into a bohemian paradise, the present day is witnessing a similar renewal in the arts. New galleries such as the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL) are reshaping the city’s art scene, while the industrial district of Sidi Ghanem has become a hub for ateliers and concept stores. Even the music scene is flourishing, with the annual Oasis Festival in nearby Ouarzazate attracting global electronica talent. Therefore, the hotel’s artistic appeal, enhanced by its extraordinary collection of art, adds an extra layer of significance. It also fit's into Marrakech's booming hotel scene, with new, unexpected riads vying for attention.
Among the standout pieces is a series of animated black-and-white portraits by Ethiopian artist Yatreda, elegantly displayed along the stairs leading to the gym. Elsewhere, pop art by Moroccan contemporary artist Hassan Hajjaj enlivens the coffee bar, blending vibrant colours and cultural motifs that reflect the essence of Marrakech. Together, these artworks are part of one of the largest physical collections of contemporary art and eye-catching NFTs in the world, valued at over £5 million.
The collection pulses with the energy of contemporary art, showcasing a diverse range of styles and mediums, including works from emerging and established artists that offer guests a glimpse into the evolving landscape of digital art. It presents itself as a celebration of creativity in the modern sense, aligning perfectly with the hotel’s commitment to fostering a cultural dialogue.
After an extensive eight-year restoration project that merged seven riads, Hotel Izza opened its doors last year, offering a tranquil oasis amid the vibrant chaos of Marrakech. Yet, at its core, the hotel is dedicated to fostering community and togetherness, aptly calling itself a “House of Friends.” More than a sanctuary for rest and relaxation, Izza serves as a space where the past, present, and future converge. With its vibrant art inviting interiors, and attentive staff, Marrakech hotel creates an atmosphere that encourages guests to connect – whether with one another, the rich history of the medina, or the dynamic art and culture that permeate the space. izza.com
