Swap the slopes for souks and sun this winter and head to Marrakech to sample El Fenn's new Meet the Artisans break. Local artisans are at the heart of the iconic El Fenn DNA; their handiwork can be found all around the landmark boutique hotel. Now, El Fenn will be revealing its insider tips to guests that want to recreate the look and learn more about fascinating skills, passed down over the centuries to the master craftsmen and women. The insiders' package can be added to stays of three nights or more throughout January and February for some winter warmth, or during the summer months of June to September.

THE ARTISANS OF SIDI GHANEM

Meet the Artisans guests will have access to all El Fenn's in the know secrets.  They will have the opportunity to spend an afternoon at Sidi Ghanem, an artisan enclave and emerging shopping hub on the edge of town. Here, local designers and artisans have their workshops, and hip boutiques sell everything from high-end fashion to Moroccan textiles and lamps created using traditional metalwork. El Fenn guests will have a driver who will take them from door to door visiting the artisans that appeal most. The itinerary is flexible and guests may: visit Maison Nicole, suppliers of bespoke furniture to celebrities from Cristiano Ronaldo to Romeo Gigli and an interior lovers' dream; go treasure-hunting at Magasin General where vintage finds and antiques from Morocco's finest households and hotels go to retire; head to LRNCE where trademark 'drawn' media spans ceramics, blankets and clothing; or explore Hassan Hajjaj's newest outpost, Jajjah which showcases the work of the up-and-coming artists he's mentoring.

SOUKS, HAMMAM & MOROCCAN DINING

A further highlight is a guided tour of the souks with more chances to see artisans at work. Observe as they handcraft everything from metal and wood to plaster and rugs, plus enjoy a spot of shopping. The rest of the break can be spent exploring further or relaxing back at El Fenn which offers guests a staggering two acres of the medina to call their home-from-home.  It boasts three swimming pools, a spa - a traditional hammam experience for two is included - and a boutique, home to works from some of the artisans at Sidi Ghanem. There are two restaurants to choose from too and this trip includes a Moroccan themed dining experience at the residents-only Colonnade Café.   Or head to the popular 1,300 sq. metre roof terrace which enjoys the best views in town, overlooking the Marrakech cityscape. It provides the most scenic setting for relaxing by the pool or savouring a delicious breakfast, a long languorous lunch, or a sunset cocktail among the olive trees and twinkling lanterns.

In October, El Fenn revealed the final stage of its grand expansion by introducing a further 10 bedrooms which also saw the hotel connect with its Annex down the road to bring the entire hotel under one roof. Local artisans were drafted in to recreate the ancient and iconic traditions of Marrakech, such as hand-carved cedar wood ceilings and tadelakt lime plastering. A further addition is a stunning new art installation by Moroccan artist (and Sidi Ghanem tenant) Hassan Hajjaj, dubbed the Andy Warhol of Marrakech. Hajjaj's artwork behind the Colonnade Café bar is a kaleidoscope of colour featuring recycled food tins in multicoloured pastel tones, alongside a wall of glass bottles inspired by the stained glass used throughout El Fenn.

Price: from €788pp based on 2 sharing a cosy room, including 3 nights' B&B accommodation at El Fenn with afternoon tea, a dinner at the Colonnade Café, a guided tour of the souk, a half-day trip to Sidi Ghanem, a hammam experience and return airport transfers with El Fenn (www.el-fenn.com, Tel 00212 524 44 1210). Available from 5th January to 28th February 2023 and 1st June to 30 September 2023. Flights are extra.

The Meet the Artisans package can be added on to any El Fenn stay of three nights or more on applicable dates from €375 (for 2 people) and includes the 2 tours, a dinner, hammam and transfers. 

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NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Imagery is available via JSPR below.
2. El Fenn is owned by four partners: Vanessa Branson, Graham Head, Howell James and Madeline Weinrib.
3. Instagram: @elfennmarrakech

PRESS ENQUIRIES: 

Julia Spence, Natalie Postlethwaite or Hugh Collins

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