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About Riad Hikaya
Riad Hikaya is a traditional courtyard house which lies within the ramparts of the ancient city of Marrakesh. 'Riad' is the Arabic word for garden and through the passage of time gradually became the word for this type of courtyard house itself. This fusion becomes clear the moment you step inside. The rooms of the house are constructed around a central courtyard or garden which is totally open to the elements. The house and garden become one.
The ancient walled city is known as the 'medina' which is divided into various districts or 'quartiers'. Riad Hikaya is situated in the quartier called 'al kasbah', in the south of the 'medina' and about a ten minute walk to the largest traditional market - souq - in Morocco, Djemaa al Fnaa. The view from our roof terrace never fails to amaze - lush vegetation , palm groves and, even in the intense heat of the summer, the snow capped Atlas mountains.
We acquired Riad Hikaya in the winter of 2007 with a view to converting it into a boutique hotel or 'maison d'hotes'. During the period of restoration we worked with a team of local craftsmen to renovate the building using techniques and materials that haven't changed in hundreds of years. We were struck by the fact that everything, even the most mundane task, was being done in an almost artistic fashion. Not one power tool was ever used. Everything was done in the most painstaking way by hand using for the most part organic materials. The walls were constructed out of mud and straw, then plastered with tadelakt made from marble dust, limestone and egg white. The mosaic floors were laid using patterned tiles uniquely fired for our house in Fes, the home of the zelij tile. Even the deliveries of materials were made to the riad by donkey and cart.
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| This inspired us to create our own range of products under our own name, using the same natural materials and with those same handmade techniques to create products imbued with centuries of tradition, a product with soul.
We are now in the process of extending Riad Hikaya further. In 2008 we acquired the riad next door which had fallen into disrepair. Renovation is well under way and we are on course to open Riad Hikaya as a boutique hotel with eight luxury bedrooms in the spring of 2010. |
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