Cross new horizons with us and take in the history and stories that make each destination unique.
Our story is full of them. We are Silvia and Veronica, both born and raised in Milan, and completely in love with Marrakech, to the point of embarking on the adventure of renovating an ancient riad together. We met when we were both 15 years old; young and full of dreams. We grew up together, and with time became inseparable. But then, as it so often does, life intervened, and we started down different paths.
Still, destiny has a funny way of bringing people back together. A joint-trip to Marrakech and a string of fateful coincidences led us down the path of building a riad together.
We knew exactly what we wanted, and put all of our energy into finding it. But every property we visited seemed to disappoint. We grew frustrated, and started to think that maybe it wasn’t the right time, that perhaps our beloved “Project Alkemia” should be indefinitely postponed.
The silence, the sense of inner peace and tranquility, the pure energy that the space emanated, immediately won us over. From that moment on, the whole project took off as if it had a life of its own, with this one piece of the puzzle, everything else could easily fall in place.
We like to think that every piece of furniture, every rug, every bit of fabric or decoration that we found together in the markets or hand picked from local artisans’ shops, had all been waiting for an eternity to be chosen, to end up in our dream filled with love and deep emotions.
Arriving at the riad, you are met with a captivating blend of history and beauty. You will be greeted by a hospitable and attentive staff, ready to ensure your stay is exceptional.
We are not just staff, but people to know by name and remember fondly, the personal touch in creating a memorable vacation. Living in a place like Riad Alkemia means an inner shift; finding the center of one’s soul.
At riad Alkemia we appreciate responsible and sustainable travel. We actively seek partnerships with local communities, artisans and businesses, supporting and empowering them by doing our part to protect their cultural heritage. This approach not only enriches the travel experience for our guests but also contributes positively to the preservation and promotion of local traditions. You will discover a world of authentic cultural and non-cultural experiences that will enrich your life and leave an indelible mark on your soul.
We see ourselves as environmentalists, and want to do our part to take care of the planet. Riad Alkemia has been fitted with many sustainable alternatives: energy efficient technology, eco-friendly detergents, energy-saving light bulbs, solar panels for hot water, and filters to limit excessive water consumption.
In addition, we buy fruits, vegetables, meat, and eggs from local farms, both to minimize our carbon footprint, and to contribute to the development of the local community. Old sheets are re-purposed for the production of reusable grocery bags, and towels are turned into cleaning cloths. Smoking is not allowed in the interior areas of the riad, but is permitted on the terrace.
Finally, if you wish to lighten your luggage before returning home, we can help you donate clothes or shoes to the local population. Simply leave the items in your room before leaving, and we will make sure they are donated to those who need them.