Riad Alkantara

Three guest riads, two free spirits, one vision: art and creativity, and a luxurious guesthouse, which soars above the commonplace

Set up by partners Abdelfattah and Camille in 2008, the vision for Alkantara is of a platform for creative arts and cultural exchange that goes beyond mere tourism. They chose an extraordinary stage for their grande oeuvre, a huge slice of the Medina which embraces a vast garden and is made up of not one but three magnificent Fassi residences.

A team of more than 100 of the city's finest craftsmen gave substance to the dream: the first riad, two restaurants, pool and gardens are complete, and the remaining two riads will be restored to former glories in the future. We felt privileged to be amongst the first guests at Alkantara and to learn about the history and culture of Fes from a man whose dream is 'for my house to become a university'. The 5 painstakingly restored suites are as grand as any in Fes, with food and service to match. Innovative, pampering and deeply seductive, this is a truly unique place to stay.

Highs

• This sumptuously comfortable riad feels both intimate and cossetting
• It's a chance to see at first hand what lies behind the traditional decorative arts of Fes
• The vibrant restaurant is becoming a popular meeting place for the city's intelligentsia
• Meeting the fascinating and multilingual hosts will be a highlight of your trip to Morocco
• The lush 1500m² garden feels like an oasis and a privileged sanctuary within the anarchic labyrinth of the Medina

Lows

• A room at the riad doesn't come cheap; ditto meals and drinks - but you won't regret the splurge
• Arrival, by way of a plexus of narrow alleys, is a real adventure but the Riad always sends a member of staff to guide you
• Camille has parted ways with Alkantara since our visit, and some staff have changed, but recent feedback assures us that standards remain high (the only caveat is to check your bill carefully!)