Our street, Derb Said Ahansal, takes its name from an old and respected Marrakech family who moved into our Riad in the early 1600’s and lived here for seventeen generations.  Originally traders bringing camels across the Sahara they eventually settled and became farmers with land across the Marrakech region and elsewhere in Morocco.

The Ahansal family were expert at livestock husbandry and pioneered the introduction of milk and dairy products to the Marrakech Medina. They were also accomplished horsemen and leading participants in the Tabourida/fantasia.  The Souk at the head of our street is known as Baroudiyine, derived from Baroud, the musket used by Tabourida cavalry.

We are honoured to be the present day custodians of this historic building allowing our guests to enjoy a window onto an ancient city and culture. One of the key aspects of our hospitality is authentic, time honoured Marrakech cuisine.  We also offer cookery courses and have published a Marrakech Riad Cookbook.

There are ten individual suites at Riad Spice: Ginger | Juniper | Nigella | Paprika  | Anise | Coriander | Saffron | Vanilla | Ras al Hanout  | Grains of Paradise