For several years now, Tangier, with its international allure, has been getting all the attention. Long before this renewed interest, the brilliant designer Yves Saint Laurent had been charmed by the city, which, along with Marrakech, reminded him of the climate of his childhood. In the 1990s, the genius fashion icon acquired Villa Mabrouka with Pierre Bergé, an elegant modern architectural building. It was here, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, that the couturier spent the last ten years of his life.

Listed as an architectural heritage site, the house was purchased in 2019 by the famous English designer Jasper Conran, who transformed it into a charming hotel.

Recently opened, Villa Mabrouka is THE new hotel in Tangier, a gem that is as  luxurious as it is lush. Tested and beloved by the Shoelifer team, the Villa Mabrouka experience is worth it!

Yves Saint Laurent’s Spirit Respected

You arrive at Villa Mabrouka leaving behind the hustle and bustle of Tangier’s medina. Facing the Mediterranean Sea, the house is nestled in one of Tangier’s largest gardens. There is a serenity here that only the singing of birds punctuates. With its sleek and whitewashed angles, the “villa of luck” had everything to charm the most Moroccan of French fashion designers. With his partner Pierre Bergé, they entrusted the interior design to Jacques Grange, who enhanced this architectural jewel.

Thirty years later, the villa became the property of Jasper Conran. The designer artist entered the hotel business in 2016 with his first riad, L’Hôtel Marrakech. The Brit decided to make transforming Villa Mabrouka into a luxurious Tangier hotel his second project. Thus began a subtle process of redesign while respecting the style created by Yves Saint Laurent.

“I have always admired how Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé worked to draw attention to Morocco, highlighting its people and culture,” explains Jasper Conran. “But working at Villa Mabrouka made me even more aware of its importance as a historical landmark.” The designer simply “added [his] thoughts and personal expression” to the place.

A Keen Eye for Detail

Upgrades to technical facilities, structural improvements, addition of new rooms and chalets in the garden, new restaurants… Not to mention a professional kitchen, a new pool, and a rooftop terrace. All of these efforts to “safeguard, preserve, and design” have simply brought the place up to date. Secretly hidden behind heavy carved solid wood doors, the building now ranks among prestigious hotels.

With its 10 already functional rooms and soon 12, this new Tangier hotel focuses on intimacy. Each space offers a unique experience, including a beautiful blend of artisanal craftsmanship and custom-designed furniture by Jasper Conran. By respecting the purity and simplicity of the architectural modernism of the 1940s, the English creator has added his own understated and sophisticated touch. The result is an atmosphere reminiscent of a holiday home, where its tranquility is particularly salient considering we are just  steps from the bustling heart of the Kasbah.

Subtle Luxury

Facing the sea, the whitewashed villa is surrounded by gardens and several pools. Italian lemon trees, palm trees, and vines are dotted with bougainvillea, hydrangeas, and roses. The main pool is a true lagoon carved into the rock. It offers areas where you can lounge and listen to the cascading waterfalls. A second, more intimate pool added by Conran displays a more traditional style. It is covered in emerald green zellige tiles and bejmat, highlighting Moroccan decorative arts.

Arranged in the heart of the garden, three pavilions invite you to take a load off, all while gazing off into the blue horizon. For a panoramic view at sunset, the coffee bar on the rooftop of Villa Mabrouka is the ideal spot. Don’t hesitate to ask for the cocktail list; it’s exciting!

Inside, white is also predominant. It serves as the base for a decoration whose sobriety is carefully implemented. The lounges open onto the outside through large windows. The furniture features silky materials, with simple and comfortable designs. Murano glass chandeliers light the handmade ceilings. The original marbles on the floor have been preserved.

As Beautiful as It Is Good

Villa Mabrouka offers three restaurants situated in a courtyard, by the pool, or in the summer pavilion. The Gazebo, whose interior is hand-painted, as well as the Summer Pavilion can be reserved for private parties. The cuisine is innovative but authentic, based on fresh ingredients. You can enjoy a Mabrouka burger made from shredded beef, spaghetti Al Limone, or a seafood platter. It’s simple, it’s good, and it’s welcoming. The restaurants are also open to reservation for non-hotel guests–yet another reason to come and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of this Tangier hotel. Just talking about it makes us want to go back!

Villa Mabrouka
1 Sidi Bouknadel, Tangier
Tel .: 08 08 52 64 36
www.villamabrouka.com
Villa Mabrouka is reserved for those over 16 years old
Rooms starting from 4950 DH

Photo (c) : Villa Mabrouka