From storied riads and secret gardens to artist-run hotels and antique-filled souks, discover the most captivating stays, bites, and buys with AD's Tangier City Guide.
Sitting on the northernmost tip of Africa, looking out across the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangiers has a romance that is distinctly more glamorous than its origins as a fishing port. It is, in part, the architecture, with Moorish arches, Art Deco facades and enchanting Andalusian Courtyards. But since the 1950’s Tangiers has drawn into its snaking streets and souks a crowd of writers, artists, beatniks and creatives who have transformed historical houses into cool new hangouts.
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Where to stay
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Sitting in one of Tangier's largest and most enchanting gardens, Yves Saint Laurent’s former home has been transformed by British designer Jasper Conran. An exquisite blend of Moroccan craftsmanship and mid-century European design, the 12-room villa is located only moments from the bustle of Tangier’s Medina. With two swimming pools, three restaurants and a rooftop cocktail bar, this elegant hotel combines the traditional service of an English country hotel with the magical romance of The Riviera. villamabrouka.com
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Built in 1905 in the heart of Tangiers Medina, this boutique hotel has eight suites, each representing a slice of Moroccan history. The Jilali Imperial Suite has carved wooden ceilings, stained glass windows and tadelakt walls combined with beautiful fabrics. As well as its exquisitely decorated rooms, the hotel offers a wide range of curated activities ranging from golf, tours of historic sites, scuba diving, boat trips and kayak trips, as well as a dedicated concierge service. lallasoulika.com
Interior Designer Willem Smit founded the House of Augustine in 2022, including Studio Augustine in Dar el Bacha, a beautifully curated ‘slow shopping’ experience. Riad Augustine in Marrakech and Villa Augustine in Tangiers. Formerly a family home, after a year-long renovation, Villa Augustine opened in February 2023 and is located just a few steps away from the Forbes Museum of Tangier. The five-bedroom guest house has a stunning collection of contemporary art, and the terrace overlooking the sea is the best place for cocktails. houseofaugustine.com
Built in the 1860s by Franco-British architects, Mimi Calpe was once the home of a wealthy Jewish family. Surrounded by a century-old garden, the house was very much part of Tangier’s historical heritage. The property is composed of several buildings and has six bedrooms, two 2-bedroom suites and a tree house. The original decorator was Christopher Dresser, an in-vogue decorator at Queen Victoria’s court – one of the original tapestries is still preserved in the dining room. The renovations, carefully carried out in order to preserve the Napoleon III architecture, also included the installation of a swimming pool and the stunning garden offering a magnificent view of the Bay of Tangier and the Strait of Gibraltar. mimicalpe.com
A stunning coastal retreat that fuses contemporary design with local craftsmanship. With its breathtaking ocean views and commitment to sustainability, this is where modern luxury meets Tangier’s untamed beauty. lafiermontinaocean.com
This Stylish New Hotel in Morocco is Also a Vintage Architectural Jewel
Where to eat
The Hotel Nord Pinus sits on the highest point of the Kasbah, the historic centre of the city. This incredible location provides a breathtaking view of Tarifa, the Spanish coast, and both the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas. The restaurant serves tagines on a wood fire, fresh grilled fish, vegetables and the unforgettable candied lemons. nordpinustanger.com
This restaurant is an institution in Tangiers, from the zebra print sofas in the piano bar and a dining room that serves dishes such as Razat El Khadi (traditional angel hair pasta) and rose-flavoured tomato jam. The Cafe Terrace overlooks Tabor Square and serves delicious breakfasts as well as their famous lemon juice with mint. elmoroccoclub.ma
A hidden out-of-town gem with a warm, inviting ocean-front atmosphere and beautifully plated dishes. Interiors are relaxed, and the fresh fish and cocktails are worth the trip.
This elegant restaurant, located in a villa typical of the South of France, serves classic French food in a chic dining room or at a table in the lush garden.
A minimalist space with a refined, contemporary aesthetic. The menu is a blend of locally inspired dishes with a Mediterranean influence. Sardine and Quinoa croquettes and fried olives stuffed with ricotta and harissa with romesco sauce are just a few of the dishes. Exceptional coffee, but no alcohol is available. almatanger.com
Where to Shop
Frank de Biasi and Gene Meyer set up Habibi Burton in 2020, a store that combines their passion for travel, fashion (Gene worked at Geoffrey Beene for many years), and interiors (Frank is a legendary Interior decorator with clients spanning the globe). The idea was to create a shop that utilises local Moroccan craftspeople, with each piece carefully and thoughtfully designed around the techniques and skills of the individual. Hand-made brass bowls and buckets, wicker baskets and trays and Moroccan tables painted in glorious combinations of colour are just some of the pieces available in this jewel of a shop. habibiburton.com
This open-air market on the edge of the Medina has been producing textiles for 150 years. Known as ‘The weaving souk’ (its original home was in an 18th-century palace that is currently being renovated), the wooden looms produce vibrant bedspreads, napkins, and rugs, all of which can be custom-made to your colour choice.
A design institution in Tangier, Majid (which has been an established part of the scene since the 1970s) is a treasure trove of antiques, furniture, and objets d’art. The founder, Abdelmajid Rais El Fenni, has spent the past 50 years curating and collecting textiles and jewellery from different tribes around the world. His wife, Mie Nielsen, is the artistic stylist curating a store that displays each piece beautifully. boutiquemajid.com
A must-visit for art and design enthusiasts, Galerie Tindouf is known for its carefully curated selection of modern and contemporary Moroccan art, making it a hub for the city’s creative community. galerietindouf.com
What to do
Part of the Tangier City Guide, explore the city's most stunning private homes and gardens, including exclusive visits to properties owned by designers like Frank de Biasi and Umberto Pasti. Offering an intimate glimpse into some of the most beautiful private homes in Tangiers, Inclusive Morocco can organise bespoke tours as well as provide local guides whose knowledge is unparalleled.
Inclusive Morocco can also arrange a deep dive into Tangiers thriving art scene, including visits to the studios of renowned local artists like Mohamed Said Chair and private garden tours showcasing Tangier’s most enchanting gardens, from Cap Spartel’s dramatic coastal landscapes to the lush Donabo Gardens, and the hidden botanical havens that reflect the region’s rich horticultural heritage. inclusivemorocco.com
Renowned interior designer and artist Gavin Houghton hosts exclusive painting retreats in Tangier, offering a chance to capture the city's luminous colours and architectural charm on canvas. Courses are run from his beautiful house, La Di Dar, with a mixture of life model, town sketching and house visits, all with sketch book in hand, of course. tangierpaintingholiday.com
A short drive from Tangier, Asilah is a coastal town known for its vibrant murals, contemporary art galleries, and annual arts festival. The town’s whitewashed streets and colourful doors make it a paradise for creatives. The perfect day ends with a leisurely lunch at Rohuna Garden, a countryside retreat offering farm-to-table dining in a stunning natural setting. inclusivemorocco.com
