The former summer residence of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in Tangier has been restored into a 12-room villa by British designer Jasper Conran. Set within lush gardens of palms, bougainvillea, and citrus—originally designed by landscape architect Madison Cox—Villa Mabrouka features interiors by Jacques Grange and views across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain.
The property is open year-round, but spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather. As inland Morocco heats up, Tangier’s position between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean brings a steady cooling breeze.
Where
Tangier sits at the crossroads of Europe and Africa. Arrival by air is dramatic as you descend over whitecaps in the Strait of Gibraltar and land at the Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport, which serves as a connection point to major cities like London, Paris, and Madrid. Tangier is also easily reached via Al Boraq, the high-speed train that links the city to Rabat and Casablanca.
Who
Villa Mabrouka is owned by British designer Jasper Conran, who acquired the property from Fondation Jardin Majorelle—a nonprofit founded by Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Bergé, and landscape architect Madison Cox. It marks Conran’s second Moroccan venture, following the success of L’Hôtel Marrakech.
The Scene
From British consuls to a Kuwaiti princess, the property had passed through several hands before becoming Saint Laurent and Bergé’s coastal retreat in 1997. In 2019, Conran began a four-year restoration, layering his vision onto interior designer Jacques Grange’s original concept. With an eye toward preserving the structure’s heritage, he retained its 1940s clean-line minimalism.
During the renovation, more than 6,500 trees and plants were incorporated into the landscape, and water tanks were added to collect rainfall for irrigating the grounds.
The Crowd
Popular with the creative crowd, Villa Mabrouka tends to attract artists and professionals in architecture, fashion and design, entertainment, and more. While children over 13 are permitted, the property is best suited for adults.
Rooms
Split between the main house and garden cottages, the property has 12 rooms and suites, each differing in size, layout, and decor. It’s worth confirming if your room has a shower, bath, or both, and if privacy matters, check if your terrace is shared. The sunny Marrakech Suite—Saint Laurent’s former bedroom—stands out for its private terrace and sweeping views.
Service
The staff, drawn from across Morocco, are attentive and warm, which creates a sense of being quietly cared for in guest-only spaces. Service can feel more impersonal in the restaurant and rooftop bar, which are open to the public.
Food
Breakfast on the terrace is a highlight with a traditional Moroccan spread and garden greenery set against the turquoise waters of the Strait. Lunch and dinner are served at L’Orangerie, where white tablecloths, garden views, and a menu of Moroccan and Italian dishes set the tone. Don’t miss the slow-cooked chicken tagine with preserved lemon and couscous.
Wellness
Villa Mabrouka’s intimate spa offers massages, facials, and traditional hammam treatments with local products like black Moroccan soap and Atlas Mountain clay, all in a bath made from marble and tadelakt, a waterproof plaster surface that’s created using ancient Moroccan techniques.
Beyond
Walk to the Grand Socco and Petit Socco, Tangier’s twin souks (markets), where basket weavers, potters, and antique dealers gather. From there, head to Le Saveur du Poisson, a local institution known for its fixed menu built around the day’s catch: spiced fish soup, grilled monkfish, and clay-platter specialties, paired with housemade prune juice. In the afternoon, join the regulars at Café Hafa for mint tea overlooking the water.
Drawbacks
A lack of certain standard amenities on request, like irons or steamers. The service is also more inconsistent in spaces open to the public, which reflects the boutique hotel’s informal spirit.
