Perched high above the Strait of Gibraltar, Villa Mabrouka—meaning “House of Blessing”—is a poetic escape that blends bohemian spirit with Moroccan refinement. Once the private home of fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent and his lifelong partner Pierre Bergé, the villa now opens its gates to travelers seeking beauty, nostalgia, and tranquility in Tangier’s most enchanting enclave. Restored by British designer Jasper Conran, Villa Mabrouka feels like stepping into a dream: lush gardens cascading toward the sea, interiors painted in shades of emerald and ivory, and terraces where time drifts as slowly as the ocean breeze.
History & Heritage
Originally built in the 1940s, Villa Mabrouka became a sanctuary for Saint Laurent and Bergé in the late 20th century—a place of privacy and inspiration, removed from the bustle of Paris and Marrakech. Conran’s restoration honors that legacy, preserving the villa’s understated glamour while introducing his own romantic sensibility. Every corridor tells a story: French doors open to citrus groves, hand-painted tiles recall Andalusian artistry, and the scent of jasmine recalls the villa’s fashion-world past. It’s not merely a hotel—it’s a living museum of taste and timelessness.
Design & Atmosphere
Conran’s design philosophy is rooted in quiet luxury and cinematic emotion. Inside, you’ll find a dialogue between British restraint and Moroccan opulence—whitewashed walls, rattan furniture, and pops of green inspired by the surrounding foliage. Each of the 12 rooms feels like a private retreat, decorated with vintage pieces, hand-embroidered linens, and antique mirrors that reflect the soft coastal light. Outside, stone pathways meander through lush gardens filled with palms, bougainvillea, and agapanthus, leading to cliffside terraces where the sea glimmers beyond. The atmosphere is one of intimacy and serenity—Tangier as Saint Laurent once loved it: elegant, sensual, and slightly mysterious.
Culinary Experience
Dining at Villa Mabrouka feels like being invited to a private table in a friend’s Mediterranean home. Meals are served in airy salons or shaded courtyards, with menus inspired by local ingredients and coastal influences. Expect dishes like grilled sea bass with preserved lemons, chilled tomato soup infused with olive oil, and delicate pastries scented with orange blossom. The experience is unhurried and deeply personal—accompanied by the soft hum of conversation and the distant call of gulls over the Strait.
Gardens & Pool
The villa’s terraced gardens are its beating heart—a labyrinth of color and calm that descends toward a turquoise pool framed by cypress and palm trees. This pool, surrounded by lemon trees and tiled sunbeds, feels utterly cinematic, reminiscent of the Riviera’s golden age. Hidden benches and secluded alcoves invite reading, sketching, or simply daydreaming in the Tangier light. It’s no wonder artists and writers find endless inspiration here; Villa Mabrouka is both muse and masterpiece.
Where to Stay
- The Garden Rooms – Opening directly onto fragrant terraces, these suites embrace indoor-outdoor living with hand-woven textiles and sea-green tones.
- The Sea Rooms – Offering sweeping views of the Strait of Gibraltar, these evoke a timeless coastal romance.
- The Tower Suite – Once part of Saint Laurent’s private quarters, this suite combines vintage charm with cinematic vistas—perfect for dreamers and designers alike.
Each space feels curated rather than decorated—more an expression of character than of luxury, and that’s precisely what makes Villa Mabrouka unforgettable.
Experiences & Surroundings
Just minutes from the medina yet worlds away in ambiance, Villa Mabrouka makes an ideal base for exploring Tangier’s vibrant contrasts. Wander through the Kasbah, visit the American Legation Museum, or linger at Café Hafa, where generations of artists have watched the sun set over Spain. Private excursions can be arranged to Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules, while evenings invite a quiet return to the villa’s gardens for mint tea or a glass of Moroccan rosé beneath the stars.
Final Thoughts
Villa Mabrouka is not simply a place to stay—it’s a place to feel. Every corner reflects a dialogue between past and present, fashion and nature, intimacy and grandeur. In a city that has captivated writers, dreamers, and wanderers for generations, this villa stands as its most exquisite retreat: a home where the world slows, colors soften, and beauty breathes.
For those seeking Tangier’s poetic side—the one Saint Laurent fell in love with—Villa Mabrouka is the key that unlocks it.
