TRAVEL GUIDE | CABANA TRAVEL | CABANA MAGAZINE
British designer Jasper Conran has one foot in Tangier, where he acquired Villa Mabrouka, the former home of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, now his second hotel in Morocco. From expertly-curated antique shops to cozy cafés and restaurants, Jasper shares his favorite spots in the city.
BY JASPER CONRAN | CABANA TRAVEL | 21 FEBRUARY 2025
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My Favorite Place to Stay
Tangier is a wonderful place to stay and Villa Mabrouka, naturally, feels like home to me. My second Moroccan hotel – once the residence of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé – we proudly reopened in 2023 after a lengthy restoration.
My Favorite Restaurant
I love La Saveur de Poisson, known colloquially as Popeye’s - a cozy neighborhood restaurant with a set menu. This includes the most delicious piquant red harissa, which they serve with a squid tagine, freshly baked bread and roasted nuts, and follow up with grilled fish and seasonal fresh fruit. They don't take bookings; it's first come first served, but it's always well worth the wait.
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My Favorite Cafés
Café Tingis: This place is a real local institution in the Petit Socco, a small square in the medina quarter of Tangier. I like to drink mint tea and watch life unfold around me, leaning into the slower pace of living that this café inspires.
Café Hafa: This lively, waterfront spot is one of the oldest cafés in Tangier, visited by the great and the good over many years. With its stepped terraces and beautiful views of the Alboran Sea, Café Hafa offers respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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My Favorite Places to Buy Antiques
Galerie Tindouf: I rarely visit this expertly curated antiques, run by my close friend Boubker Temli, without wanting to come away with some new treasures. Boubker has exceptional taste, which is reflected in the tempting ceramics and textiles.
Boutique Majid: Tucked away in the heart of the medina, Boutique Majid has a great selection of furniture, textiles and ceramics. You'll be sure to find an interesting piece here, or an unusual keepsake. Well worth a visit.
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My Favorite Place of Architectural Interest:
Tangier itself is of great architectural interest to me. This historic bohemian city holds a curious mix of French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and Arabesque architecture, which can be seen in the buildings and many architectural details across Tangier. Just wandering the streets and souks will allow glimpses of all these styles.
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