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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Samantha Herbert

Fairmont Tazi Palace, Tangier: a design-led stay in Morocco’s bohemian region

Perched high in the hills of Tangier, the Fairmont Tazi Palace offers opulence, seclusion, and unparalleled views of an often-overlooked region well worth exploring.

Oozing five-star luxury, the hotel delivers Mediterranean-influenced glamour that could be hard to tear yourself from. However, there is thriving regeneration taking place in Tangier you wouldn’t want to miss.

Where?

Located in Northwestern Morocco, Tangier is a vibrant port city on the strait of Gibraltar, which served as an important link between Europe and Africa for many centuries. Existing as an international zone for several decades from 1923, Tangier in this period became a bohemian enclave beloved by artists, writers, and musicians.

Rejoining the rest of Morocco in independence in 1956, Tangier today reflects the distinct influences of its past in its art, architecture, and society. With a unique blend of Moroccan and European cultures, Tangier feels relaxed and diverse, which makes the city seem welcoming and at ease with its unusual make-up.

The Fairmont Tazi Palace sits high in Tangier, overlooking the city’s bright whitewashed hillside medina and towns, making it an ideal base for exploration.

Benefitting from recent investment, Tangier is undergoing rapid transformation with the redevelopment of a shiny new marina, ferry port, and high-speed train line linking it with the capital Rabat and Casablanca. The Kasbah streets, dotted with stylish boutiques, have also been restored, making them warm and inviting but losing none of their rustic charm.

Whether on a weekend city break, or a multi-stop train tour, this region has an abundance of unique sights, character and experiences to seek out.

The Tazi Palace’s exquisitely luxurious interiors (Fairmont)

Style

Originally built in the 1920s as a residence for one of the king’s advisors, the five-star resort is quite literally palatial. Carefully restored retaining many original features, the Tazi Palace honours its roots and showcases the very best Moroccan tradesmanship. The attention to detail at this Fairmont property is second to none, with every cornice, tile and furnishing carefully selected to reflect the soul of Tangier.

Boasting sky-high ceilings, grand entrances, and an impressive selection of local artwork, one could easily while away an afternoon just soaking in the brilliance of its interior design.

Deluxe king room, complete with spacious balcony (Fairmont)

Which room?

Every one of the Tazi Palace’s 133 rooms is steeped in luxury. Deluxe kings provide ample space for two, with large dressing areas, decadent marbled bathrooms with double sinks and a beautiful balcony overlooking either the forested hillside or the Old City.

Every detail has been carefully thought through here, with original art featuring in every room, fine cornicing, beautiful fabrics and a vivid colour palette creating an impressive yet warm interior.

For those looking for something extra special, explore the hotel’s suites and penthouse, which can offer up to 3,574 sq ft, private gardens, panoramic views and second-to-none design excellence.

Food & drink

From contemporary Persian to farm-to-table Mediterranean, there’s a restaurant and menu for every craving within the Tazi Palace. With seven restaurants and bars to choose from, guests can opt for intimate fine dining in Parisa, an outdoor vegetarian feast at the spa restaurant or the finest fresh seafood in Crudo.

There’s also a dimly lit cigar room, serving aged whiskeys and highly unique cocktails, as well as The Rose Room, where guests can enjoy afternoon tea. Service in all of the restaurants is impeccable, and the decor so varied that it’s easy to forget you’ve not left the palace.

After a treatment, enjoy the Fairmont Spa’s rooftop pool (Fairmont)

Facilities

At the centre of the Fairmont Tazi Palace is its spectacular outdoor swimming pool. Made of stunning black marble, the pool acts as a gorgeous backdrop for most of the hotel restaurants and common spaces. With its own outdoor bar, and surrounded by picturesque gardens and sun loungers, it’s a perfect spot to while away a sunny day.

If a day by the pool isn’t relaxing enough, visit the Fairmont spa and fitness centre, complete with 10 treatment rooms, a vitality pool, solarium, and hammam. Offering personalised Moroccan-inspired techniques, enjoy a vast menu of skincare, massage, and holistic therapies. For those looking for a full reset, investigate the tailored wellness programmes available over three- to seven-night stays.

For those looking for a little more adventure, the hotel offers a range of curated local experiences, as well as a rolling schedule of kids’ club activities.

Best for...

An all-the-frills base from which to explore a thriving region of Morocco. With the city of Tangier undertaking a vibrant transformation, stay high in the hilltops with spectacular views to soak it all in. Enjoy the luxury and convenience of a resort packed with great rooms, food, drink, and relaxation, while remaining just a stone’s throw from all that Tangier has to offer.

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