For British designer Jasper Conran, chancing upon Villa Mabrouka was love at first sight.
“I will never forget that first sensation of coming off the narrow Tangier streets and into the villa’s green and shady courtyard, full of banana and palm trees,” he says, “before emerging into an oasis of big, sweeping lawns and an incredible garden looking out to sea, filled with hollyhocks, nasturtiums, roses, agapanthus, bougainvillea, jasmine and orange blossom, as well as ancient pavilions.”
When Tatler caught up with Conran over the phone, he was sitting on a terrace looking over those exact gardens—only this time, he’s the owner of the property, which he has spent four years transforming into a charming 12-suite hotel with views of the Strait of Gibraltar and the North Atlantic.
The opening of the hotel took place in June this year, with a low-key but lavish garden party for just 60 guests, who flew in from all corners of the world. “There was a moment when I’d planned for all the waiters to come down with desserts—big trays of jellies, cakes and ice creams. They all came down from above to the pool carrying these great big trays of wonderful sweets,” Conran recalls fondly. “It was a spectacularly beautiful vision, and everyone clapped. That was a moment. A very happy moment.”
In 2019, Conran travelled to Tangier in search of a tent to use for excursions for guests staying at his first hotel, L’Hotel in Marrakesh. His antiques dealer revealed that Villa Mabrouka, the last residence of legendary fashion designer and couturier Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé, was up for sale.
“The rest, as they say, is history,” says Conran.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 2023 من Tatler Philippines.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 2023 من Tatler Philippines.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT
More women are taking back their birthing experience and their power-by challenging the institutionalised norms surrounding childbirth, honouring the healing process and leaning on the magic of sisterhood
YOUR EXCEL LENCY
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson gives a tour of her residence, personal life and why she loves her assignment in the Philippines
A GREAT HONOUR
For the first time, the Hispanic Society Museum and Library recognised the Philippines by awarding the Zobel de Ayala family the prestigious Sorolla Medal at its annual gala in New York
In the Long Run
Longchamp chairman and CEO Jean Cassegrain talks about championing sustainability, the value of women in the workforce, its plans for the Asian market By Maritess Garcia Reyes
LEADING LADIES
Tatler speaks to four beautiful, dynamic ladies who are more than just Senators' wives. Besides being a wife and a mother, they have their own careers and advocacies. Find out in this Tatler exclusive how they are forging their paths as well as how they are playing their part for the country
Driving Diversity
Steering towards an inclusive future, Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz merges diversity with digital innovation
Empowering Spaces
Audrey Go champions a new era in the construction and home furnishing industry, transforming spaces into symbols of empowerment
Global Gem
Kenneth Cobonpue continually impresses through groundbreaking work and a sincere passion to nurture tomorrow's talent
A Cut Above
During a sitdown with Tatler, Asian Institute of Management's president and dean, Jikyeong Kang, opens up about her academic and professional journey and what exactly inspires her today
Chasing Glory
The E Zobel Foundation, Inc (EZF) successfully held the 19th Enrique Zobel Memorial Polo Cup this year to honour the sport and the founder himself, Enrique Zobel.