tangier, morocco
I first fell in love with Tangier thirteen years ago because of the creativity and spirituality. After growing up on the East Coast, (where two hours couldn’t really get you to anywhere exotic), I began to spend half my time in Paris. Tangier is only two hours from Paris and it’s incredible to be somewhere so different in such a short period of time. Tangier is magical because you can be on the Mediterranean and the Atlantic at the same time. It draws an eccentric group of creative people… it’s also the kind of place where you can be yourself visually and spiritually. It inspires the vision behind a lot of what we do at Creel and Gow (exquisite objects and pieces from all around the world) for the discerning voyager. It is full of incredible craftsmanship from hand weavers to metal makers and this is why I love it.
WHERE TO STAY...
Tangier is mostly a myriad of private Riads (call Voyager Club!) but there are two gorgeous hotels. The first is Villa Josephine, which is located on an estate with beautiful views of the Strait of Gibraltar. This is definitely the place for someone who favors seclusion, away from the hustle and bustle of the Medina… Then there is The Nord Pinus, which is much more Moroccan in style and sits on the highest point of the Kasbah, the historic centre of the city. The bar here has been voted one of the best in the Mediterranean, so don’t miss an aperitivo on the terrace.
Villa Josephine, Tangier
Jamie and Marco’s Riad, Dar Zero
Dar Zero is my private residence with partner, Marco Scarani. We bought the riad from Charles Sevigny 10 years ago! It was a very unique purchase as we agreed on a deal where Charles would live in it for his lifetime while Marco and I slowly renovated; he also allowed us to live there as well. Unfortunately, in August 2019, Charles passed away at the incredible age of 101!!!
Dar Zero is very special, its where we spend our summers or time when we are not at Creel and Gow in New York or sourcing for the shop. During lockdown Marco was quarantined in Tangier whilst I was in New York and the only silver lining was that we could kickstart renovations on the house.
Jamie and Marco’s Riad, Dar Zero
Medina - Tangier
WHERE TO EAT…
There are so many incredible places to eat in Tangier but here a few of my favorite spots. First of all, El Morocco Club is a great place for Moroccan food with a gastronomic twist. There is also Casa d’italia, a fabulous Italian restaurant in a historical setting of Tangier (if you need a break from Moroccan food) . I would also recommend Le Saveur de Poisson for a casual seafood dinner, and San Remo for some delicious Mediterranean food. My favorite dish to order is always a fresh fish since Tangier is right on the water... Lots of garlic butter and olive oil - all the good stuff! Et voilà.
WHAT TO DO…
First things first: shop and walk in the medina, there are so many shops as well as little nooks to check out. After walking around, you will definitely have a sense of what goes on during the day. Another thing I like to do is to go to the beach at Le Mirage Hotel. To have lunch there and sit by the pool is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. It’s great to visit the American Legation Museum, for the history and the interesting architecture. It documents early diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Morocco in an 1821 Moorish-style former consulate.
Jamie Creel - Tangier
Adolfo de Velasco - Photo credit www.pinterest.com
WHERE TO SHOP…
Las chicas - Concept store right by the Medina... womens caftans, jewelry, books, shoes, and hats…
Majid - everything from homeware to beautiful textiles, you will be sure to find something you will take home with you.
Olas - tiny super chic shop with women’s/men's clothing and accessories, and who could forget Adolfo de Velasco.
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