Villa Mabrouka: Experience Yves Saint Laurent’s Legendary Vacation House in Morocco

Perched dramatically on a Tangier clifftop overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, Villa Mabrouka stands as a testament to artistic vision and cultural fusion. This former vacation house of legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent has been meticulously restored and now offers discerning travelers a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the creative sanctuary that inspired some of fashion’s most iconic collections. The “House of Luck,” as its Arabic name translates, combines 1940s modernist architecture with traditional Moroccan design elements and English country house interiors—creating an unparalleled luxury experience steeped in artistic heritage.

The Saint Laurent Legacy in Morocco

Yves Saint Laurent’s love affair with Morocco began in 1966 when he and his partner, Pierre Bergé, first visited Marrakech. Despite being greeted by a week of rain, the country captivated the designer’s imagination and transformed his creative vision. “Before Marrakech, everything was black,” Saint Laurent famously remarked. “This city taught me color, and I embraced its light, its insolent mixes, and ardent inventions.”

This initial encounter sparked a lifelong connection to Morocco. The couple purchased their first property in Marrakech in 1980, and in 1997, they acquired Villa Mabrouka in Tangier. The clifftop retreat became a sanctuary where Saint Laurent found inspiration for his groundbreaking collections, infusing his designs with the vibrant colors and textures of North Africa.

Yves Saint Laurent found endless inspiration in the colors and atmosphere of his Moroccan retreat

Architectural Marvel: Design and Restoration

When Saint Laurent and Bergé purchased the 1940s Art Deco building, they enlisted legendary decorator Jacques Grange to transform the interiors. “The theme wanted by Yves was that of an eccentric Englishman of the postwar years who had come to live in Tangier,” Grange explained. “Yves wanted chintz and one color per room… it was like decorating a house for characters out of a play by Tennessee Williams.”

Each room at Villa Mabrouka follows Saint Laurent’s vision of a single dominant color theme, creating distinct atmospheric experiences

In 2019, British designer Jasper Conran acquired the property and undertook a four-year restoration project. Conran, also the proprietor of L’Hôtel Marrakech, approached the renovation with deep respect for Saint Laurent’s aesthetic vision. He modernized the infrastructure while preserving the essence of the 1940s modernist architecture and the unique design elements that made the villa special.

Design Elements That Define Villa Mabrouka

Intricate zellige tilework showcases traditional Moroccan craftsmanship

• Monochromatic color schemes in each suite, from emerald and chutney to caramel and rose
• Handmade bejmet and zellige glazed clay tiles throughout the property
• Original Murano chandeliers preserved from Saint Laurent’s time
• Floor-to-ceiling windows that frame spectacular views of the Strait of Gibraltar
• Fusion of 16th-century Andalusian tiles with ancient Roman mosaics
• Beamed ceilings and monochromatic marble floors that maintain the original character

Luxury Accommodations at Villa Mabrouka

Today, Villa Mabrouka offers 12 exquisite suites, each with its own distinctive character and color palette. What was once the private retreat of fashion royalty now welcomes guests to experience the same inspiration and tranquility that captivated Saint Laurent.

The Marrakech Suite features the forest green palette that inspired many of Saint Laurent’s collections

The Marrakech Suite

Once the master bedroom of Saint Laurent and Bergé, this signature suite features a working fireplace, glazed seat, and the original beamed ceilings. The forest green color scheme creates a serene atmosphere complemented by pure white accents.

The Meknes Suite bathes guests in golden yellow tones that capture Morocco’s sunlight

The Meknes Suite

Doused in golden yellow tones, this suite captures the essence of Moroccan sunlight. The room features locally handmade textiles and original architectural details that transport guests to a bygone era of elegance.

The Rabat Suite incorporates extensive rattan elements for textural richness

The Rabat Suite

Distinguished by its extensive use of rattan in wall panels and headboards, this suite creates a tactile experience that complements its caramel color scheme. The natural materials create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The Enchanting Gardens and Pools

Perhaps the most vibrant aspect of Villa Mabrouka is its lush gardens cascading down the clifftop. Saint Laurent found endless inspiration in these verdant spaces, and today’s guests can experience the same connection to nature’s beauty.

Villa Mabrouka’s gardens cascade down the clifftop, creating a verdant paradise overlooking the Mediterranean

Under Jasper Conran’s stewardship, the gardens have been enhanced with a replanting program that has added 6,500 new plants, shrubs, and trees to the already abundant grounds. This botanical sanctuary features:

• Sweeping lawns that frame spectacular sea views
• Rare Mediterranean plant species carefully curated for year-round color
• Secluded seating areas for private contemplation
• Fragrant herb gardens that perfume the air
• Ancient olive trees that provide natural shade

The emerald herringbone-tiled plunge pool reflects Saint Laurent’s love of color

Two Distinctive Swimming Experiences

Villa Mabrouka offers two unique swimming experiences. The main pool is dramatically carved into the clifftop rocks, creating a natural infinity effect as water cascades over its edge. A smaller, more intimate plunge pool is embellished with striking emerald herringbone tiles that were locally made, exemplifying the property’s commitment to Moroccan craftsmanship.

Culinary Delights and Dining Spaces

Dining at Villa Mabrouka is an experience that engages all the senses. The property features three restaurants, each offering a distinct atmosphere and culinary approach. From traditional Moroccan flavors to Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, every meal celebrates the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.

The restored Stuart Church pavilion offers an elegant dining experience with panoramic sea views

Distinctive Dining Venues

Among the property’s most notable dining spaces is the original pavilion designed by American architect Stuart Church, which has been carefully restored to its former glory. Guests can also enjoy afternoon tea in the Mynott Pavilion, where the tradition of English hospitality meets Moroccan hospitality.

The rooftop terrace provides perhaps the most spectacular dining setting, with 360-degree views encompassing the Strait of Gibraltar, the Mediterranean Sea, and the distant shores of Spain. Here, under the stars, guests can savor locally sourced cuisine while contemplating the same vistas that inspired one of fashion’s greatest visionaries.

Exploring Tangier: The Gateway to Morocco

Villa Mabrouka’s location in Tangier places guests in one of Morocco’s most fascinating cities. Known as the gateway between Europe and Africa, Tangier has long attracted artists, writers, and free spirits seeking inspiration in its unique cultural blend.

Nearby Attractions

• The historic Kasbah with its winding streets and ancient fortifications
• The vibrant Medina, where traditional crafts and modern art coexist
• Café Hafa, a tiered cliffside café frequented by cultural icons like the Rolling Stones and Beatles
• The American Legation Museum, the first American public property outside the United States
• Cap Spartel, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean

Tangier’s historic Kasbah offers a glimpse into the city’s rich multicultural heritage

Villa Mabrouka is just one mile from Tangier’s city center, making it an ideal base for exploring this fascinating destination. The property’s staff can arrange private tours, shopping excursions, and cultural experiences to enhance your stay and provide insider access to Tangier’s hidden treasures.

Unique Experiences at Villa Mabrouka

Staying at Villa Mabrouka offers more than just luxurious accommodations—it provides access to exclusive experiences that connect guests with the rich cultural heritage of Morocco and the creative legacy of Yves Saint Laurent.

Experience traditional Moroccan tea ceremonies in the gardens

Cultural Immersion

Participate in traditional Moroccan tea ceremonies, learn the art of local cuisine through private cooking classes, or enjoy storytelling sessions that bring to life the legends and history of Tangier.

Creative workshops connect guests with Saint Laurent’s artistic legacy

Creative Inspiration

Follow in Saint Laurent’s creative footsteps with fashion sketch workshops, color theory sessions, or guided tours focusing on how Morocco’s vibrant palette influenced the designer’s revolutionary work.

Private dining experiences offer unforgettable moments

Exclusive Moments

Enjoy private dining experiences in secluded garden nooks, sunset cocktails on the rooftop terrace, or moonlit swims in the clifftop pool—all with the attentive service of the villa’s dedicated staff.

Experience Villa Mabrouka: Your Moroccan Sanctuary

Villa Mabrouka offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the creative legacy of Yves Saint Laurent while experiencing the pinnacle of Moroccan hospitality. With just 12 exclusive suites, availability is limited for this extraordinary property that bridges fashion history, architectural excellence, and cultural immersion.

A Legacy of Inspiration Awaits

Villa Mabrouka stands as a living testament to Yves Saint Laurent’s creative vision and his profound connection to Morocco. More than just a luxury accommodation, it offers guests an opportunity to step into the world that inspired one of fashion’s greatest innovators—to experience firsthand the colors, textures, and atmosphere that transformed his artistic perspective.

From the moment you pass through its carved wooden doors, Villa Mabrouka envelops you in an atmosphere of refined elegance and cultural richness. Whether you’re relaxing by the emerald-tiled pool, dining under the stars with views of the Strait of Gibraltar, or simply contemplating the same vistas that captivated Saint Laurent, you become part of a continuing legacy of inspiration and artistic appreciation.

As daylight fades, Villa Mabrouka reveals yet another facet of its timeless beauty