An Oasis in the Bohemian City
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The Allure of Tangier: Mystery, History, and a Unique Energy
Tangier, a city rich in stories of spies, mysteries, and legends, captivated me in ways I hadn’t expected. Its unique energy, blending history with modernity, is truly one-of-a-kind. The place I’m about to share mirrors this very essence, offering a similar vibe that’s hard to put into words.
Wandering through the narrow streets of Tangier, you can almost feel the weight of its past—a city that has witnessed countless significant events. This feeling persists when you sit in the lounge of La Maison de Tanger or relax by the pool in its tranquil garden. The space exudes a similar energy—a blend of history, mystery, and artistry.
La Maison de Tanger: A Bohemian Refuge with Soul
Tangier has always been a magnet for those seeking a bohemian lifestyle. Its cosmopolitan, somewhat rogue spirit has drawn everyone from aristocrats to artists in search of freedom and indulgence. Writers like William Burroughs and Jack Kerouac, actress Rita Hayworth, and intellectuals like Winston Churchill were all part of the city’s rich history. Notably, the Beat Generation was particularly enamored with the city’s permissive and liberating atmosphere.
With such a fascinating backdrop, it was clear that La Maison de Tanger was the right fit for my stay. Owned by two Canadian musicians, the space immediately piqued my curiosity—just like many of the boutique properties that inspire me. Throughout this article, I’ll share the story behind this intriguing location, as told to me by Jeff, one of the owners. You’ll also learn why La Maison de Tanger is an excellent choice for your stay in Tangier.
Photos in this article are © La Maison de Tanger, and mine.
There’s Music in La Maison de Tanger
Alex Henry Foster and Jeff Beaulieu, the partners behind La Maison de Tanger, are not just successful entrepreneurs—they are musicians with a rich history in the alternative rock scene. Their former band, Your Favourite Enemies, was a unique blend of sounds, drawing comparisons to icons like Mogwai, Nick Cave, Sonic Youth, The Cure, and Swans. According to Jeff, their music embodied a crossroads of these influences, creating something entirely their own.
The duo’s band was entirely self-managed, from recording and producing their music in an old church-turned-recording studio to designing their own merchandise, handling marketing, and booking tours. Their hard work and dedication took them around the world for nearly three years, which, as Jeff puts it, was exhausting. Alex focused on the artistic and musical vision, while Jeff managed the back-end operations—the “boring part,” as he humorously calls it.
Drawn to Tangier: A Journey of Art, Literature, and Serendipity
After such an intense period on the road, they longed for a break and decided to visit a country they had never been to before. Alex, being a big fan of the Beat Generation, was drawn to Tangier, while Jeff initially suggested Istanbul as their destination. Ultimately, they flew to Casablanca, rented a van, and toured Morocco for three weeks. During their travels, they crossed paths with a guide who shared a captivating story about Paul Bowles, an author Alex admires deeply. This led them to a legendary hotel in Tangier, Dar Nour, where a sunset overlooking stunning views set the stage for a fortuitous meeting with the owners. The connection was instant, and they ended up helping the owners search for a new space in Tangier.
Tangier has long been a haven for artists and creatives, and as the owners of Dar Nour put it, strolling through the streets of this inspiring city feels like walking through a painting by Matisse or Delacroix, or stepping into the world of a novel by Kerouac or Bowles. This energy, rich in artistic history and creative allure, captivated Alex and Jeff from the moment they arrived.
The Unique Energy of Tangier
I loved how Jeff agrees with me in saying that Tangier has a special vibration and energy that feels different from other places in Morocco. As I mentioned at the beginning, it’s something you can truly feel in this city.
According to Jeff, there’s always something happening in Tangier. From here, Africa and Europe are face-to-face, and it’s one of the bridges to Europe. It’s a place where many dreams begin or end, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea, a melting pot where Catholic churches, synagogues, mosques, and a rich cultural blend coexist.
The magic of Tangier is reflected in both its art and the warmth of its people, as well as the international context that fills the air. Jeff shared with me a couple of examples of the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
A City of Contrasts and Unexpected Encounters
For example, you walk into an English pub called London Pub, with big TV screens and cozy sofas, but nothing about it feels like London. On the screens, there’s a soccer match, but in the background, you hear Toni Braxton, Bryan Adams, or some weird 80s romantic tunes. There are flowers on the tables, they serve alcohol (which is technically not allowed but you can find it everywhere), and suddenly the waiter asks if you’d like sushi for dinner. Sushi, in an English pub in Tangier? But it doesn’t end there—suddenly, a girl starts singing a mix of Andalusian and Arabic sounds, and everyone joins in. By the end of the night, you feel like you’ve been to twelve places in one, and yet, Tangier’s magic makes this strange, eclectic mix have a special, unique meaning.
Or maybe one night you go out for a nightcap, walk into a place, and find yourself in an impromptu jam session of hypnotic sounds until 5 a.m. with the place still packed. I think Jeff mentioned that this spot was called Disco Radio.
Tangier is the new hotspot in Morocco, with a vibrant scene where there’s always something happening.
Tangier: A City That Captivates
Tangier has a vibrant energy that captures you. It’s a city full of movement, constantly alive with people coming and going, especially as a port city. Even for tourist agencies, it’s more of a transit point. And honestly, it’s a shame, because I’m not exaggerating when I say that three days here could feel too short.
Back to our protagonists’ story: after returning to Canada following their three-week tour of Morocco, tragedy struck when Alex’s father passed away. Feeling the need to reconnect with himself, Alex decided to return to Tangier. What began as a few weeks turned into months as he immersed himself in the city.
A New Chapter in Tangier
During his time there, Alex met all kinds of people, and Tangier’s energy led him to have long, spontaneous conversations that seemed to stretch the sense of time. He shared with Jeff that he wanted to bring the band back to Tangier, to a friend’s house that he hoped to turn into an artist residency. The band ended up spending six months there, and during that time, Alex’s album Windows in the Sky was born.
It was after this transformative period that Alex and Jeff decided to acquire La Maison de Tanger. Alex, feeling deeply grateful for what the city had given him during a difficult time in his life, wanted to give back. Tangier had reignited his spirit when he was at rock bottom, and now it was time to return the favor.
Their friends from Dar Nour helped them in their search for the right space. Amidst the pandemic, when travel wasn’t possible, they began looking at places online. By June 2021, they had visited La Maison de Tanger in person, and it was love at first sight. They secured the property with a deposit and immediately took it off the market—they had found a gem.
The Essence of La Maison de Tanger: Personal Touches and Unforgettable Details
At La Maison de Tanger, everything is about the small details and the personal touch. Their marketing is word of mouth, and the atmosphere is undeniably special. This often happens in places connected to the performing arts—there’s a certain intensity and sensitivity that creates a unique character, leaving an imprint on the space.
It’s not just about the spacious, comfortable rooms or suites, some with terraces, or the stunning garden with its Instagram-worthy pool. It’s the personal, close-knit experience that truly gives the location its character and makes it unforgettable.
La Maison de Tanger: A Soulful Refuge in the Heart of Tangier
In Alex’s words, La Maison de Tanger is “a new adventure that offers an incredibly soulful refuge for anyone looking for a place to rest, mourn, reimagine their lives, design or redesign their personal journey, and embrace life, love, friendship, and whatever we might want to define our upcoming seasons with.”
I found the space incredibly approachable and cozy, with a perfect blend of modern and classic touches, bathed in light. It truly embodies the essence of a home away from home. Located just a few meters from the Great Souk, the Medina, the Kasbah, and all the essential spots to explore and get lost in, La Maison de Tanger offers the ideal base for your Tangier adventure—a city that has captivated so many, where time will surely feel too short.
La Maison de Tanger boasts a beautiful 600-square-meter garden with a refreshing pool, lush greenery, including a century-old palm tree and several orange trees, as well as a rooftop terrace. The space also offers a cozy lounge area, five unique rooms, and three suites. Additionally, there’s a hamman and a gym, with the option of having lunch or dinner upon request.
Below, I’m sharing some photos of the suites and rooms, each with its own unique charm.
Click here to see more pictures of La Maison de Tanger
Click here to check prices or book La Maison de Tanger
Many thanks to Jeff for the great conversation and to the entire team for making my stay so memorable—for your kindness and for the positive energy at all times.
Now you know: La Maison de Tanger, a perfect fit for this amazing city.
That’s all for today. I hope you liked my recommendation, and as always, you can find my daily quality content on Instagram.