After the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, Tangier was a breath of fresh air. In this seaside gem situated just across the Strait of Gibraltar from the Spanish coast, we were able to relax and slow down. And our backdrop for our two days in Tangier was the beautiful villa hotel, Mimi Calpe.

mimi calpe pink flowers tangier morocco

When we arrived (after the world's longest travel day), we were surprised by how centrally located Mimi Calpe was. It was right in the middle of the city, but we were expecting something a bit more remote. However, once we saw the property, the city behind the walls fell away immediately.

flowers with window mimi calpe tangier morocco

Built in the 1860s by French and British architects, Mimi Calpe is an oasis in the middle of a Moroccan metropolis. The villa is expansive and peaceful, and the staff is attentive but hands off. It reminded us of staying with dear friends who are so excited to welcome you into their home. The staff made us delicious Moroccan meals, guided us toward the best of Tangier, and made us feel at home. Mimi Calpe made us feel like locals for a while.

pool at mimi calpe tangier morocco

There are quiet corners everywhere where you can get lost. Our hosts prepared us beautiful, homemade meals served by candlelight in the back garden, complete with crême brulée for dessert. On our last morning, they brought us our breakfast by the pool while we lazed around in lounge chairs with our books. If you're looking for a brand new hotel with amenities galore, this is not the place. The paths are windy and unpaved, their laundry hangs on a line in the garden, and the pool isn't heated. However, if you're looking for somewhere to blend in with the locals, relax, and sit still for a while, look no further than Mimi Calpe.

laundry line clothesline tangier morocco

cat in morocco tangier mimi calpe

balcony at mimi calpe tangier morocco

turtle mimi calpe tangier morocco

tree with fruit marrakech morocco

villa mimi calpe tangier morocco

breakfast at mimi calpe tangier morocco

view through window at villa mimi calpe tangier morocco

hibiscus flower at mimi calpe tangier morocco

window at mimi calpe tangier morocco

seagull on roof tangier morocco

All images shot by Andie Furber on a vintage Minolta SRT100 on 35mm film.

Book your stay.

What to pack:

 outfit layout mimi calpe tangier morocco

1. Everlane Linen Workwear Shirt 2. Madewell Drapey Rib Crop Tank 3. Everlane Easy Pant 4. Fujifilm Instax Film Camera 5. Clare V Louis Bag 6. Ray Ban Hexagonal Flat Lens Sunglasses 7. Beatrice Valenzuela Sandalias

Before you pack your bag, read our Tangier city guide >

 Planning your next getaway? Check out these posts.

Laurie Furber