The staff are a great source of knowledge for all things Tangier – from the best local music spots to the most authentic hammams in which to get a scrub down.
 

Tangier has always been popular with artists and writers, and everyone from Jack Kerouac and Paul Bowles to Tennessee Williams, Brian Jones and Barbara Hutton has wound their away around the nooks and crannies of the city in search of adventure. The sense of possibility and excitement remains, with a unique atmosphere that persists thanks to the city’s historic blend of cultures and influences.

The Nord-Pinus Tanger is owned and designed by Anne Igou, who has filled the interiors with a gorgeously eclectic mix of artisanal objets d’art and antique treasures – think coloured glass, mid-century furniture, leather doors and a riot of colourful tiles, alongside Charlotte Perriand gooseneck lamps and even a chandelier from a Syrian mosque. An inner courtyard with a fountain and a spectacular rooftop vista round off this fresh and individualistic take on a classic Moroccan aesthetic.

The Nord-Pinus Tanger has historic roots, built on an antique Portuguese foundation that sits atop the ancient Roman town of Tingis. Located on the highest point of the Kasbah, its roof terrace bar offers spectacular views across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain. The hotel is also home to an excellent restaurant where guests can sample fruits de mer direct from the Tangier fish market, along with wood-fired tagines and grilled vegetables supplied by farmers in the Rif mountains.

Getting out to see the sights is easy, thanks to the hotel’s central location. The Kasbah Museum is right around the corner, while the Grand Socco is 10 minutes’ walk away. To get a little further afield, head to the Réserve du Cap Spartel – 20 minutes’ drive from the centre, this serene haven of pine-shaded cliffs and sandy coves makes for a perfect day trip.