Hotel Nord-Pinus Tanger

With pride of place in Tangier's historic kasbah (old town), Nord-Pinus is filled to the rafters with treasures, both old and new. Spy the lacquered Chinese cabinets, French designer decor and Iraqi stained glass windows in the lounges and dining room. The menu offers a medley of traditional Moroccan cuisine, from ocean-fresh fish to tagines cooked over a fire. You can also dine on the terrace, accompanied by views of glinting minarets, tiny boats and pinprick lights from the coast of Spain.

The hotel is intimate and bright, with just five rooms in the main building. The design has retained an old-fashioned feel with large brass beds and kashmiri covers, Art Deco lamps and comfy fauteuil armchairs. While the rooms are light and uncluttered, the bathrooms are rather ornate with mosaiced tiles and gleaming mirrors. The views vary from the foliaged courtyard to the rooftops of Tangiers, while our favourite room sees across the sea to Spain and deep into the Rif Mountains.

Take yourself off to see the city that became a muse for everyone from Tennessee Williams to the Rolling Stones. Peruse antiques in the Grand Socco and take in a film at the Art Deco cinema, get to know the area's many famous artists in innumerous galleries and enjoy a little R&R at a nearby hammam (the staff will happily point you to the best). Of course, Tangier has some beautiful beaches, just right for a day of lounging, swimming or learning to surf.