History of the Riad

Our Vizier’s Palace was designated a historic monument by UNESCO in 1982.

19th century Palace with unusual architectural style, where Arabic-Moorish features mix up with an Art Deco villa, Mayfez embraces the characteristics of the city: a mixture of cosmopolitan historical grandeur and gentle lifestyle.

Bought in 2006, the Riad, has undergone 10 years of refurbishment; 5 years of heavy work, 5 years of embelishment and design , to become Riad Mayfez Suites & Spa.

AN ILLUSTRIOUS FAMILY

Before becoming Riad Mayfez Suites & Spa, the riad served as the residence of an illustrious Moroccan family that contributed significantly to Fez’ history, notably producing the renowned Pacha Tazi, as well as numerous governors and viziers over several generations, both before and during the French protectorate. Haj Omar Tazi, who held the esteemed position of Grand Vizier to the Sultan in Rabat, was the elder brother within the family.

But Mayfez is also the story of a woman of strong character, steeped in tradition yet out of step with the times. Mayfez, formerly known as ‘arsa’ (the Farm), was, until her death, the property of Lalla Tam Tazi, who had chosen not to follow her husband, haj M’hamed Tazi, Mendoub of Tangier, to Tangier. An enthusiast of Western-style comfort, it was her wish to built this 1910-style villa. She lived there alone, surrounded by ‘her court’ and slaves, for a good quarter of a century.

This family’s history intertwines immense wealth, influence, commercial monopolies, and the involvement of some younger descendants in the Rif independence war—a situation where the elders’ power helped avert severe consequences.

Ahmed, the second son of Vizier Haj M’hamed, eventually aligned with his father in the 20’s, becoming his right-hand man and succeeding him as Vizier of Tangier upon his father’s death. He is credited with constructing the magnificent palace that, since 2022, houses the Fairmont Hotel in Tangier.

DEATH & REBIRTH OF A PALTIAL HOME

The prominent families of Fez were often large, and internal tensions were not uncommon.

Consequently, “The Farm” was abandoned after Lalla Tam’s death, leading to inheritance disputes that resulted in the riad passing to the Laraqui Houssaïni family, another distinguished lineage in Fez. Neglected during the latter half of the 20th century, the property suffered considerable damage.

In 2007, Moulay and Dominique Laraqui Houssaïni acquired the riad from one of their family heirs, embarking on a restoration journey, lasting over more than 10 years, in order to revive the palace to its former glory.

First a secondary home, Mayfez has undergone continuous make over in recent years in terms of decoration and bespoke service, that allow it to claim a place of choice on the Luxury market in Fez, promoting its values: Creativity, Exclusivity and Lifestyle.

A FAMILY STORY

Riad Mayfez Suites & Spa was and remains a family story, the story of the Laraqui family. But on the spot, it is with the strong support of the Manager, Mrs Houda El Khadir, that Dominique Laraqui officiates as lady of the house, thanks to a team entirely dedicated to the comfort of her guests.

Moulay was born in Casablanca into a family originating from Fez, before studying and building a career in Europe and ultimately in Egypt.

Dominique has been sharing her life between Europe and Riad Mayfez for a dozen years.  Mayfez is the fruit of her imagination and of the cultures that nursed her. But above all,  Mayfez is the culmination of a long love story with Morocco.

Their passion for architecture and culture is omnipresent at Mayfez, where the cultural approach and artistic creation are at the heart of the experience offered to their guests.