The Best Luxury Hotels in Tunis
SOURCE: FORBES
BY: LAUREN JADE HILL
With international tourism increasing in Tunis, new luxury hotels have been opening in the Tunisian capital and along the North African coastline. Whether you want to stay in a lavish beach resort or prefer a more traditional boutique hotel, be sure to discover the area’s archaeological sites, atmospheric souks and renowned museums. Then seek out the region’s idyllic coastal towns.
These are the best luxury hotels in Tunis:
Four Seasons Hotel Tunis
This beachfront hotel sits just outside the city on the Gulf of Tunis. From here in the upscale neighborhood of Gammarth, you’re in easy reach of the city’s central business district and old medina, as well as the ancient ruins of Carthage and picturesque blue-and-white painted town Sidi Bou Said. The hotel exhibits a contemporary take on Arabesque architecture amid gardens looking out to sea. Walkways lined with palms lead you between indoor and outdoor pools, a hammam and spa, two tennis courts and a collection of restaurants and bars focusing on Mediterranean flavors.
The Residence Tunis
Also located on the Gulf of Tunis, The Residence Tunis benefits from proximity to the city as well as views over the water from these glistening shores. The hotel combines the country’s Arab-Andalusian heritage with modern luxury. Check in to your garden-, sea- or pool-view room, then retreat to the sprawling thalasso spa, which is the first on the continent to partner with ESPA. Tee off at the 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II, then dine between the columns and arches of Mediterranean restaurant L’Olivier and authentic Tunisian dining room El Dar.
Dar El Jeld Hotel and Spa
This luxuriousboutique hotel and spa lies within the city’s Unesco World Heritage medina, fusing its restored architecture with an elegant, modern style. Inner courtyards lead to just 16 suites, a peaceful garden scented with lemon trees and mosaic and marble-decorated hammam and spa. At mealtimes, choose between the traditional Tunisian restaurant Dar El Jed, which is set in a typical medina-style house with candlelit courtyard, or the rooftop restaurant and bar with views across the old town and a menu of international dishes and Tunisian wines.
Mövenpick Hotel du Lac
Staying at this Mövenpick hotel places you in the picturesque Berges du Lac business district on the banks of Lake Tunis. This means you’re within easy reach of the airport, coastal towns and city sights. Just opened last year, the hotel has a contemporary design with plush rooms boasting uninterrupted lake views and a restaurants offering grilled and live-cooked cuisine. The wellness facilities include the hammam and S Per Aqua Spa, as well as relaxation pool.
La Villa Bleue
Positioned in picturesque Sid Bou Said, this boutique hotel is just outside the city on the Gulf of Tunis, giving you a base that’s close enough to the city’s sights and an authentic Tunisian experience. The blue villa exhibits the typical architectural style of this Insta-perfect town, with stylish interiors featuring modern furnishings, patterned detail and balconies overlooking the hotel’s two pools and the sea. The hotel has a hammam and spa, in addition to its two pools, and a sea-view restaurant serving food inspired by the local terroir.
Sheraton Tunis Hotel
The sprawling Sheraton Tunis Hotel looks out over the city from its vantage point in the financial district. With 285 rooms, it is one of the biggest hotels in Tunis and one that suits travelers who want a wealth of facilities. Spend your time here in the fitness center and state-of-the-art spa and soaking in the indoor and outdoor pools. Restaurants include traditional Tunisian dining spot Walima, Mediterranean restaurant L’Oliveraie and Azzurro, where Italian fare comes with live music.
Dar Ben Gacem
Taking over a restored 17th-century house in the medina, Dar Ben Gacem is a boutique hotel with a story to tell. By working with local artisans and small businesses in the medina, the hotel aims to have a positive impact on the community while also preserving Tunisia’s cultural heritage. Rooms are beautifully decorated with Tunisian arts and crafts and the kitchen puts out fresh homemade local dishes. The hotel also offers a series of Medina Experiences such as Arabic calligraphy, the hammam ritual and food tours.