NEED TO KNOW

• The Residence's 164 rooms and suites all have a sofa corner, a private balcony and are subtly perfumed with the fragrance of orange blossom
• There is a choice of six restaurants - from fresh seafood, Mediterranean and authentic Chinese cuisine to al fresco dining at the Néroli salad bar
• The hotel has a huge, freeform outdoor pool heated in the winter, as well as an indoor alternative for adults only
• Two tennis courts and watersports including catamaran sailing and kayaking, and an 18-hole golf course ensure that guests are well entertained
• Facilities for children include a children's restaurant, paddling pool and playground
• For families, we recommend the interconnecting Sea view rooms

THE HOTEL
Situated 20 minutes from Tunis and the ancient city of Carthage, the hotel is set in large, landscaped grounds and sits on the edge of a wide, private sandy beach open in the summer. The Residence marries soaring Arab-Andalucian architectural splendour with the sophisticated modernity and excellent service you would expect from one of the 'Leading Hotels of the World'.

The rooms and suites are beautifully appointed, bringing together pale, neutral colours bathed in filtered light, golden honey wood and the ivory marble of Alicante floors. This hotel is relaxed, cool luxury at its best.

The Spa is inspired by Roman Thermal Baths. It includes 30 treatment cabins, an oriental hammam, a sauna, two patios for relaxation between treatments and a majestic cupola covering the seawater swimming pool.

We love the mint tea offered on arrival, refreshing after our flight - and the Mlaoui (traditional Tunisian breads) on offer at breakfast.

The 170 luxurious rooms and suites each offer its own private terrace with views of the garden or the sea. All the light and airy rooms are decorated with precious fabrics and oriental paintings. Each features marble bathrooms with a separate walk-in shower and bathtub, air-conditioning, satellite televisions and mini-bar. The best accommodation for families are the interconnecting rooms. (Note: this hotel is popular with families during high season).