Arabesque Tunisia

The contemporary, RCI-affiliated Arabesque is a modern apart-hotel not far from the beach and town centre of Hammamet in the verdant Tunisian east. With its comfy, self-catered accommodation on Rue Assad in the tourist zone, it remains a popular place for timeshare ownership.

Arabesque comes with just a few dozen, well appointed, studios and one bedroom timeshare units and thus offers a more personalised experience than many of the other, larger hotels here. Units are individually decorated and air-conditioned and each has a balcony with garden and/or pool views. Apartments also come with a kitchenette with fridge and stove together with an attractive, spacious lounge area that is decorated in the distinctive hues of this colourful region.

Useful room amenities at the Arabesque include satellite TV, an ironing board and hair dryers and housekeeping is prompt and thorough. The sizeable swimming pool here is somewhat of a focal point and has ample terrace space for sunning oneself, plus there is also a health club and sauna. The Arabesque also comes with a well stocked shop, a restaurant and lounge bar and there are many eateries nearby along with a casino.

Guests can also easily get to Bel Azur Beach, which has all the water sports, including jet-skiing and paragliding, along with good sunbathing potential and even camel-rides. Alternatively, the sightseeing of the town and the shopping at the traditional Hammamet Souk market adds another dimension.

Hammamet has been on the tourist circuit for years and is, in fact, the oldest tourist centre in Tunisia. Along with the dazzling beaches and fun town are lush gardens and olive trees. The Big Mosque and the ancient 16th century fortress are two of the top sights and Hammamet is also loaded up with museums, nearby archaeological sites and vineyards of the Cap-Bon.

Getting in is by way of the busy Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport, which is one of the main gateways to Tunisia and is off to the south of the town. You can transfer by shuttle bus or taxi from here (around 40 minutes), while many visitors choose to rent a car and explore the area—guests can make use of the complimentary parking at Arabesque. There are fine drives up and down the coast, including to the arty town of Nabeul to the north. Beaches go for miles, or you can head inland and explore the lush mountainous regions of this often overlooked country.