Late Summer Sunshine

I recently had the opportunity to visit Tunisia for the first time. We stayed at the luxury 5* Royal El Mansour hotel in Mahdia which is about an hour and a half away from the modern airport at Enfidha. The hotel is right on a lovely stretch of sand and walking distance to the centre of Mahdia.

When we arrived at the hotel we were given our all-inclusive wrist bands and went straight into the restaurant for our lunch (check-in came later). The meals are taken in a large buffet style restaurant with loads of choice with different serving stations for soups, breads, salads, main courses, sweets, fruit and also a pasta/pizza station – so really something for everyone. Many dishes are prepared right in front of you and there are lots of waiters who serve you drinks and show you to your table.

After lunch we were taken to our room, it was on the fourth floor and very spacious, with a flat screen TV, large king size bed, super bathroom, safe and plenty of wardrobe space. We were allocated a city view facing room, which I’m delighted to say was quiet (when the patio door was closed) despite overlooking a busy road. There is an advantage as well, as the city view rooms get the best of the afternoon sunshine on their balconies.

It’s a large hotel (390 rooms and 57 suites) spread over five floors with loads of facilities and a full animation team to keep you occupied day and night. Sea view rooms look over the three large swimming pools and on to the lovely sandy beach. During our stay we took full advantage of the many facilities on offer, we enjoyed the entertainment, used the Spa, ate far too much in the restaurant, enjoyed a few drinks and lounged on the beach. There is a super atmosphere in the hotel, with lots of different nationalities and all having a super time. The main reason for this are the hard-working staff, from the General Manager who serves guests orange juice at breakfast in the morning to the cleaning and waiting staff who are always helpful and doing their best to ensure you have a super holiday. The hotel also was spotlessly clean.

We visited the Friday market in Mahdia, one of the few times we left the hotel (with so much happening you really could spend all your holiday time without ever leaving the hotel). The market was great fun and it is as much for locals as it for tourists with lots of opportunities to barter. A highlight was the local crafts on sale near the Medina. I would recommend this hotel to most clients looking for a quality holiday in the sun, families (kids were all fussed over by the hotel staff) and couples would enjoy staying here. Don’t go looking for lots of nightlife though, there isn’t any in Mahdia.

Brucie’s do’s and don’ts • Do try and change some money as soon as you arrive, small dinars are great for tipping and you cannot obtain their currency outside Tunisia • Don’t use the airport porters at Enfidha they are persistent about taking your luggage but are renowned for overcharging. • Don’t be afraid to barter for goods, it’s expected and is great fun. • Do tip for good service when warranted it is really appreciated.