The Mediterranean seaside resort town of Hammamet has long lured travelers for its beautiful beaches and special light (artists like Paul Klee had a house in the medina). Now a new luxury hotel is hoping to bring back the golden age of travel with décor inspired by the 1930s, when Hammamet first became known around the world. Hôtel La Badira is contemporary in style yet rooted in traditional architecture; fine local artisans were recruited for the project and design details include hand-painted ceramic wall panels with Arabic calligraphy.
A member of Leading Hotels of the World, La Badira has been billed as a symbol of Tunisia’s renewed hospitality sector after a difficult period for tourism. Not only does the hotel have an indoor-outdoor spa by Clarins, but it also has access to Tunisia’s first 45-hole golf course, designed around seven lakes and olive groves.
Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, La Badira Hotel has 130 suites, of which the “Legends” are the crème de la crème. This portfolio of suites is named for iconic characters who vacationed in Hammamet. For example, the Paul Klee Suite is decorated with pops of vibrant color, while the glamorous Wallis Simpson Suite is named for the American socialite who married the Duke of Windsor, formerly King Edward VIII.
Facilities include three restaurants, a cocktail bar, a library, meeting rooms, and an indoor/outdoor spa by Clarins where treatments utilize natural tea-based products. There's also a gym, yoga room, hammam, and indoor pool in the spa. Two on-site boutiques are devoted to local Tunisian handicrafts and food specialities. Note that La Badira is an adults-only hotel.
