Scheduled to open in October 2023, The Residence Douz marks Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts’ inaugural venture into desert hospitality, representing their second establishment in Tunisia. Nestled as a gateway to the Sahara, amidst the shimmering golden sands and swaying palms, this tranquil retreat boasts 50 refined villas, two top-tier dining venues, and an expansive Clarins Spa, all encompassed within a vast 14-hectare expanse of undulating dunes.

Situated in the southern reaches of Tunisia, this luxurious resort promises a captivating sanctuary for travellers seeking comfort and seclusion amidst the desert’s mystique. Nestled within an intimate palm oasis, the resort seamlessly merges contemporary luxuries with timeless sophistication, encouraging guests to dream serenely beneath a starlit sky and detach from the outside world. Infused with local design and aesthetics, both the villas and communal spaces showcase works of art from emerging Tunisian painters and sculptors, along with handwoven carpets and private terraces. Guests can take a refreshing dip in the spacious pool and later unwind on plush sun loungers, enjoying delightful beverages and sumptuous snacks served poolside.

Moreover, the resort’s strategic location provides an ideal base for exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, encouraging guests to venture beyond the resort on jeep, camel, or quadbike excursions, immersing themselves fully in the locale. Guest ambassadors stand ready to organise an array of excursions, ranging from day trips to Matmata, renowned for its troglodyte houses featured as Luke Skywalker’s abode in Star Wars, to a luxurious camping experience in Tembaine. Traveling across dunes in 4x4s and passing through Jebil Park offers the chance to observe protected Saharan species, from gazelles to reptiles, before settling around the campfire at sunset for a starlit dining experience. Tamerza, an abandoned village with a breathtaking mountainscape, including a towering waterfall and canyon, presents another must-visit location. Guests can wander through this captivating scenery during a full-day excursion, exploring a former Berber fortress, Ksar Beni Alssa, and the mountains of Toujane.

Celebrating Tunisia’s diverse culture and culinary heritage, the resort offers two distinctive dining experiences that pay homage to Arabic delicacies and Mediterranean elegance, encompassing both fine dining and comfort food. Additionally, The Residence Douz houses Cenizaro’s Earth Basket initiative, an organic farm and nursery cultivating a variety of local vegetables, spices, and herbs, allowing guests to learn about sustainable farming practices at the Mud House, a cultural hub situated at the heart of the resort, offering an array of workshops on ancient crafts and traditional Tunisian practices.

After blissful days under the desert sun, guests can find solace for their senses.

At the Spa by Clarins, a sanctuary for the soul, this tranquil space offers an exquisite array of amenities, including a spacious hammam, eight treatment rooms, two scrub rooms, an inviting indoor pool, traditional Moorish Baths, and an opulent lounge. Guests can luxuriate in a selection of signature treatments inspired by the surrounding nature, expertly crafted with indigenous ingredients such as ghassoul clay and beldi soap.

For the young travellers, the kid’s club is a haven equipped with an observatory for stargazing, a child-friendly pool, and playful playrooms where children can delight in shaded adventures.

The inception of The Residence Douz follows the legacy of The Residence Tunis, which opened its doors in 1996 and has since remained a preferred choice among luxury travellers exploring the northern regions of the country. Cenizaro Hotels and Resorts are committed to investing in this culturally rich destination and are thrilled to present two distinctive offerings, enabling guests to seamlessly journey from the coast to the desert, unveiling the myriad treasures of Tunisia.