In Tunisia, the exquisite La Badira hotel stands out with its alluring entrance and striking visual contradictions. The entrance is bordered by white pillars, leading to grand doors that unveil a dark corridor decorated with elegant white fish. Upon opening the second door, the vast lobby fills with light, creating a captivating ambiance.
Originally a club for Italian vacationers, La Badira underwent an extensive three-year renovation before reopening in 2015. Nestled in the Gulf of Hammamet, a former haven for celebrated authors and artists like Oscar Wilde and Gustave Flaubert, this hotel exclusively for adults boasts 130 suites and exudes opulence and sophistication.
Highlighting Tunisian culture, La Badira incorporates diverse artifacts across its premises. The ground-floor bar showcases a display of handcrafted Berber-style ceramics, while the Adra restaurant exhibits a traditional Tunisian doorway and vibrant ornamental shelving known as tej. The lobby is adorned with decorative copper serving plates featuring intricate calligraphy and a brass incense holder.
The enchanting atmosphere of La Badira is further elevated by polished speckled marble floors and secluded seating nooks. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls offer captivating views of the manicured garden, palm trees, as well as the hotel’s exclusive beach and infinity pool.
While Tunisia has been traditionally associated with mass tourism, La Badira caters to the high-end demographic. The hotel’s future development plans include independent villas and a private swimming pool, aiming to satisfy the preferences of luxury travelers.
The leisure amenities at La Badira include two pools: an infinity pool overlooking the sea and an indoor heated pool on an upper level with beach vistas. Additionally, the hotel hosts a Clarins spa, providing a hammam and an extensive array of treatments. Guests can choose from sixteen therapy selections, such as Swedish and Lomi Lomi Polynesia massages, Thai-inspired candle massages, Ayurvedic treatments utilizing hot oils, lymphatic drainage, and specialized massages for expectant mothers.
Regarding dining options, La Badira presents a diverse selection. The Adra restaurant serves authentic Tunisian dishes, while Kamila offers international cuisine. During the summer months, an outdoor beach grill is also accessible. For breakfast, guests can relish a meal at Zahila restaurant, and to witness the sunset, the terrace of Cafe Maure offers a splendid panorama.
One of the standout suites at La Badira is suite 1357 on the third floor. With an all-white color palette, including the furnishings, this suite provides panoramic views of the sandy shoreline and the sea. Although lacking distinct rooms, a lattice element subtly separates the bedroom and enclosed toilet, with a glass-fronted shower placed between them. The suite is furnished with a sofa, armchair, coffee table, writing desk, chair, and stone slabs engraved with calligraphy.
All suites at La Badira offer sea vistas, with some rooms named after notable figures associated with the region, such as artist Paul Klee and actress Claudia Cardinale. Other rooms are named after various blossoms.
For those keen on exploring the neighboring locales, the charming coastal town of Hammamet is just six kilometers away, featuring a vibrant marketplace (medina) and an array of cafes and restaurants. Tunis and the remnants of Carthage can also be reached within an hour’s drive.
Image Source: www.labadira.com