Pictured left to right outside the new store are: Paul Hardwick, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Director of Retail; Emma Bailey, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Tutti Taylor, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Councillor Candy Vaughan, Mayor of Eastbourne; Trevor Ridler, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Business Development Manager; and Shirley Waters, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents..
I arrived bright and early to London Southend Airport, found the wonderful easyJet hosts and was met with one of the smoothest, quickest airport experiences I’ve ever had, through check in and security within 15 minutes! Being a little further from London, it’s quieter than other London airports, with less crowds and less queues, and perfectly located for anyone travelling from Suffolk, Essex or the surrounding areas. The extra special touches started straight away as we were whisked away to the SKYLIFE Lounge. It’s a cosy, relaxed space, offering quiet away from the main Departures terminal, complete with light bites, snacks and a selection of hot, cold and alcoholic refreshments, with unlimited Wi-Fi and charging facilities readily available. You can pre-book the SKYLIFE Lounge from only £35 to start your holiday in relaxed style. We boarded our flight with ease and were on our way to Enfidha-Hammamet Airport to discover the wonders awaiting us in tantalising Tunisia!
On arrival we were met by a friendly easyJet representative who helped take our luggage through to the eye-catching easyJet coach. After a short, scenic transfer through the Tunisian countryside, passing towns, mountains, farmlands and wildlife, we arrived at the beautiful Les Orangers Garden Villas and Bungalows in Hammamet. We were welcomed with so much warmth and kindness. We checked in and had a few minutes to see our room and get changed before we were given an in-depth tour of the hotel. As I walked into my suite, I audibly gasped at how superb the space was, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the picture-perfect view outside my terrace balcony!
The Suite at Les Orangers is a 67m² sanctuary where refined comfort meets thoughtful design - featuring a king-size bed, a luxurious bathroom with both shower and bathtub, separate toilet, a serene living room, dining space, and a private terrace. With the option of a second connecting bedroom, it’s perfect for both solitude and shared moments. Every detail has been curated for ease and delight: air conditioning, an orthopaedic mattress (as someone who suffers from back pain, this was highly appreciated!), a coffee machine, mini refrigerator, premium toilettries, a fully stocked minibar, and more – I felt utterly spoilt!
We toured the restaurants, lounges, bars, the spa, and the other room categories available, including the impressive bungalows featuring private pools. After the tour, I spent my free time on the beach, basking in the sun with a mocktail in hand, gazing out at the beautiful turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. This 5-star, all-inclusive resort offers every sun-seeker an idyllic, blissful resort with everything they need for the perfect beach getaway; the softest sand I’d ever felt beneath my toes, stunning gardens where tropical birds can be heard singing, the highest quality accommodations featuring incredible views, fantastic spa facilities, a variety of restaurants offering Tunisian, Mediterranean and Asian cuisines, and international buffet restaurant… I can’t recommend Les Orangers Garden Villas and Bungalows enough!
Day two started with a tour of sister hotel, Les Orangers Beach Resort and Bungalows, which was just a 3-minute walk away from Garden Villas, and offers a blend of relaxation, recreation, and charm, with everything from tennis courts to a kids’ club and games area for little ones. You can unwind by the pool on sun loungers or stroll the soft sandy beach just steps away. The dining options are just as enticing, with a mix of à la carte options - Italian, Tunisian, and Asian - as well as an international buffet, poolside and beach snack bars and multiple bars. Surrounding it all were the most beautiful flower-lined garden paths I’d ever seen, leading to equally stunning accommodations that embrace a more rustic style and decor, adding warmth and character to your stay.
We visited two further resorts in the Hammamet area, Delfino Beach Resort & Spa, and Le Sultan. Both offer idyllic beachfront settings, perfect for sun-seekers and families alike. Each resort features multiple swimming pools - including options for children - and a wide range of leisure activities from watersports to mini golf. Kids are well catered for with dedicated clubs, while adults can unwind in spas offering saunas, Turkish baths, and treatment rooms. Both impressive hotels promise a peaceful escape with comfort and variety at every turn.
After a delicious lunch at Le Sultan we set out to explore the breathtaking Medina of Yasmine Hammamet for a taste of the local culture and way of life in Tunisia. As someone who appreciates historic architecture, stunning vistas and winding alleyways full of stories to tell, I fell in love with the sights and sounds of the Medina, it certainly is a photographer’s dream. Expect whitewashed walls with blue details, intricate tilework, and graceful Moorish arches. Make sure to take the steps to the top of the Medina wall for a spectacular view across the town, which reminded me of Greece with all the white and blue colours! Wandering through the bustling medina you will find local traders, craftsmen, artists and unique souvenirs, and it’s an experience in itself! Traders passionately showcase their wares with charm and persistence. Expect lively banter and enthusiastic invitations into shops; it’s all part of the culture. Come prepared to haggle hard - bargaining is not just accepted, it’s expected.
Later that evening we were treated to an authentic three-course meal at a local Tunisian restaurant called Restaurant Barberousse Marina. Starting with three-part Tunisian starter, kemia, featured on many a local menu, this is typically a trio of flavour-packed dishes, such as harissa (spicy chilli paste), salade mechouia (grilled pepper and tomato salad), and olives or lentils in spiced oil. Served with warm bread, this colourful spread is the perfect way to awaken the palate and dive into Tunisia’s bold, aromatic flavours. This was followed by a delicious chicken and vegetables main, and sorbet for dessert. The restaurant pulled out all the stops to make us feel welcome, even putting on a DJ for us, and after our meal my excitable and lively travel companions decided to turn the back of the restaurant into a dance floor, with the locals joining in and dancing with us - it was a night I’ll never forget!
The next day we checked out of Les Orangers Beach Resort and Bungalows ready to head to our final hotel-stay of the trip. En route we toured more hotels in the popular tourist area of Port el Kantaoui, north of Sousse city. We visited Iberostar Selection Kantaoui Bay and Iberostar Selection Diar El Andalous (where we were staying that night). Both elegant hotels offer landscaped grounds, stylish pools, and direct access to golden sands, making them perfect for both relaxation and adventure. Families are well catered for, thanks to the engaging Star Camp kids’ programme, while adults can unwind in luxurious spas complete with traditional hammams and indulgent treatments. A diverse culinary experience awaits at both, with generous buffet spreads and à la carte restaurants serving up Tunisian and Italian flavours. Whether you're after serenity or sporty fun, both resorts deliver a polished, sun-soaked stay with all the extras! After checking in and settling into my Garden-View Star Prestige Junior Suite with balcony, we had some free time to enjoy the resort, I explored the lounge and bar, then sat beside the pool with another mocktail!
On our final evening we enjoyed a fun-filled Orange themed night to celebrate all things easyJet! We were served delicious Tunisian cuisine in a private function room, and warmth and happiness resonated around the group as we shared memories and highlights of what was an incredible few days together – we all developed a new found love and admiration for the wonderful country of Tunisia and the incredible resorts on offer there.
Our final day arrived, we enjoyed a slow morning at Iberostar Selection Diar El Andalous, going for breakfast and enjoying the facilities, before meeting up for our final hotel visits. We checked out and headed for Skanes, a custom-built resort on Tunisia's east coast, close to the historic cities of Sousse and Monastir. Our first stop was Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort; Straight away I was struck by the fresh, modern and spacious feel of the reception area. This stylish 5-star beachfront hotel offers a sophisticated escape with fantastic facilities and a prime location between Monastir and Sousse. Enjoy outdoor pools, a heated saltwater indoor pool, and a separate kids’ area, making it ideal for families. Relax at the Natura Thalasso & Spa with its hammam, sauna, and range of treatments, or stay active with a gym and tennis court. Dining includes an international buffet and à la carte Italian, while three bars provide drinks, live music, and laid-back vibes day and night.
Our final hotel tour was the 3-star Sahara Beach Aquapark; a very affordable option, ideal for family getaways thanks to its thrilling waterpark, waterslides and kids areas! It offers everything from tennis and mini golf to yoga and a peaceful adults-only pool. Dining includes a buffet with Tunisian and international cuisine, an Italian à la carte, plus poolside and beach bars for snacks and drinks. Accommodation is in comfortable rooms with balconies overlooking the pool, garden, or sea.
Phew – that was a lot of stunning hotels covered, and a lot of steps walked! But - this wasn’t our last destination after all… As a final thank you from the Tunisian Travel Service (the local tourism agency) we were invited to their head office for a quick introduction and drink, and a chance to give our feedback to them about our time in Tunisia. We were welcomed with such warmth, kindness and impeccable hospitality, as we had been throughout the entirety of the trip - at every hotel, by everyone we encountered. We transferred back to the airport and enjoyed a smooth, easy check in process and flight back to London Southend Airport.
Tunisia has truly surpassed my expectations! If you’re looking for beautiful, Caribbean-like beaches, palm-lined shores, year-round sunshine, the warmest hospitality, plus a rich tapestry of history and culture - from ancient Roman ruins and grand mosques to vibrant souks – all within a three-hour flight away and at incredible value, I urge everyone to consider a trip to Tunisia – it is seriously underrated and deserves so much love!
If you feel inspired to visit Tunisia, you can find your local branch here
