World Traveller June 2019

WEEKENDS
Exploring Sidi Bou Said
CULTURE TRIP
Let us reacquaint you with this culture
spot that's ideally placed for a mindnourishing
mini break
1
TUNIS
A
magnetic combination of souks and
aromatic spices, desert dunes and
historic sites, Tunisia tells a gripping
tale. This year marks a shift in
perspective, with tourist numbers on the rise,
and capital city Tunis being crowned the Arab
Region’s Capital of Islamic Culture by the Islamic
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
To gain a better understanding of the
destination’s old-world charm, we must first
rewind to the 12th-16th century when Tunis was
one of the greatest and wealthiest cities in the
Islamic world. Its special status gave rise to a
wave of monuments that are a testament to the
past. Within the Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO
World Heritage site, there are around 700
scattered across the old city, including palaces,
mosques, mausoleums, madrasas and fountains.
The modern district has a different appeal,
with many of the old buildings transformed into
museums and cultural centres, tea rooms and
restaurants. In the fashionable Les Berges du
Lac quarter, head to Patisserie Masmoudi (@
patisseriemasmoudi) to taste a traditional pastry,
DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT...
... discovering Sidi Bou Said.
Just 20km from Tunis, this
clifftop town overlooks the
sparkling Mediterranean and
is thought to have inspired
famous artists and writers.
... making the 60-minute
car journey to the Dahmani
commune to view the 'cultural
Exploring Sidi Bou Said
cave' brimming with locally
produced modern art.
... embarking on a guided,
film lovers tour of the
such as the sticky-sweet makroudh, with a
Tunisian desert, the birthplace cup of green mint tea. To view east meets
of the original Star Wars saga.
west contemporary art, pop into Musk
and Amber Gallery (@musk_and_amber), which
is a showcase for Tunisian-heritage-inspired
pieces by local artisans.
Adventure seekers will find plenty to keep
them on their toes, with year-round activities
including golf, quad biking in the desert and
watersports (the beaches of Borj Cedria and
Ezzahra are just 20km from the city centre).
When planning a trip, bear in mind that April to
October is best for sea and sun, while autumn
and spring provide the ideal weather conditions
for boat trips and more active excursions.
In terms of where to stay, the beachside The
Residence Tunis is home to chic yet comfortable
rooms and suites, an 18-hole golf course, and
a luxurious spa famous for its thalasso spa
treatments. Villa Didon in Carthage places
you smack bang in the historical district, while
Concorde Les Berges Du Lac Hotel has a scenic
Dining on the beach
setting on the shore of Lake Tunis.
Photos courtesy of The Residence Tunis
58 worldtravellermagazine.com