Opening its doors in October 2023, The Residence Douz is Cenizaro Hotels &
Resorts’ first desert resort and the brand’s second opening in Tunisia. Serving as a gateway to the
Sahara, surrounded by glistening golden sands and swaying palms, the serene retreat comprises of
50 elegant villas, two gourmet restaurants and a sprawling Spa by Clarins, all set within 14 hectares
of rolling dunes.
Located in southern Tunisia, the luxury resort provides an otherworldly escape for travellers seeking
an oasis of comfort and seclusion. Set within an intimate palm oasis, the encampment seamlessly
combines modern luxuries with timeless elegance, inviting guests to dream peacefully under a sky full
of stars and detach from the outside world. Referencing local design and aesthetics, villas and
communal areas incorporate artwork from emerging Tunisian painters and sculptors, hand-woven
carpets and private terraces. Take a dip in the expansive pool before whiling away the afternoon on
plush sun loungers, with refreshing beverages and sumptuous snacks served poolside to quench
appetites.
With a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore, guests are encouraged to venture
outside the resort by jeep, camel or quadbike and fully immerse themselves in the destination. Guest
ambassadors are on hand to arrange a variety of excursions, from day trips to the village of Matmata,
famed for its troglodyte houses which once played the home of Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, to a
luxury camping experience in Tembaine. Travel across dunes in 4x4s and pass through Jebil Park to
spot protected Saharan species from gazelles to reptile, before arriving at camp for sunset to gather
around the fire and dine under the stars. Another must-visit site is Tamerza, an abandoned village that
overlooks a mesmerising mountainscape, complete with towering waterfall and canyon which guests
can wander through during a full-day excursion. This includes a tour of a former Berber fortress, Ksar
Beni Alssa and a visit to the mountains of Toujane.
An amalgamation of worldwide influences and cuisines, Tunisia’s rich culture is reflected in the
resort’s two dining experiences that celebrate Arabic delicacies and Mediterranean elegance, with
both fine dining and comfort food on offer. The resort is also home to Cenizaro’s Earth Basket
initiative, an organic farm and nursery where a variety of local vegetables, spices and herbs are
grown. Guests can learn about sustainable farming practices at the Mud House, a cultural hub set in
the heart of the resort that provides an array of workshops on ancient crafts and traditional Tunisian
practices.
After days spent basking in the desert heat, senses can be soothed at the Spa by Clarins, an elixir for
the soul, the tranquil space boasts a large hammam, 8 treatment rooms, 2 scrub rooms, an indoor
pool, traditional Moorish Baths and an opulent lounge. Indulge in an array of signature treatments that
seek inspiration from the surrounding nature and incorporate indigenous ingredients including
ghassoul clay and beldi soap. For tiny travellers, the kid’s club is complete with an observatory for
stargazing, child-friendly pool and playrooms for children to revel in the shade.
The Residence Douz follows in the footsteps of The Residence Tunis, which opened in 1996 and
remains a firm favourite amongst luxury travellers visiting the north of the country. Cenizaro Hotels
and Resorts want to continue investing in this cultural destination and is delighted to now provide
travellers with two unique offerings, allowing guests to travel from the coast to the desert with ease
and uncover the many treasures of Tunisia.
About The Residence Douz
Set in southern Tunisia, The Residence Douz is Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts’ first desert resort and
marks the brand’s second opening in Tunisia. Boasting 50 elegant villas, 2 gourmet restaurants and a
sprawling Spa by Clarins, the luxury resort is surrounded by 14 hectares of golden dunes and
swaying palms. Referencing local design and aesthetics, interiors incorporate artwork from Tunisian
artists and sculptors, while suites feature hand-woven carpets and native textiles. Perfectly positioned
to explore the country’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the concierge can arrange a variety of
excursions from day trips to the village of Matmata, a small Berber town where some residents still
live in traditional troglodyte structures, to luxury camping experiences and visits to Tamerza to
experience its mesmerising mountainscape. The resort’s two restaurants showcase Arabic and
Mediterranean flavours, and dishes incorporate local ingredients grown at the on-site Earth Basket.
Workshops are on offer at the Mud House, a cultural hub that teaches ancient crafts and traditional
Tunisian practices, and The Spa by Clarins features a large hammam, 8 treatment rooms, 2 scrub
rooms, an indoor pool, traditional Moorish Baths and an opulent lounge. For younger guests, the kid’s
club is complete with an observatory for stargazing, child-friendly pool and playrooms. For more
information, visit website.
About Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts
The hospitality arm of Bonvests Holdings Limited, Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts is a leading international
property and hospitality company with a portfolio of independent luxury hotel properties in some of the
world’s most desirable locations. From exotic beach destinations for The Residence by Cenizaro
properties in Mauritius, the Maldives, Tunis, Zanzibar, and Indonesia, to enchanting cultural havens
with Morocco’s first boutique riad hotel, La Maison Arabe, Marrakech and the charmingly intimate
Riad Elegancia, Marrakech, to city properties with the Sheraton Towers Singapore and Four Points by
Sheraton Perth; each hotel reflects a distinct individual personality and sense of place. Dedicated to
providing enriching experiences, Cenizaro’s commitment to excellence is evident across every
element of its business, from exceptional hospitality products to intuitive and personalised services.
About The Residence by Cenizaro
The Residence by Cenizaro properties are located in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations,
each with a stunning beach setting. The portfolio is inspired by its mission to enrich every guest
experience and create a relaxing environment that reflects the destination. Each resort strives to
create long lasting memories, from the food to the wellness offering, to the commitment to the local
communities in each destination. Launching the first property in 1996, The Residence Tunis, the
established hospitality brand followed with The Residence Mauritius, The Residence Zanzibar, The
Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi, The Residence Bintan and finally The Residence Maldives at
Dhigurah in 2019. Further expansion is planned with two hotels in Tunisia, The Medina of Tunis and
Djerba Island – alongside Ubud, Bali and Mapur, Riau Islands in Indonesia.