Hotel Royal Thalassa Monastir – Skanes, Tunisia

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Sinking into the bubbling jacuzzi on my hotel suite’s balcony, a chilled glass of wine in hand, I marvel at the pinkish-purple hues painting the sky as the sun dips below the horizon. It’s easy to see why the Hotel Royal Thalassa Monastir considers this one of its most extravagant VIP rooms.

A luxury stay at Hotel Royal Thalassa Monastir

Based in the lively resort of Skanes on Tunisia’s eastern coast, the five-star Hotel Royal Thalassa Monastir is conveniently located with the medinas and souks of Monastir and Sousse on its doorstep, just a mile from the nearest international airport.

Surrounded by palm tree-filled gardens and a private golden beach caressed by the azure shores of the Mediterranean, Hotel Royal Thalassa Monastir offers 360° postcard-perfect views.

Stay in a VIP spa suite

While the hot tub on the balcony is hard to top, my VIP spa suite certainly has its other perks. The room is styled in a contemporary fashion with subtle nods to Tunisian tradition, evident in the Islamic geometric patterns embossed on the headboard and wardrobe, and the mini tagine served alongside the fresh fruit bowl. Spotlessly clean, every detail is thoughtfully curated.

Dressed in crisp white Egyptian cotton sheets and adorned with teal satin cushions to match the floor-to-ceiling curtains, my snug super kingsize bed is like a plush, oversized marshmallow.

A velvet armchair and footstool next to the bed beckon me to rest, while two white leather armchairs and a cozy sofa huddled around a glass coffee table provide the ideal spot to relax with some complimentary drinking water or a glass of Tunisian wine ordered via 24-hour room service.

Scattered with rose petals, the marble bathroom features a free-standing bathtub, an overhead rain shower, and a double sink, all kitted out with luxury Tunisian toiletries, fluffy white bathrobes, and towelling slippers.

This is one of 20 VIP suites located within the grounds of the Royal Elyssa Thalasso & Spa, directly connected to the hotel. Some of these suites also include private massage cabins and hammams, with the Presidential Suite boasting its own private pool and jacuzzi.

Choose from a range of rooms

Besides its VIP spa suites, Hotel Royal Thalassa Monastir houses 280 rooms ranging from single to triple occupancy, including 14 superior rooms and seven suites. Spanning three floors, each air-conditioned room offers a terrace with views of the shimmering Mediterranean, the pool, or the garden.

Dining at Hotel Royal Thalassa Monastir

With three on-site restaurants, you’ll never go hungry at Hotel Royal Thalassa Monastir. From breakfast to dinner, indulge in the all-inclusive buffet at Chief’s Market restaurant, offering an enticing selection of Tunisian and international cuisine.

Bread and pastries are baked fresh daily, while live cooking stations offer freshly made Tunisian bambalouni doughnuts (reminiscent of those I enjoyed on my Tunisian food tour), vegetable-packed omelettes, crêpe-style pancakes, and more.

While this is largely a self-service setup, the attentive staff are always on hand if you fancy a drink from the bar or need any assistance. Ask them nicely, and they’ll even save you a prime spot for dinner.

Alternatively, treat yourself to lunch or dinner in à la carte restaurant, Cafe Mona. From traditional Tunisian to Mediterranean, European and Asian options, dine on gourmet dishes as you admire the dreamy pool views.

From May until September, enjoy a sun-drenched seaside supper at the beachfront à la carte restaurant, La Voile. Delight in a range of dishes, from traditional Tunisian mezzes to Mediterranean-inspired flavours like grilled langoustines with basil oil, grilled prawns with aioli, and cold cucumber soup with coriander.

As part of their package, all-inclusive guests can enjoy a meal once a week at either Mona or La Voile.

Feeling thirsty? Choose from four all-inclusive bars (selected drinks only), including a seasonal beach and pool bar. In the evening, The Rendez-vous Bar is the perfect spot to catch up over a few drinks or enjoy live music and entertainment.

Swimming pools

Hotel Royal Thalassa Monastir is home to not one, not two, but three swimming pools including two outdoor pools and one indoor pool.

Royal Elyssa Thalasso & Spa

After splashing around in the pool or enjoying the evening entertainment at the bar, treat yourself to a relaxing spa day. With an indoor saltwater pool and jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath, Turkish hammam, and its own hair and beauty salon, Royal Elyssa Thalasso & Spa is renowned not only as one of the best spas in Tunisia but also as one of the most beautiful thalassotherapy centres in the world.

Soak in the mineral-rich thalassotherapy pool and unwind under the fountains as the water massages your back and shoulders. Then, retreat to the calming bubbles of the jacuzzi for the ultimate relaxation experience.

Guests can choose to pay for daily use of the spa facilities, with luxury treatments ranging from invigorating facials to relaxing massages available for an additional fee.

Additional facilities

Hotel Royal Thalassa Monastir offers a wide range of amenities to assist guests during their stay, including an on-site shop, currency exchange, laundry and cleaning services, and complimentary WiFi.

Families can take advantage of the on-site kids’ club, a designated outdoor children’s pool, and an entertainment program.

Meanwhile, sports enthusiasts can enjoy beach volleyball, bocce, fitness classes, tennis, table tennis, and volleyball, with paid water sports available from the beach and three golf courses nearby.

Additionally, the hotel is well-equipped for hosting corporate events and functions, featuring a business centre with six meeting spaces.

What to do while staying at Hotel Royal Thalassa Monastir

Here are some suggestions of places to visit while staying at Hotel Royal Thalassa Monastir. Find more inspiration on the Discover Tunisia website.

• The Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba: a revered tomb dedicated to the country’s first President, standing as an architectural marvel.
  
• Monastir Ribat: Explore this historic Islamic fortress, with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
  
• Medina of Monastir: Wander through this bustling market area to shop for local crafts and souvenirs, and enjoy traditional Tunisian cuisine.
  
• Great Mosque of Sousse: Discover the impressive architecture and serene ambience of this ancient mosque in nearby Sousse, just a 20-minute drive away.
  
• Medina of Sousse: Explore this UNESCO-listed old town, filled with narrow alleys, historical sites, and vibrant markets.
  
• El Jem Amphitheater: Take a day trip to marvel at one of the largest Roman amphitheaters, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Offering five-star all-inclusive luxury to suit various budgets, the Royal Thalassa Monastir is perfectly situated for exploring all that Tunisia has to offer – though you might be tempted to spend your entire stay enjoying the comforts of your VIP spa suite!

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