THE RESIDENCE DOUZ, DOUZ, TUNISIA

Posted in Projects on 15 September, 2024

Cenizaro’s latest addition to The Residence portfolio offers a luxurious oasis at the edge of the Sahara desert.

Words by Jess Miles.

The Residence resorts are celebrated for inhabiting some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. From the pristine shores of Mauritius to the turquoise waters of the Maldives, each one is located in a glorious beachside setting – until now, that is. With the opening of the brand’s latest resort, exotic coastlines have been swapped for an entirely different kind of paradise where sand still comes in buckets, but sans the spades – trading the Indian Ocean for the vast, undulating sea of Saharan dunes.

This photograph and the one above by Jess Miles. All others courtesy of Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts unless otherwise stated

Tunisia’s hot, dry climate and its rich blend of African, Arab, and Mediterranean cultures make it a fascinating destination for travellers. From exploring ancient ruins and vibrant souks to relaxing on balmy beaches, the north, anchored by Tunis, has it all. However, it’s in Douz – a small, far-flung city in the south known as ‘the gateway to the Sahara’ – where the newest Residence has made its home. On the city’s edge, between shifting sand dunes and sprawling date palm oases, The Residence Douz emerges like a luxurious mirage – its minimalist, cubic stone structures rising gently from the sand, reflecting the natural tones and textures of the desert.

Photograph by Jess Miles

Remote, and fittingly described as ‘at the edge of civilisation,’ Douz has long served as a key rallying point for caravans journeying along North Africa’s ancient trade routes. Today, it remains a custodian of Saharan traditions and a vibrant hub for South Tunisia’s camel raisers – evident when, en route, we’re stopped in the road by a camel herd crossing rather than traffic. Also serving as the door to desert tourism, Douz’s hotel scene has been defined by tented camps and modest accommodations, positioning the city as a humble pit stop along the tourist trail. But, with the arrival of The Residence Douz – where the region’s rich cultural heritage meets modern indulgence – travellers might just be tempted to stay a little (or a lot) longer.

Villa

Marking Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts’ seventh property under The Residence brand, the all-villa resort offers two gourmet restaurants, an on-site kitchen garden, and an expansive Clarins spa, all set across 14 hectares of golden dunes, swaying palms, and thirsty cacti. Designed to create an immersive experience that celebrates the interplay of nature and luxury, guests can still experience a taste of nomadic life with introductory Sahara adventures by camel, quadbike, or four-wheel drive, along with enriching cultural immersions in nearby indigenous Berber villages.

Staying true to Cenizaro’s commitment to heartfelt hospitality in luxurious settings, the interior design of The Residence Douz was entrusted to seasoned international design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates, while architects Patrice Hart and Mohamed Salah Zlaoui shaped the resort’s architecture. The main building, monolithic like a modern fortress, makes a striking first impression. Standing tall alongside low-lying, barrel-vaulted domes, the entrance showcases Tozeur brickwork against a backdrop of refined masonry. The interplay of varying shapes and materials offers a dynamic architectural contrast, speaking to both the harsh beauty of the landscape and the rich cultural heritage of southern Tunisia.

Reception

Stepping inside, the Tozeur brickwork becomes the main feature rather than an accent. Dominating the lobby, protruding and receding yellow bricks form intricate geometrical patterns, wrapping around windows, above doors and all four walls, creating a play of light and shadows. Permeating the rest of the public spaces, glossy whitewashed walls are a cooling contrast to the outside heat as our visit approaches the hottest time of year.

Tan leather furnishings embossed with desert motifs are evocative of the long caravans that crossed the Sahara, while local textiles and pottery subtly infuse the space with the essence of its locale. The lighting is aptly atmospheric, with intricate patterns through polished brass casting celestial patterns of the night sky throughout. Whether in the form of pendant lanterns, wall lights, floor lamps, or elaborate chandeliers, they strike a commanding presence in the lobby bar and beyond in the all-day restaurant, The Dining Room, and the hotel’s signature restaurant, Talis.

Dining at The Residence Douz is a feast for both the palate and the eyes. The menu is a vibrant tribute to Tunisia’s eclectic ancestry, each dish bringing to life the unique blend of African, Arab, and Mediterranean flavours. Crafted using native ingredients grown on-site at the Earth Basket, guests can enjoy an immersive farm-to-table dining experience. As one wanders from their villa to the main building, it’s not unusual to catch a glimpse of the chefs in the vegetable garden, harvesting beetroots for breakfast smoothies or plucking herbs for the evening’s meal.

Left: Hammam. Right: Photograph by Jess Miles

The Earth Basket initiative, part of Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts’ ‘Cenizaro Cares’ program, was first launched at The Residence Bintan in 2019. Now a staple across many of The Residence properties, the year-round kitchen garden offers a sustainable solution for degraded land, converting it into a fertile space for growing fresh produce. Here, in perhaps the most challenging landscape, the Earth Basket not only supports the resort’s culinary offerings but also underscores the brand’s commitment to sustainability and mindful living. Weaving nature and gastronomy into a seamless, enriching experience for both guests and staff, the concept demonstrates how thoughtful stewardship of the environment can thrive even in the harsh beauty of the desert.

Though many will travel to Douz for excursional activities, there’s much to experience within the hotel itself. Workshops are on offer at the Mud House – a cultural hub that teaches ancient crafts and traditional Tunisian practices – including cooking classes where afterwards, guests are packed off with home-grown olive oil, or geranium water to spritz as a cooling respite from the heat. Available on special request, and highly recommended, the hotel team can organise bespoke dining experiences, on the private terraces of each villa, within the hotel grounds, or for the ultimate otherworldly experience – in the vastness of the desert. Bedouin-style tents appear from nowhere, eclectic carpets are rolled out, cushions are aplenty, and an open campfire flickers as stars illuminate the unpolluted night sky.

Before the day ends – or begins – a dip in the outdoor pool is predictably refreshing, but a visit to The Spa is, by all counts, a non-negotiable. Operated by Clarins, expect their indulgent signature treatments with a distinct Middle Eastern twist. As you step into the lobby, you’re welcomed by earth-toned hues, calming artwork by local artists, and carefully selected furnishings, setting the stage for the ambience to come. The space unfolds through a series of elegant arches, leading you through a maze of relaxation areas – from the serene indoor pool to the peaceful lounges. Complete with classic Turkish bath services and refreshing mint tea rituals, it offers a deeply rejuvenating experience, particularly after days of rugged exploration.

Dining at The Residence Douz is a feast for both the palate and the eyes.

Scattered thoughtfully throughout the expansive grounds, each of the 50 villas offers a secluded retreat, hidden behind clean-lined sandstone walls and heavy Ottoman-style double doors. Inside, a sense of place comes by way of the sleeping experience. At its heart, a four-poster bed takes centre stage, framed by glowing bronze lanterns that dance a gentle, flickering light across the room through star-cut patterns. Beneath the bed, wood-grained tiles are dressed with intricately handwoven rugs. Altogether, with the sound of the wind whipping up the sand at night, the design is evocative of desert tents and the land’s nomadic heritage.

Washing away the dust of the day, bathrooms offer a spacious and indulgent retreat. Natural wood sliding doors frame the entryways on either side of the bed, leading to a double-sink marble vanity and a standalone soaking tub. Positioned before a one-way vision window panel, the bath allows for a tranquil view while maintaining privacy. The villa collection primarily features one-bedroom accommodations, with the exception of the Presidential Royal Oasis and Royal Mirage villas, which both have two bedrooms off of an adjoining lounge. Both also offer the added luxury of a private pool and a rooftop terrace that provides stunning views of the desert landscape beyond.

Joining the brand’s inaugural property in Tunis, which first welcomed guests in 1996, The Residence Douz marks a poetic return to the roots of The Residence brand. This new addition marks an exciting chapter, complementing future plans with two more properties on the cards for Tunisia – a historical gem in the UNESCO World Heritage-protected The Medina of Tunis, and a peaceful retreat on the multicultural island of Djerba. Once open, guests of The Residence can experience a full Tunisian flush, venturing from north to south to experience the country’s rich tapestry of culture and diverse landscape.