Beach Hotel, Tunisia
Reviews
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Horses
Type of horses:
Arab crosses, Berber crosses and two ponies (all of these are stallions)
Nature of horses:
Experienced and sure-footed, all are stallions but some are more calm and others are more spirited. All are safe and sensible to handle.
Height of horses:
15 hh - 16 hh
Weight limit:
90 kg
Tack type:
English
Weather
Current Conditions:
Partly Cloudy, 24 C
Forecast:
Fri - Sunny. High: 33 Low: 23
Sat - Sunny. High: 33 Low: 23
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Beach and Cultural Trail
£706 per person
Includes overnight and accommodation and full board whilst on the trail (days 3, 4, 5 and 6), accommodation and half board at the beach hotel (days 1, 2 and 7), all riding, and activities whilst on the trail, taxes.
Does not include airport transfers, an optional day excursion of Tunis/ Carthage/ Sidi Bou Saïd on day 7. Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Beach Hotel - Based Programme
2010 prices per person, per week, with six days of horse riding instruction.
Low season: 4 January - 15 March and 8 November - 22 December 2010
£479 double occupancy
£507 single occupancy
Christmas and New year: 23 December-3 January 2010
£501 double occupancy
£567 single occupancy
1 adult & 1 child in double room - 25% discount for child
2 children in double room - 25% discount
1 child on extra bed in double room - 25% discount
Children under 2 years - free of charge
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
The Tunisian Beach Hotel is located on a small cliff overhanging two beaches. It is located on the Mediterranean coast surrounded by 7 hectares of beautiful gardens. The tourist town of Hamemmet is just 3.5 km away but with so many facilities at the hotel, you might never want to leave. This is a great family holiday where you can choose to take horse riding lessons with short rides out or dedicate yourself to the stunning week long trek.
Non-riders in the family have a host of activities to be getting on with whilst you are riding. They may choose to learn to deep sea dive, practise water sports, relax at one of the bars or improve their tennis and golfing skills making use of the hotels many facilities. There is both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa and a pretty grass garden (surrounding the pool) with sunbeds and parasols. From here you can order a cocktail from one of the many waiters whilst soaking up the sunshine. Alternatively, you can wander onto the beach which is well maintained during the summer months. Children will enjoy the early evening entertainment and can be part of a kids club.
The riding centre is nestled within the gardens of the hotel and the stables manager, Hedi, has been a friend of the family for many years. There are 15 horses and 2 ponies kept in spacious stables on the small yard which is clean and inviting. The horses are all in excellent health and although some of the tack is basic according to most English standards, it is well maintained, fits the horses and it suitable for the work. Some of the horses have appeared in films! Horse riding lessons in all disciplines are provided (each to a good level) as well as full and half day hacks along the local beaches and countryside. Hats are obligatory and boots, chaps and jodhpurs are all provided where necessary.
The week long trail begins at the hotel and takes riders into lesser known parts of northern Tunisia, passing through the fertile lands of olive groves, hillsides and farms. You will get a feel of the rich culture and friendly people of Tunisia whilst learning about their local handicrafts, haggling in the markets and eating in traditional tavernas. After exploring the countryside you will be taken into town to enjoy the modern and vibrant nightlife of Hammemet.
This destination, which has been visited by Holly from Far and Ride, is highly recommended for the exciting trail and for the tuition available. You will find that lessons are of the 'no nonsense' variety and you should expect firm tuition from this experienced instructor. There is a choice of horses but all are stallions and you should be prepared to groom and tack them up yourself (unless you are a beginner of course!). This is a fab place to improve your riding and to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the atmosphere.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Recently renovated to a high standard, this four star hotel benefits from a beautiful location set amidst lush greenery between two beaches on the coastline of Tunisia. The white washed hotel is located within a large, picturesque garden where it is possible to relax and soak up the sun, sun loungers and parasols spread across the grass around the wonderful outdoor pool.
The hotel has 269 rooms and suites totally renovated to a high level, with balcony or terrace, sea or garden views. All rooms have bathrooms equipped with hairdryer, air conditioning, telephone, individual safe, TV, and small fridge. There are rooms to cater for different group sizes and the individual needs of the guests. You will find that the double beds are mostly single beds pushed together, but this is compensated for by the size of the rooms, the great balconies and clean bathrooms with plenty of hot water. Staff are helpful and those at the reception will happily help you with problems. They also have a bureau de change with excellent exchange rates.
Smoking is allowed in the bedrooms and lobbies but not in the restaurants and the rooms do not smell at all (most people choose to smoke on the balconies anyway).
There is also a small shop in the hotel which sells useful items such as sunscreen, clothing and guidebooks as well as souvenir items like jewellery, figurines and pottery.
There are two restaurants in the hotel. Le Sérail serves a range of international dishes from an extensive buffet in a traditional Arabic setting. You can sit on the outdoor terrace and enjoy the view of the sea, or partake in one of their theme evenings. This restaurant is where you eat breakfast, dinner and lunch (if you stay full board) and there is plenty of choice for everyone, just help yourself to as much as you like! There is plenty of staff and each part of the dining area has a dedicated waiter who will clear your plates and take drink orders. Juice, tea and coffee are included in the breakfast but drinks costs extra for lunch and dinner. These are the prices during Holly's visit early 2010:
90cl bottle water - 2TND (less than £1)
Glass red wine - 3TND (less then £1.50)
Half bottle wine - 7TND (less then £3.50)
Beer - 3.50TND (approx £1.60)
Cocktails - around 11TND (approx £5)
Breakfast: bread, toast, croissants, eggs, tomatoes, poached sausages, freshly made omelettes (they will cook them for you with your choice of ingredients), freshly made crêpes (with a choice of toppings), ham, cheese, fruit, yoghurt, jam, juice, tea and coffee.
Lunch: big choice of hot dishes such as traditional lamb stews with rice, pasta such as spaghetti bolognese, chicken, turkey, fresh fish and chips, a wide choice of salads, cheese and bread. Lots of delicious desserts including tarts, cakes, fruit and sorbet.
Dinner: very similar to lunch but never boring as there is so much choice! Particular highlights are the traditional Tunisian flatbreads cooked in front of you on a hotplate and the beautiful desserts which make this a real 'treat' holiday.
In the afternoon there is often one of the chefs making crêpes by the pool.
Le Pasha is the hotel's a la carte restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious fish and seafood dishes on the terrace for lunch when you are staying half board at the hotel.
There are also several different bars to choose from. These are the Salon Bar 'Le Calife', which has great views of the Mediterranean Sea, the Lounge Bar 'Sherazade' where guests can sip cocktails whilst listening to piano music, the Pool Bar 'Le Voilier' and the Beach Bar 'Yasmine'. The latter two tend only to be available during the summer months, though you will find waiters around the pool all year round.
The bars serve a variety of cocktails, beers and common drinks as well as some more local beverages.
Activities
In addition to horse riding, the hotel offers an incredible variety of activities to delight the guests during their stay.
As well as being positioned between two beaches the hotel has two swimming pools. One outdoor with a smaller children's pool and one indoor pool with jacuzzi (open 7am - 7pm). There are sun loungers and parasols available to relax on next to the pool and on the beach.
If lounging by the water in the hot sun isn't enough the you can also partake in activities such as aqua aerobics and water polo. For the more adventurous guests, PADI approved deep sea diving courses are offered, as well as a variety of water sports such as windsurfing, pedal boats, catamarans etc.
Other activities on dry land include a game of tennis in one of three tennis courts, ping pong, table tennis, bowls, volley ball, mini golf and organised daily activities as well as evening entertainment. The hotel's wellness centre offers a fully-equipped fitness room and a range of relaxation facilities including massage, sauna and spa tub. There are Asian and Indian floors to the wellness centre with a whole host of different therapies available, including Turkish baths. The staff speak good English.
The hotel is 3.5 km from the tourist town of Hammemet. Here you can dine 'al fresco' in a variety of beach front restaurants, explore the medina (old town), and try your hand at haggling for local pottery. There is a vibrant night life, with many bars and discos where you can share a drink and have a dance with locals and other tourists. The summer brings festival season to Hammemet which includes the Hammemet festival. This is an arts festival with a packed schedule of theatre and music.
Further Details
Languages: Lessons available in Arabic, French, German, English (a little bit of Italian is also possible). Hotel staff speak French and most speak excellent English.
Health requirements: Fit and healthy
Age limit: 12
Tuition: On request
Included: Half board or full board accommodation, riding (full board on trails)
Not included: Flights, insurance, transfers, drinks and souvenirs.
Travel Information
Transfers (which take around an hour) can be arranged from the international airport of Carthage to the hotel for 75 DT each way. This can be paid at the hotel itself. It is possible to rent a car to drive the 37 miles from Tunis airport to Hammemet. Avis, Budget, Hertz and Sixt are all represented at the airport. It is also possible to take a train from Tunis to Hammemet or a public bus.
Travel Information
Djerba-Zarzis Airport is the international airport on the island. It is located close to the riding club and we will arrange a transfer from Djerba airport.
UK to Tunis flights:
a) KLM airlines, from: Birmingham, Bristol, Dublin, Edinburgh, London Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle, Southampton.
b) British Airways, from: London Gatwick
c) AirFrance, from: Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, Manchester, Newcastle, Southampton.
Thomsonfly operate a flight to Monastir between May and October from: Bristol, Cardiff, East Midlands, Glasgow, London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted, Newcastle.
Airport: Tunis (Carthage International Airport)
Alternative Airport: Monastir International
Programmes
Beach and Cultural Trail
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Day 1 (Sunday): After arriving in Tunisia and being transported to the Beach Hotel, you will be settled into your room, ready for a good meal in one of the hotels varied restaurants. Day 2 (Monday): You will meet the other riders in the riding centre within the hotel complex. You will be briefed on the week long itinerary and be matched up with suitable horses. Everyone will then set off for a local ride, to get to know the horses and the local terrain. You will arrive back to the hotel in time to enjoy the many delights on offer. You may choose to take a swim in one of the hotel pools, or wander down onto the beach for a dip in the sea. Day 3 (Tuesday): After a hearty hotel breakfast you will set out for a long ride inland to the Berber settlement of Sidi Jedidi. Here, you will be treated to a traditional lunch followed by a walk to visit the Berber market. This is a local market and you will be able to witness the sights, and scents whilst experiencing locals haggling for their goods. Setting off again the trail takes you through olive groves and hillsides to the nights accommodation under the stars. Bivouacs will already be set up for you and all camping equipment provided, but if you would rather spend the night back in the hotel, transport can be arranged. If you would like to experience a little more of Berber traditions, there is an opportunity to visit the Turkish baths and ease your stiff muscles with a massage. Day 4 (Wednesday): A 30km ride takes you to a rural farm where a lavish picnic will be laid out for your enjoyment. After a leisurely lunch the ride will continue onto the town of Zaghouan, where your horses will spend the night, and you will be transported back to the luxurious hotel for a dip in the pool, dinner and a good nights sleep in one of the hotels air conditioned rooms. Day 5 (Thursday): After a big breakfast, you will be transported back to Zaghouan to meet your horses. Lunch is served in the village of Ken in the afternoon. You will then be given the chance to learn about village handicrafts at a village work shop. The fifth night is spent in the village. Day 6 (Friday): On the final horse riding day, you are rewarded with long gallops along miles of unspoiled, white, sandy beaches. Before you set off for the gallop you will eat a beautiful lunch in a restaurant. You make your way back to the hotel for a well earned rest and some relaxation. Day 7 (Saturday): After exploring northern Tunisia on horseback, you have the option to experience cultural and city life, on an all day excursion, or, alternatively put your feet up back at the hotel, enjoying all of it's relaxation and sporting facilities. The day long excursion involves visiting the famous Medina of Tunis (old town), where you can practice haggling in the markets, as well as investigating the ancient ruins of Carthage and the unique village of Sidi Bou Said. Day 8 (Sunday) Breakfast and departure to the airport. The itinerary may occasionally vary |
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| Accommodation: | The trail intersperses nights in the luxurious Beach Hotel with sleeping in Bivouacs and stays in traditional villages. |
| Minimum group size: | 5 |
| Maximum group size: | 10 |
| Ability description: | You must be an experienced rider with good control of the horse on a varied terrain. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 7 Days |
| Departure dates: | 2010: 26 September-3 October, 17-24 October, 14-21 November, 28 November-5 December 2010 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Beach Hotel - Based Programme
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The ride centre is nestled within the seven hectare gardens of the hotel. It is a family run establishment and the stables manager has been a friend of the family for many years. Week long horse riding courses are provided for riders with all levels of experience but the emphasis is on relaxed riding. English speaking guides also offer tuition. On the beginners course you will be taught the basics of horse riding, building skill and confidence on their well schooled calm horses. All the courses can be conducted in English. More advanced riders will enjoy riding along the beach. The horses are stallions but are selected for their temperament and are suitable for all levels of rider. There are two small ponies who take great care of the younger riders. This is a fun riding for all the family. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 6 |
| Ability description: | Riders of all levels of experience are catered for here but we would not recommend it for higher level dressage or jumping lessons. |
| Type of ride: | Riding lessons and rides out |
| Total riding time: | 3 hours per day |
| Departure dates: | To suit |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |