Luxury Oasis Awaits: Discover Residence Boujaafar, Sousse, Tunisia
Luxury Oasis Awaits: Discover Residence Boujaafar, Sousse, Tunisia
Luxury Oasis Awaits? My Chaotic Adventure at Residence Boujaafar, Sousse, Tunisia (A Review in Hindsight…and a Few Regrets)
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Okay, so, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to unleash the unvarnished truth about the Residence Boujaafar in Sousse. Honestly? It's a bit of a rollercoaster. One minute you're feeling like a sheikh, the next you're contemplating the meaning of life while wrestling with a stubbornly stiff shower curtain. Let's dive in, shall we?
(Metadata: Hotels, Travel, Tunisia, Sousse, Luxury, Accessible, Reviews, Family, Spa, Pool, Wi-Fi)
Accessibility: The Good, The… Meh… and The “Where Did They Get These Ramps?”
Right, let's start with the serious stuff: accessibility. The website boasted about it, and I was thrilled. I'm partially mobile, you see, so a truly accessible hotel is a godsend. The good news is, yes, Wheelchair accessible is a thing. They do make an effort. There are elevators (hallelujah!), and many of the public areas like the lobby and some restaurants seemed navigable.
But – and this is a BIG but – some of the ramps… oh, the ramps. One in particular, leading to the pool, had me questioning my life choices. It felt like they’d slapped it together with a prayer and a handful of hope. I almost went arse over teakettle trying to ascend it. Seriously, somebody get a professional ramp installer in there! The Facilities for disabled guests are present, but the execution? Needs work.
Internet – The Eternal Struggle
Internet Access… Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! That’s what they promise. And, bless their hearts, it’s mostly true. The Wi-Fi [free] actually works in the rooms. Praise be! But, and there’s always a but, the speed is… let’s say “leisurely.” I'm pretty sure my dial-up modem back in the day was faster. Forget streaming Netflix; I spent a good chunk of my stay waiting for emails to load. Internet [LAN] was advertised too, but honestly, who even uses LAN anymore? But hey, the option is there, right? Internet services are a thing, and the Wi-Fi in public areas was workable, if crowded.
Things to Do, Places to Relax… and the Questionable Body Scrub
Okay, let's get to the fun part: the "luxury" bit. They're not kidding about the options. Pool with view? Check. Stunning, overlooking the turquoise water of the Mediterranean. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yep, several. Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom? All present and accounted for. You can also find a Fitness center if you're into that. I, however, am not. My idea of exercise usually involves reaching for a second pastry.
The Massage was… interesting. The therapist was lovely and clearly trying her best, but let’s just say the oil was a bit… fragrant. I opted for a Body scrub, which, in retrospect, was probably a mistake. It felt like I was being exfoliated with sea sand and regret. My skin was definitely smooth afterward, albeit a little raw. The Foot bath was a welcome respite.
(An Anecdote: I spent an hour in the sauna, convinced I was going to become a prune. Then I emerged, feeling fabulous, and promptly tripped over a stray towel. My grace is a thing of beauty, I tell you.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Buffet Bliss to… Well, Let’s Just Say It Got Interesting.
Alright, the food. This is where things get… complex. Breakfast [buffet] was a glorious, carb-laden dream. They offered a Western breakfast with all the usual suspects, and an Asian breakfast. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent, and the juice selection was fantastic. The option for Breakfast in room was also a nice touch for those mornings when leaving the bed felt like a Herculean task.
The Buffet in restaurant itself was enormous. So much choice! And I'm a big fan of the A la carte in restaurant option for a change of pace. The Poolside bar was a lifesaver for ice-cold drinks and the occasional Snack bar nibble. Their Desserts in restaurant were… divine.
But the dinner experience? That's where it got a little… messy. I tried the Vegetarian restaurant, and let’s just say my expectations were higher. I was in search of enlightenment, but instead, I got bland vegetables and a philosophical crisis. There was International cuisine in restaurant too, with a mix of dishes. I did find some nice Salad in restaurant, and a Coffee shop, but I also ordered Soup in restaurant one night that tasted suspiciously like… well, I'm not sure what it tasted like.
(Here’s where I get real: One night, I ordered room service – it took an hour and a half, and when it arrived, the burger was cold and the fries were soggy. It wasn’t the worst thing that ever happened to me, but it was definitely a low point.)
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitizing Saga
In these pandemic times, you want to feel safe, right? Well, they've gone all-in on the sanitizing front. Lots of Hand sanitizer dispensers. Daily disinfection in common areas. The staff were all masked up and trying their best. There's a First aid kit, and a Doctor/nurse on call. They definitely take Hygiene certification seriously. The Room sanitization opt-out available option is a plus. The Anti-viral cleaning products must be a thing because my room smelled like a hospital ward, even with the Air conditioning running. Shrugs
(Unsolicited Opinion: *Look, sanitization is important. But the constant smell of disinfectant got a little overwhelming. Honestly, I think I need to sanitize *myself* after this trip.*)
Rooms: The Good, The Bad, and the Bedazzled Curtains
Alright, the rooms. They vary, honestly. I got a non-smoking room (thank goodness!), and it was… decent. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver. Linens were clean. The Bed was comfortable, with an Extra long bed. The Blackout curtains were a blessing. And they have Internet access – wireless which is a plus.
But… the décor? Let’s just say they weren’t shy with the gold accents. The Mirrors, the headboard, a few accessories… I suspect they had a huge sale at the Bedazzler store. There was a Complimentary tea and Free bottled water which was a nice touch. The Mini bar was stocked, and the Refrigerator provided a nice chilled space. All in all, the accommodations were mostly fine.
(Quirky Observation: Did you know that you can find a Wake-up service? I woke up on time, thanks to the alarm clock, but my neighbor's alarm went off at 4 a.m every day. I'm not sure if it was their fault, or the hotel's..
Services and Conveniences: The Concierge's Gambit and the Dry Cleaning Disaster
The Concierge was helpful, mostly. They helped me with some reservations, and were generally friendly. But the Dry cleaning, on the other hand… shudders. Let’s just say my favorite silk shirt emerged looking like something a cat had used as a scratching post. Lesson learned: stick to the laundry service. They do have a Laundry service too, but I didn't try it.
The Car park [free of charge] was a bonus. Safe dining setup was in place with the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. The Elevator was crucial for my mobility.
For the Kids: Babysitting and Kid-Friendly Zones
They proudly boast about being Family/child friendly. There are Kids facilities, a Babysitting service, and Kids meal options. I don't have kids, so I can't really speak to the quality of these things, but I saw plenty of happy little humans running around.
(Emotional Reaction: I saw a family with a little girl who was clearly having the time of her life. It made me almost wish I had kids. Almost.)
Getting Around: Airport Transfers and Taxi Troubles
They offer Airport transfer, which simplifies things. They also have a Taxi service, but be warned, they're not always the most reliable.
(A Moment of Honest Rambling: *I tried to negotiate a fare with a taxi driver who seemed to be operating on a different plane of reality. Eventually, after
Unbelievable Malang Escape: Bukit Shofa Homestay Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-manicured travel itinerary. This is… well, this is me, about to unleash the chaotic, glorious reality of a trip to Residence Boujaafar in Sousse, Tunisia. Prepare for a rollercoaster.
The "Attempted Paradise" Itinerary: Sousse, Tunisia - AKA The Land of Bargains and Bad Tummy Troubles
Day 1: Arrival (and the Questionable Chicken)
- Morning (8:00 AM - Noon): Arrived at Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport. Okay, first hurdle – customs. Let me tell you, that guy with the mustache and the judging eyes? He really scrutinized my passport. Felt like I was auditioning for MI6. Found a taxi driver who spoke about 5 words of English and 3 of them were "very cheap." I'm already regretting my life choices (in a good way, though!). The drive to Residence Boujaafar was…an experience. Think dusty roads, a sea of scooters, and a soundtrack of unrelenting Arabic music.
- Afternoon (Noon - 3:00 PM): Check-in. The reception area looked like a 1970s time capsule (in a good way?). The room? Well, it’s… cozy. Okay, let's call it 'intimate'. The view from the balcony is… technically the sea. Mostly, though, it's other balconies and a faint whiff of the ocean. Which, by the way, I'm going to go swim in!
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Found a little cafe. Ordered the local dish. It was called “chicken." I'm certain it was a chicken based dish… maybe. The waiter definitely didn't speak English. Let's just say, it wasn't the best chicken I've ever eaten. My stomach is now doing the cha-cha. Pray for me, people.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Bedtime): Attempted to stroll along the beach. Got harassed by a guy selling "genuine fake" designer bags (seriously, what even IS that?). Decided I'd rather watch the sunset from my 'intimate' balcony. Watched some Arabic TV and started to believe in the idea of a new language.
Day 2: Souk-ing It Up (and My Near-Death Experience with Dates)
- Morning (9:00 AM - Noon): The souk! Oh, the souk. Imagine a sensory overload of spices, lanterns, and persistent vendors. I bargained like a pro, or at least, I thought I did. Probably paid way too much for that "authentic" rug. Did I need it? Absolutely not. Do I love it? Yes.
- Afternoon (Noon - 3:00 PM): The date stand. I got some dates… oh, MAN! Why did I buy the whole box?! They're like candy, and I can't stop eating them. Started feeling like a human sugar bomb. I think I might spontaneously combust if I eat another one!
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Beach time (again!). This time, I actually swam. The water was perfect, and I felt like I was finally starting to unwind. (Until a rogue wave nearly knocked me over.)
- Evening (6:00 PM - Bedtime): Tried to eat "fresh" seafood at a restaurant. It tasted just a little bit too fresh, if you catch my drift. Back to my apartment to contemplate the meaning of life. I think I might be in love with Tunisian mint tea.
Day 3: The Medinas of Sousse (and the Great Lost Sandal Incident)
- Morning (9:00 AM - Noon): Explored the Medina of Sousse. This place is amazing! The walls are beautiful. The shops are amazing. I think I prefered the Souk to be honest.
- Afternoon (Noon - 3:00 PM): Lunch somewhere in the Medina. I forget the name of the place but OMG, I had to try their tajine. It was incredible. The waiter… well, he kept trying to convince me to buy his cousin's camel. Hard pass.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Disaster. Lost my favorite sandal. Maybe it was stolen? Maybe it fell off? Who knows. I walked around for an hour, shouting "My sandal!" (in increasingly bad Arabic, I fear). No sandal. Bought a new "genuine fake" pair.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Bedtime): Went to the beach. Watched the sunset. Didn't think about my lost sandal. Life is good.
Day 4: Port El Kantaoui (and My Battle With a Gelato)
- Morning (9:00 AM - Noon): Trip to Port El Kantaoui. It's definitely… touristy. But, I can see the charm. The marina is beautiful with all the yatchs and luxury shops. I got to see the medina and was so happy to avoid the hassle of the other medina.
- Afternoon (Noon - 3:00 PM): Gelato. I should be ashamed of myself. I ordered gelato from the ice cream shop… and it was like something out of a cartoon. I think the guy made it up on the spot. It was so good. I took some pictures!
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Relaxed on a beach, read a book, and went to the sea. There was a dog on the beach, and I pet him! It's the simple things.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Bedtime): Packing. Getting ready to go home. Contemplating life.
Day 5: Departure (and the Promise of Tunisian Memories)
- Morning (9:00 AM - Noon): Back to the airport. Goodbye, Residence Boujaafar! Goodbye, dusty roads! Goodbye, questionable chicken and dates!
- Afternoon (Noon - 6:00 PM): Flight home. Reflecting on my trip. I'm already planning my return.
Overall Impression:
Tunisia? It's messy, it's vibrant, it's a little bit mad, and I loved it. I laughed, I cried (mostly because of spicy food), and I ate way too much sugar. Did everything go perfectly? Absolutely not. Would I trade it for a perfectly curated, boring vacation? Never.
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Luxury Oasis Awaits: Discover Residence Boujaafar - (My Brain Dump, Seriously)
So, Residence Boujaafar...Is it *really* as luxurious as the pictures? Spill the tea!
Tell me about the rooms! Are they worth the splurge?
The pool! Everyone raves about the pool. What's the deal?
Food, glorious food! What's the restaurant situation like?
What about the location? Is it easy to get around Sousse?
Overall, would you recommend Residence Boujaafar? Be honest!
Anything else a newbie should know? Any hidden gems?
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