Alhambra Thalasso Review – My 5 Day Stay In Hammamet Tunisia – How Was It?
After my whirlwind trip through Italy, it was nice to finally slow things down with this much needed break in Tunisia, and In this post – My Alhambra Thalasso Review – I’ll share what it was really like spending five days at this all-inclusive resort in Hammamet, plus my own short story of how I ended up here after a missed ferry, a VERY long bus ride, and a lot of mosquito bites!
Please Keep reading For My Tip To Get Rid of The Irritation From Mosquito Bites! and How To Get a Taxi / Transfer from the Airport in Tunisia for the Cheapest Price Possible!
Now, without further ado…
My Alhambra Thalasso Review – Why I Chose This Tunisian Hotel?
⭐ My Alhambra Thalasso Review Summary:
- Location: 9/10 (Close to beach, easy access from Tunis airport)
- Cleanliness: 9/10
- Food: 10/10 (Some of the best I’ve eaten in a long time)
- Facilities: 8/10 (Spa confusing to navigate but nice)
- Value for Money: 8/10
- Overall: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 – Highly Recommended)
So, staying All Inclusive is not usually my thing. This was only my 2nd time EVER doing this – and the amount of times I’ve travelled away in the past 7 years – it’s pretty mad really that I have managed to avoid places like this as I have done.
It was only because I thought my Sister booked herself to stay here with my baby niece that I actually did so myself. I never would have done if it weren’t for this reason. If you read my Italy to Tunisia Ferry Blog Post I go into this in a lot more detail (see here).
Now, with all this in mind – I didn’t choose this place because I really liked the look of it or anything – it was just because my sister was supposed to be here. I wanted to have a holiday with my niece whilst she was still a baby and this I thought would be it.
Although, no disrespect to the place because I would definitely recommend it now. I mean typically paying over £500 to stay somewhere (for not even a week) isn’t my style usually, but I suppose for what I got I thought it was good value for money really.
It was nice to go for a bit of luxury for a change. As much as I hated spending what I did with getting here and all the rest – £83 a night for the room and all the taxis etc. – I really liked the place and I would definitely come back to stay here again without a doubt.
Leaving Italy For Tunisia
Now, Just to recap (If you didn’t read my last post) – getting here was a LOT of hard work. I had to go from Rome to Salerno for a ferry which I missed. Then I had to go all the way to Milan – the other side of the country – travelling for 12 hours on a coach overnight and then I had to stay awake for the whole day after until I got on my plane.
The whole experience honestly was pretty exhausting. In fact, the whole week before was quite bad as well with sleepless nights, early mornings and lot’s of rushing around – (and recovering from hangovers because I was drinking too much).
It was like I never stopped till I actually got here. The constant stress I think made finally getting here all the more worthwhile. As much as I did enjoy visiting Rome and getting more familiar with Milan (and other places in the country like Salerno and Napoli) – I was just glad to just finally get here.
It felt like it took forever. Especially with getting the overnight coach to Milan, and I suppose just getting to the hotel reception felt like a huge weight off my shoulders. It was like my nightmare was finally over…
Getting To Alhambra Thallaso From Tunis Airport
This did not really take me too long at all. When I think of other times I’ve got to the airport like in Malaga and Serbia, and actually Prague the last time I was here – I remember just having a complete meltdown figuring out what to do, and how to get into the City – this was very quick compared.
On this occasion I can’t have been in the airport any longer than 20 minutes. I connected to the airport WIFI first of all, sorted out some cash, got some mobile data and then ordered a Taxi.
This I did with the InDrive app. I’ve used this in Morocco quite a few times now and it was good to know that I could use it here as well. The driver was with me quite quickly. He was already at the airport and I found him within about 10 minutes.
It was a bit annoying though as when I got my Tunisian money out it said what it would cost me on the App and the driver seemingly agreed to this but when I got in the Taxi he told me it would be more.
💡 Travel Tip: Always agree on the final fare in the InDrive chat before getting into the taxi. Even if the app shows a price, confirm it in writing first.
My driver wanted 180 TND (about £45 GBP). I hesitated at first, but it seemed fair for the 75-km journey. Unfortunately, we were stopped at a police checkpoint, and the driver was fined for not having proper paperwork for tourist pickups — something I didn’t even realise could happen.
He asked me for more money, but I’d already paid the agreed amount, so I politely declined.
Still, we made it safely, and arriving at the hotel felt like a small victory after everything it took to actually get here, and after I actually paid getting to finally relax was a very nice feeling.
My First Impressions of the Alhambra Thalasso
Walking into the hotel that first night (around 10:00 p.m.) was pure relief. After all the dodgy hostels, early mornings and long journeys — stepping into the calm, spacious lobby was a very much needed upgrade. The receptionist I found very friendly and she was for my whole stay here. It was just so nice really and the best part that first night was just getting into my room and having a nice shower.
🏨 The Room and Facilities
The room was spotless, the décor elegant, and very spacious with a balcony overlooking the outside of the hotel. There was 2 comfy beds – one for me and one for Teddy lol, and after the broken door handles in Rome and not being able to get a room at the hostel in Milan this was good.
It was funny actually, one day I went out and came back to the beds made with Teddy as he is in the picture. I imagine the chamber maid was having a right laugh about this. I mean he can’t have got here like this himself climbing up those high bed frames. They must have helped him up here and it was funny. I give them their due and my room was kept clean and tidy for my whole stay here too.
🍽️ Food & All-Inclusive Dining
The next morning, I discovered what would become one of the highlights of my stay: the food. Honestly, I think it was the best I’ve eaten in months — a mix of Tunisian and Mediterranean dishes, fresh salads, grilled fish, and a whole lot more.
They even had Calamari Squid Rings which I thought was a surprise. I wasn’t too adventurous with some of the other food put out like the Tagines for example but I definitely was not disappointed.
The waiters were very good and polite as well. Every time my drinks finished I was being asked if I wanted a refill. It is kind of the dinner service you don’t expect but still can really appreciate.
🏖️ The Beach
One of the first things I did on the first morning at Alhambra Thallasso was to head outside to explore. I didn’t actually know that I would find this beach just 5 minutes but wow I am glad I did.
The hotel’s private beach was stunning. The sea was warm, the sand soft, and best of all — I didn’t have to worry about leaving my belongings while swimming. The staff at the bar here had no problem with looking after my bag which gave me the perfect opportunity to take a dip in the sea.
It turned out to be the perfect remedy after being bit so many times by the insects In Italy. My body was covered in bites head to toe. I was itching like mad when I got here to the hotel but I had a theory that this would help and it. Sea water is packed with minerals like iodine, which can help the skin — and honestly, it worked better than any after-bite cream, and it saved me from buying some.
In Hindsight
I really should have come to the beach to swim in the sea more It actually felt great. It was just a shame that my sister never ended up coming on this holiday as well because I’m sure she would have also loved coming for a swim in here too – I’m pretty sure, and she would have got me out my shell a bit more.
The hotel also has an indoor pool, games room, and a full spa and hammam complex. I didn’t end up using most of it, but from what I saw, it seemed popular with families and couples looking to unwind. There is so much more to check out. See the full list of facilities here<<
>>Now, I didn’t do much outside of the hotel. I never booked any tours or really went anywhere outside the hotel during my stay. Except for visiting this one place which was actually something I wanted to come to Tunisia for even before I actually booked to come here.
Visiting Friguia Park Zoo
On my second day in Tunisia, I took a trip to the Friguia Zoo Park . This is about a 30 minutes drive away from the hotel. It is located near Bouficha, Tunisia, approximately 70 km south of Tunis and 25 km north of Sousse. I really would have loved for my little niece to have come here — she loves animals — so it was sad she never ended up coming on this holiday but even going alone, I still quite enjoyed it.
🐅 What to Expect
Entry was only 15 TND (around £6 GBP), and my taxi cost 55 TND each way. The driver offered to wait for me for 120 TND, giving me two hours to explore, which was just about right.
The zoo isn’t huge, but it’s well-designed. Walkways cross above the lion, tiger, and hyena enclosures, so you get great views. They even had white tigers and white lions — though I couldn’t help feeling the mix of species (including a lion-tiger enclosure) was a bit odd.
It wasn’t quite the “wild macaques in the mountains” experience I’d imagined — like in Morocco’s Ouzoud. When I first found about this place I was under the impression they had wild Macaques here too but I guess I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Although, it was still very much worth the visit. The ostriches were full of character, and seeing Barbary macaques again (even behind glass) brought back memories of Morocco and Gibraltar.
Sadly, there were no giraffes, elephants, or dolphins. According to Google they haven’t had Dolphins here since 2016 and I think the Elephants and Giraffes have gone too but overall, it was a fun and affordable day trip.
Lazy Days by the Beach & a Spa Misadventure
I actually didn’t do a lot other than going to the Zoo here. I ate my 3 free meals a day (which, may I add, was (i’m sure) the best I’ve eaten in a long time). I went to the beach again (Not every day like I told myself I would but it was just nice to go back there and I wish I spent longer there..
There was a nice woman working here who kept coming up to talk to me. I’m sure she was just doing her job but anyway she just about persuaded me to use the Spa.
I was putting this off and putting this off but I finally decided to go for it on the day before my last. I walked in and not sure what I was expecting really – There was a group of older women in Swimming costumes waiting – this kind of put me off a bit – would I have to share the room with them I thought?
I’ve never actually been to a Spa before so I really had no idea what I was walking in to. I was thinking maybe I would have ended up in a hot tub in a steam room or something but I was given a pamphlet in FRENCH for all the services and how much they cost.
It Did Not Seem As Free As The Nice Lady Was Making Out
So, I came here thinking the Spa was free to use but I think maybe I got this wrong. It was a bit of a joke because I had no idea what I was talking about. They said if I wanted to use the sauna that it was next to the restaurant but after ending up god knows where in the hotel (I think it was the boiler room or something lol) I just thought I would give up on the whole Idea.
This was when I went in the swimming pool – the only time I did in 5 days. People will laugh at this but I was happy to stick with what I knew.
Although, I probably missed out on this really. Looking on Google at the Spa and massage facilities available here at Alhambra Thallasso it definitely looks like they have a lot to offer.
Returning to the Zoo (Yes, Again!)
Before leaving Tunisia, I actually went back to Friguia Park for a second visit. Maybe it was silly, but I wanted to see the giraffes and elephants I’d missed 2 days before (spoiler: they’re no longer there).
This time, there was a calypso band playing — they sounded so much like the Baha Men that I half-expected them to break into Who Let the Dogs Out. It was pretty much the same besides this. I don’t know what else I was expecting really. It was just like I wanted to do something but I didn’t know what.
Tunis Zoo actually looks good but this is a long way away from the hotel. That would have definitely been quite an adventure but I suppose I just wasn’t confident enough to just do it.
So, I went back to Friguia Zoo Park – Was it worth it? Probably not — but it gave me one last chance to try and enjoy something else before heading home.
🧖♀️ Things I Didn’t Try (But Wish I Had)
Even though I stayed five days, I definitely didn’t make the most of everything Alhambra Thalasso has to offer. There is an additional charge mind you but things to note include:
- The hotel has a full spa and wellness centre,
- Complete with Traditional Hammam Baths,
- Massage rooms, and
- Thalassotherapy treatments (using seawater and minerals).
I walked in once, thinking it was free to use, but quickly realised you need to book treatments or pay for access. It did look lovely, though — and next time, I’ll definitely try a Tunisian hammam or one of their sea salt body scrubs or something. Actually, a pedicure I think would be pretty good for me with all the walking I do.
There was also evening entertainment — I could hear music and laughter drifting across from the main courtyard most nights, but I was mostly avoiding it. I decided I would have a sober week for one and another thing was because I was only half board (another thing I wasn’t too thrilled about) I would have being paying for every single drink.
It’s bad I know. I come all this way and didn’t enjoy it as much as I really could have. If I’d stayed a few more days, I probably would have explored the old town of Hammamet maybe — checked out the medina, souks etc. and the Kasbah fortress looks pretty Interesting too.
I will share a list of tours below – just in case you do decide to book yourself here. You can book tours at the hotel too if you really want to but these links I’ll share here are from my Viator.
- From Hammamet or Tunis: Carthage, Bardo, Sidi Bou said and Medina
- From Tunis/Hammamet/Sousse : 2 day Sahara tour with night in tent
- Hammamet Quad Tour 90 minutes with hotel pickup
- Kairouan & El Djem Guided Day Trip with Lunch from Hammamet
- Pirate Cruise to Flamingo Island-Djerba
- Private Day Tour Dougga
- A Day of Andalusian Beauty in Hammamet, Oudhna and Zaghouan
Leaving Tunisia & Final Thoughts
Saying goodbye to Tunisia was bittersweet. The people were friendly, though the shopkeepers could be a bit intense. I was quite sad to leave. Hammamet had its charm, especially the sea and the food. It was the most relaxing week I’ve had in a long time and I really could have done with another week here.
I had to go back to Italy for a night on the way back as well. It was like being back in hell all over again. The hostel was saying I had to be there for 11pm but there was all sorts of problems making me later and later, I got to the area at about 11:45 and then I see the email – my booking was cancelled.
It was very worrying but I was let in, and I got a new booking, but it was not the most cosy of places. The bunk bed I had to sleep in – the top bunk was so low that I kept banging my head. It was like my karma for rubbing peoples noses in it with me going on holiday yet again.
I got back OK the next day though. This was the main thing. It really was no trouble and I got back at a reasonable time in the day too. Just what a trip away it was and YES is the answer.
Would I stay at the Alhambra Thalasso again? YES ABSOLUTELY
I came here expecting just a few lazy days by the pool, but left thinking Tunisia deserved a lot more of my time — and next time, I’ll be sure to bring my sister, my niece, and maybe even book that massage I chickened out of.
💡 Travel Tips for Staying at Alhambra Thalasso
- Transfers: Use the InDrive app for taxis, but confirm fares in the chat first.
- Spa access: Treatments aren’t included in the all-inclusive price, so check the menu and book in advance.
- Beach: Bring reef-safe sunscreen — the sea water is lovely and helps soothe mosquito bites!
- Day trips: Friguia Park Zoo is 30 mins away, or visit Hammamet’s medina and Kasbah for local culture.
Keen traveler and digital nomad looking to share my stories from my international trips.
