Immersed in Tunisia: A Cultural Journey at Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort

There are many reasons people come to Tunisia’s under-the-radar coastline on the Gulf of Hammamet—a long, sweeping crescent of soft, sandy beaches and turquoise waters—but for me, it was the storied past and vibrant sites that promised a reprieve from today's modern hustle culture, and a portal into somewhere relaxed and abiding. I heard that the previous fishing port of Monastir was a place where history, culture, and the sea intersected. I knew it was the right place for me at just the right time, but something was missing: My search for the right place to stay had previously turned up lackluster—until Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort opened last spring.

A mere five-minute drive from Monastir Habib Bourguiba Airport, or a two-hour drive from Tunis-Carthage International Airport, Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort sits right on the coastline. As Hilton’s Tunisian debut, it offers the renowned hospitality Hilton is known for but with a decidedly Tunisian twist: local design elements, vibrant social spaces, and warm hospitality from staff—the vast majority of whom are from the area, stretching back generations.

The resort was also easily accessible to local highlights on my list like the Ribat of Monastir, Mausoleum of Bourguiba, and the Medina of Sousse, Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort was the perfect place to perch myself for a balanced weekend of exploring the rich local history and relaxing at the beach. Upon check-in, it became clear the property offered spaces that cater to a variety of travelers and itineraries—active families, newlyweds, and busy business travelers.

I immediately gravitated to the spa for the business of relaxation. With 15 treatment rooms, it serves as its own destination within the hotel, and was the perfect place to hit my internal “reset” button. I reemerged refreshed and ready to greet my new destination through open eyes. Of all the treatments, the hydrotherapy was a clear winner, but I’m personally a hammam enthusiast and this one did not disappoint: The use of traditional and local scrubs and clays was topped off with a cold bucket of water raining down on me, released by pulling on a rope. I left the spa feeling relaxed and inspired, my curiosity piqued about exploring the rest of the property and beyond.

I set out for downtown Monastir, a 10-minute drive away. It was bustling with people from all over. The Ribat (an Islamic fortress) offered a monumental view into its history: Monastir was originally founded as a Roman city, but the Ribat was built in 796 by Arab conquerors, and now a spiral staircase leads to the top of the watchtower with 360-degree views of the entire city. Nearby, the opulent, gold-domed Bourguiba Mausoleum pays homage to the father of Tunisia’s independence and is a great place to connect with Tunisia’s history and catch a glimpse of the local culture. All around, couples sit on benches and families share street food like fresh-spun cotton candy and Tunisian fricassé—fried brioche stuffed with ingredients like tuna and harissa. The surrounding medina is lined with Tunisia’s signature colorful doors that lead to shops, hammams, cafes, and men selling machmoum, tiny ornamental jasmine bouquets.

Back at the hotel, I began to see how the resort portrayed a microcosm of Tunisian culture by pulling in design elements rooted in Monastir’s history and showcasing artworks by contemporary Tunisian artists: Throughout the hotel, shelves are filled with handmade sculptures and paintings from local artists, and Tunisian tiles and mosaics bring an artistic touch. Even the art installation above the reception desk and the headboards in the rooms are in Arabic calligraphy by local artists. Every corner of the resort is infused with the rich heritage and cultural tapestry of Tunisia. Each element tells a story, and every space has a profound meaning; every aspect has been carefully curated to evoke a sense of place and history.

The use of neutral tones splashed with pops of turquoise and olive green reflect Tunisia's natural landscape. The amenities might offer countless activities but it's also easy to appreciate the in-between spaces for their geometric skylights that brighten quiet plant- and art-clad atriums.

Tunisian traditions are also presented throughout the hotel’s restaurants. Seashore is a seafood-focused restaurant serving classical dishes enhanced by regional spices, herbs, and ingredients. The Kitchen boasts a contemporary all-day dining experience that will satisfy even the most discerning of palates with an extensive buffet and lively cooking stations that showcase the rich flavors of Tunisia alongside international specialties. Other restaurants import more international flavors, like La Luce—a standout alfresco Italian trattoria with dishes like spicy seafood medley pasta perfect for replenishing after a day in the Mediterranean.

The pool offered a whole other level of relaxation and was the perfect place to idle away an entire afternoon: Submerged loungers provided a unique perch to cool off and soak in the pool scene, best experienced with a refreshing cocktail or mocktail and light snacks at Dive In, the California-inspired swim-up bar. The property boasts four pools in total, in addition to a heated indoor seawater pool. Kids also have their own designated pool with a play area and slides, near the teen club that’s also filled with arcade games.

Think of the resort as being its own little city within a city: The striking lobby and vibrant bars, delicious restaurants, and energized coffee shops—even a little souk-like shop that sells locally made products. The spaces are carefully curated to inspire guests to connect with the Tunisian culture and community, whether it's through food, drink, or simply rubbing elbows with fellow travelers. The guest rooms provide the perfect sanctuary to stay in each day, splashed in tones of blue and white, bringing the tranquility of the sea they overlook into the rooms. And the staff provides the perfect foundation for a community while on vacation: Everyone is welcoming without being intrusive, attentive without being overbearing, and approachably hospitable in the way that you might expect when visiting distant relatives. Such is the way of Tunisian—and Hilton—hospitality, anyway.

On my last evening, I walked down to the shore where sand dunes cascaded to a long, flat beach that seemed to be 50 shades of beige. My feet sunk into a crystalline, caramel-tinted patch as the orange sun slowly sunk behind palm trees that fringed the horizon. This is a distinctly Tunisian sunset, I thought. Families clustered by the water, tossing in fishing lines. A man walked by selling rectangles of melon. Teenagers played catch. A Jet Ski cut across the wake and a couple on horseback trod down the shore. The hotel has quickly established itself as a hub, and guests come here for a variety of reasons. With all the different amenities—from fine-dining restaurants to cavernous conference rooms, tranquil spas to bustling teen clubs—during the day each guest can choose their own adventure and lean into their own tailored experience. However they chose to spend the day, when the sunset comes, they all come to the sea here to watch the day close. To savor the Tunisian sunset together.