Villa Didon Hotel and Spa

Exclusive all-suite designer hotel perched on Byrsa Hill (the heart of ancient Carthage) with epic views out to sea

This is a Tunisian one-off. Designed by French architect Philippe Boisselier, it’s slickly stylish and coolly modern, with Philippe Starck and Ron Arad furniture in 10 huge, minimalist suites. They make the most of the stunning position, with glass walls onto balconies overlooking the white villas of moneyed Carthage, ancient Punic ports, deep-blue sea and shadowy mountains.

Cutting-edge design includes electronic blinds, automatic doors, and an open-plan bedroom and bathroom. The grey marble jacuzzi stands like a monument on a platform facing the bed (apparently this continues an ancient Carthaginian tradition). Downstairs, the bar – with the same jaw-dropping view - attracts Tunis’ jetset. The sleek restaurant has Asian-Mediterranean cuisine, an open-plan kitchen and a long terrace overlooking the Gulf. There’s also a lush but remarkably good-value spa with a hammam. And, with a maximum of 20 guests, there's a personal feel that’s often absent in designer hotels.

Highs

• Incredible location next to Carthage museum, with spectacular views
• Modern design featuring stunning pieces from Philippe Starck, Ron Arad, Francesco Rota and beautiful North African contemporary art
• Welcoming, highly professional staff
• Good spa and great breakfasts
• Contemporary restaurant with an international wine list (rare in Tunisia)
• THE place to be on Friday nights, with a DJ in the bar
• Nice touches include a turn-down service, a jasmine posy on your pillow and a delicious Virgin Mojito welcome drink

Lows

• No swimming pool (though this gap may be filled in future)
• Some might find the contemporary design a bit stark and lacking a sense of place
• The piped chill-out music in the reception and the bar, plus occasional evening concerts (normally Fridays) which can be intrusive
• International wine list heavily marked up (e.g. Pinot Grigio 2001 at TD80) due to the high taxes on imported wine