The Residence Douz

The Residence Douz brings authentic desert character together with modern luxury in 50 elegant villas, set amid an idyllic palm grove. Experience timeless elegance, local craftsmanship and relaxing moments beneath the stars. Savour culinary highlights that combine Mediterranean finesse with Berber traditions, and discover the Sahara on exclusive excursions to historic sites and spectacular natural wonders. Unwind at Spa by Clarins, with its luxurious treatments, hammam and outdoor pool — the perfect setting to restore body and mind.

Douz lies on the southern edge of Tunisia and is known as the “Gateway to the Desert”. The surrounding landscape is striking, with golden sand dunes and hidden oases. Experience the unspoilt character of Tunisia in the 130 km-long Dahar region. Discover the cave houses of Matmata, Berber culture and carpet-making in Toujane. The Sahara’s largest salt lake, Chott el Djerid, captivates with its surreal colours and reflections. The resort’s location offers the perfect balance: secluded for complete tranquillity, yet easy to reach. For guests who value authenticity, exclusivity and cultural depth, The Residence Douz opens up an exceptional destination, unspoilt, expansive and full of stories.

At Talis (7 pm–11 pm), Berber traditions and North African flavours take centre stage. The menu features dishes such as homemade sand bread, spiced mezze and a variety of couscous dishes, prepared with regional ingredients and enhanced with carefully balanced blends of herbs and spices. Whether you choose to dine indoors or on the terrace, enjoy the atmosphere in the dining room (6 am–11 pm), from the breakfast buffet of Tunisian bread, pastries and seasonal fruit to relaxed lunches and dinners. The Lobby Lounge is also a welcoming place to linger, whether over an afternoon coffee or fresh mint tea. Tailored dining experiences are available for special occasions, including a Bedouin-style picnic, a romantic dinner beneath the stars or a Berber barbecue on your villa’s terrace (at an additional charge). Lactose-free, gluten-free and vegetarian meals are available on request in advance.

Spa by Clarins has 8 treatment rooms, two exfoliation rooms and a traditional hammam. Choose from a wide range of wellness treatments, including massages, beauty treatments and soothing mud wraps (13:00–21:00; opening times may vary). The spa also has an indoor pool and a hair salon.

A fitness studio is available, offering a comfortable way to stay active while travelling. Yoga classes can be arranged as required, depending on group size (additional charge applies).

Visit Chef's Garden, where a variety of vegetables, spices and herbs are grown. Discover the earthen house Bayt Al-Mouna, where local culinary traditions come to life through workshops in traditional Tunisian crafts and cooking techniques. At Ecodôme, you will find a traditional tabouna bread oven, a 9olla clay-pot oven and an area where fruit and vegetables are dried using traditional methods. The site is also home to a nursery for rare desert plants. Step into the fascinating world of Star Wars and discover the filming locations of the famous films amid Tunisia’s impressive landscapes. The lively Thursday market in Douz is an opportunity to explore the region’s traditional crafts. In December, the town becomes the setting for the international Sahara Festival, a vibrant celebration of the rich diversity of Berber culture. Another highlight is Matmata, the famous cave village, whose underground homes blend harmoniously into the rugged landscape and offer a fascinating insight into traditional ways of life. Equally impressive is the mountain oasis of Chebika, whose palms, flowing water and spectacular views make a striking contrast with the surrounding desert. Chott el Djerid, a vast salt lake, delights with its shimmering surface and colours that shift with the light and the seasons, creating an almost surreal landscape.