Movenpick Resort & Marine Spa Sousse

Face towels and welcome drinks on arrival are the first signs of luxury at this beautiful hotel, which is surrounded by spacious terraces overlooking the bright blue pools and beach. With a spiral staircase and indoor fountain, along with crisp, neutral-toned furnishings and several contemporary art sculptures, the property manages to look both modern and regal. High, skylight ceilings and glass walls make it particularly bright, and lots of foliage throughout adds a natural freshness, but it’s useful to note that smoking is allowed in the lobby. With its refined but relaxed aesthetic, the property is popular with both business and leisure travelers. Guests frequently enjoy live evening music in the lobby.

The hotel’s beachfront location has the best of both worlds with scenic and relaxing surroundings, but it's also walkable to clubs, bars, and restaurants in the city center. Taxis are the most convenient way to get to tourist sites, and several attractions are short drives away. The Medina of Susa, Ribat Tower, Sousse Archeology Museum, and Grande Mosque are all within a 10-minute drive, while the Port el Kantaoui tourist complex is 16 minutes away by car. Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport is a 25-minute drive away. The hotel provides airport transfers for fees.

While the standard, 365-square-foot Classic Rooms are clean and pleasant, they’re less impressive than the rest of the hotel as far as decor goes. Many furnishings, including the bed frames, bedside tables, and work desks, look generic. Closets have large mirrors and sofa beds are included. Big windows let in lots of light, and open to balconies offering garden, pool, partial sea, or full sea views -- all beautiful.Rooms amenities are decent and include safes, flat-screen TVs with international channels, air-conditioning, minibars, and tea- and coffee-making equipment. Wi-Fi is free, but runs slowly. Several Suite types are available, including the Junior Suite Sea View with two balconies. The Panorama Suite is even bigger with balconies and exceptional pool and sea views. Bathrooms, with granite tiles and countertops, come with Amarante toiletries and hairdryers. Most have shower/tub combos with handheld showerheads. Some Suites also have walk-in showers. Smoking rooms and connecting rooms can be requested, as can ironing equipment. Note that some double beds are two twin beds pushed together. 

Features here are well-rounded and luxurious. Food at the four sit-down restaurants get solid positive feedback. All-day dining is offered at Mosaique, a giant buffet options with views of the pool. Theme nights and live cooking shows add entertainment. Mosaique is also the hotel’s main breakfast restaurant (breakfast is included with all room rates), serving a spread of local Tunisian cuisine along with Swiss specialties, eggs, and pancakes. Room service is optional. A later breakfast is also available at the airy Spanish restaurant Tapeo, which also serves cocktails and tapas for lunch and dinner. La Villa offers a tasty French Mediterranean menu in a classy interior space or outdoor terrace. Sendai serves sushi and grilled dishes in a sleek and modern Japanese setting. A free chocolate hour every afternoon, with fondues and tastings, is a real highlight. The poolside bar, a breezy deck with a tent-like roof, is also popular. The three pools, including a large main pool, a kids’ pool, and a saltwater pool, are immaculately kept, and the surrounding palm trees make the poolside environment that much more picturesque. The area can get crowded, though. The private beach is even more beautiful, with ample seating under thatched roof umbrellas, a volleyball net, and free beach towels. Access to the beachside fitness center is free. The naturally lit room is filled with modern TechnoGym equipment and yoga mats. The Marine Spa gets raves for its relaxing ambience and facilities, which range from traditional hammams and modern saunas to massage rooms with couples’ suites. Guests must be 16 years or older to use the spa. For younger guests, the staff at the VIKs (Very Important Kids) House organizes activities and even babysits infants.Event spaces include a large ballroom and four boardrooms in varying sizes. While Wi-Fi and parking are both free, guests note that the Wi-Fi connection needs improvement, and parking spaces are tight.