The first ultra-luxury hotel in Hammamet has arrived. Following a soft opening, it has just celebrated its official launch with something of a final flourish: its very own Spa by Clarins, the only one of its kind in Tunisia.

La Badira («as bright as the full moon», in Arabic), an all-white design facing the Mediterranean, boasts a whole raft of firsts. Located to the north of Hammamet, at the other end of the town from the Yasmine district, which caters mostly to mass tourism, this 130 suite hotel is to fly the flag for the luxury market in this many-faceted seaside resort. Now the town's most luxurious establishment, the hotel is also Tunisia's only representative of the prestigious global luxury hospitality consortium The Leading Hotels of the World.

A very specific vision lay behind the hotel's creation: that of bringing the town's rich history back to life. Hammamet's golden age began in 1914, with August Macke and Paul Klee's first visit, soon to be followed by Gide, Cocteau and Wilde. The hotel's interiors combine items redolent of the world of travel during the first half of the 20th century with works in a more contemporary style created using traditional techniques by local craftspeople. Each of the six «Legends» suites pays tribute to one of the individuals who helped forge Hammamet's iconic reputation. Every little, entirely unique detail at La Badira is a celebration of the rich intermingling of cultures from both sides of the Mediterranean, a product of this glorious past.

The brainchild of businesswoman Mouna Ben Halima, the hotel is reserved for adults and caters to a clientele with very individual requirements, united by their desire for the very best of facilities and standards of service that are second-to-none. La Badira's aim is also to act as the vanguard for a second peaceful revolution, this time in the Tunisian hotel and tourism sectors.

From being heavily involved in the pro-democracy movement during the revolution, Mouna Ben Halima - who became Vice-Secretary General of the Tunisian Hotel Federation at the beginning of the year - is a strong advocate of a nationwide shift in focus towards catering to the more high-end tourist segment. Up to now, the tourist market in Tunisia has been almost entirely dominated by the «low cost» sector, because of the policies of the old regime. However, the glory days of this market are long gone, never to return. The challenge is now to restore the reputation of the Tunisian tourist industry and help it to adapt to the expectations of today's tourists. The Director General of La Badira believes this effort will have a decisive impact on the country's economic future, at a crucial juncture when European tourists are slowly but surely returning to Tunisia following the catastrophic fall-off in visitor numbers in 2015.

La Badira is the most luxurious hotel in Hammamet. Magnificently-sited upon an arm of land that thrusts into the sea like a ship's prow, each of its 130 suites boast views over the Mediterranean. White terraces border two outdoor swimming pools, which sparkle in the sun, beyond which lies a long beach of golden sand.

Tunisia's sole representative of the prestigious global luxury hospitality consortium The Leading Hotels of the World, La Badira's vision is an entirely unique one: to whisk you back to the world of the traveller in the first half of the 20th century. It was during this time that many artists and writers, captivated by the quality of the light and the scenery, decided on Hammamet as their holiday destination of choice, and thus the town's fame began to spread all over the world.

Playing on the contrasts between shadow and the light that was so beloved of the artists who helped create the town's reputation, La Badira («as bright as the full moon», in Arabic), celebrates both age-old «tunisianité» (Tunisian identity) and the incredible creative energy that Paul Klee, Jean Cocteau and August Macke amongst others derived from this magical place. Its vibrant interior décors marry a modern, sophisticated Tunisian aesthetic with a few nostalgic touches recalling the world of the globetrotters of yesteryear: yellowing photographs of «Tunis, the White City» and of the Medina of Hammamet, old colonial era style posters promoting the North African tours and holiday packages organized by the P.L.M. and Touring-Club de France, and vintage objects such as antique wood and leather travelling trunks. These fragments of the past rub shoulders with contemporary artwork made by local craftspeople using techniques that date from time immemorial. This blend of genres perfectly illustrates the fusion of cultures and artistic influences that is a legacy of this tremendously creative time.

130 suites

As well as 120 Junior suites, which all boast sea views, La Badira features 10 extra-luxurious suites, including six 160m_ «Legends» suites. Each Legends suite draws the inspiration for its décor from one of the personalities to have fallen under the spell of Hammamet between the 1910s to the modern day, from Romanian architect George Sebastian - an early fan of the town - to Italo-Tunisian actress Claudia Cardinale and the wife of the Duke of Windsor, Wallis Simpson. These signature suites each have their own, unique décor and a private swimming pool overlooking the Mediterranean.

Designed - both inside and out - to be a home-from-home no matter the time of year, La Badira is a place of multiple ambiances, sometimes the freedom of open sea and open spaces, sometimes an intimate, cosy vibe. Step outside and enjoy the sunshine and the sea, not to mention lush green grounds and the delicate scent of jasmine, golden beaches with loungers and the sparkling waters of infinity pools that beckon invitingly, ideal for a refreshing dip facing the azure expanse of the sea. If you feel like a little pampering, there's a library, fireplaces, cocktail bar and snug sofas. You'll find that the hotel changes with the changing seasons, in many subtle ways.

7 bars and restaurants, including 2 restaurants showcasing the very best in Tunisian and Mediterranean fine dining

La Badira boasts two principal restaurants, presided over by Tunisian chef Slim Bettaieb. Adopting a fresh take on classic Tunisian and Mediterranean dishes, both offer an array of inventive, lavish dishes, using locally-sourced, seasonal produce.

Adra, his first restaurant, wears its local colours on its sleeve, with Tunisian cooking occupying pride of place. His second restaurant, Kamilah, aims to strike a more relaxed, informal note. Located by the swimming pool, it serves up dishes inspired by the cookery of the wider Mediterranean Basin.

Two other restaurants round off the La Badira culinary experience: the Zahila - open for breakfast and special events only - and the Beach Grill - an outdoor dining venue overlooking the beach, which specializes in grilled food.

La Badira is also home to three bars: the Lobby Bar, the Pool Bar and the Sunset Terrace. All have their own distinctive vibe and all offer a large selection of cocktails, wines and other drinks, as well as snacks and light meals.