Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas makes its debut this month in North Africa with the opening of Anantara Tozeur Resort in the southwest of Tunisia.

Offering a luxury gateway to ancient cultural and desert wonders, the new-build resort showcases exquisite Arabian and North African design, surrounded by the majestic desert, towering palms and endless salt lake views. World-class facilities include 93 luxurious accommodation options, five dining outlets including an Arabian Cultural Village, an Anantara Spa, a Kids Club, floodlit tennis courts and a fitness club with yoga studio.

Commenting on the launch, Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Anantara’s parent company, Minor Hotels, said, “We are so proud to debut our luxury Anantara brand in North Africa with the launch of this spectacular resort in the desert in Tunisia. Anantara Tozeur is truly a world-class resort and will bring new levels of Arabian hospitality and luxury to this stunning country.

Located on the edge of Tozeur, just 15-minutes’ drive from the city’s international airport, Anantara Tozeur Resort is the ultimate in refined luxury. The spacious modern lobby is a splendid tribute to Moorish architecture with a series of keyhole archway spaces, a mosaic infinity water feature and a deconstructed chandelier dominating the reception area. The veranda looks out over the resort’s meandering swimming pools with the backdrop of the Chott El Djerid salt flats.

Set in clusters along weaving pathways and amongst landscaped courtyards, the 93 guest rooms and villas include Deluxe Sahara View Rooms, One- and Two-Bedroom Villas and Pool Villas. The interiors boast extraordinary attention to detail with a subtle interweaving of Berber patterns, North African furnishings, materials, textures and desert colours – warm and inviting with spacious bedrooms and spa-like bathrooms, complete with rain shower and separate bathtub and outdoor terraces. Every detail, from marble floor patterns, to inlaid timber screens and traditional fret-cut lighting, highlights Tunisia’s rich heritage.

Providing spacious indulgence, two private three-bedroom Royal Villas welcome families, friends and groups to regal exclusivity. Each grand entrance leads to more than 800 square metres of indoor living space with an open-plan lounge, sunken dining room and private majlis, all with an opulent interior design. The impressive outdoor terrace with an infinity pool and dining area is perfect for alfresco meals, with endless panoramas of the region’s famed Chott el Djerid.

The Asian inspired Mekong celebrates the distinctive cuisines found along the mighty Mekong River, offering signature dishes from Thailand, China, Vietnam and Laos. The cool, modern aesthetic belies the ultra-authentic nature of the cuisine. At Sarab guests can experience a fusion of flavours influenced by Mediterranean, Arab and Tunisian cuisines.

Immersing travellers in the rich heritage of Tunisia, the Arabian Cultural Village features a traditional souk and open-air tent housing the Arabian Nights Restaurant. Diners can enjoy local flavours including brik à l'oeuf, camel steaks, Golla and other national delicacies prepared traditionally on an open fire. Visitors can also appreciate the rich aromas and tastes of Arabic coffees and mint tea as they relax on cushioned seats, enjoying authentic local entertainment.