Hotel Khayam Garden Beach Resort and Spa

"We had a wonderful stay, the rooms were cleaned every day, the food was varied and delicious and there's plenty of places to eat, even off season, the sea view was really gorgeous, the hotel very clean and the local alcohol is fab so no worries on an all inclusive .. The staff are wonderful, so helpful and many multi lingual and if you make the effort to learn a few Tunisian phrases I can see it's appreciated and a great way to brush up on your french also though there were many English speakers but it's just respectful to learn a few local phrases I thought. Rain or shine the animation team (entertainment) we're so full of energy and I have to really big up Raphael as our stand out man of the holiday, what an absolute professional! and the whole team were superb, kept us laughing and involved the whole holiday and Raphael is exceptional at his job 👏👏👏 and he loved the English language which he was excellent at by the way and knows how to treat respectfully and with great humour the guests of all ages. The dancers were amazing in the eve!  Games funny and a great way to connect to other travellers. The rooms were comfortable (mattress a bit firm for me after two back operations) but speaking to other travellers they were very comfortable. Tips are king in nabuel but a 10 dinar note is around the £2.50 mark and if you just leave a couple of dinar for staff ,  I'd say 5td minumum for room/cleaning staff respectfully, door staff etc whenever you can makes a hell of a difference when the avg service job is around 800td a month I believe when reading up on it.. And it's appreciated as the tips get pooled and you can change your large notes for change at reception.. It's definitely worth budgeting in for ultra ultra ultra top class service if you can afford it. The pools were fab, the sea stunning, please remember they are recovering from floods which has made the other beaches either side messy without the economy to do a full clean up crew.. Even in the souks the staff are very hard sell but they will leave you alone when firm but respectful and some very funny when you join in for a chat, havnt heard the phrase 'lovely hubby since the 90's 😂. They advise covering shoulders and knees as is an Islamic country but saw plenty french in shorts and vests to be honest who didn't get hassled. Plenty of sports available from tennis, darts, archery, football, crazy golf, swimming indoors out of season, gymn and just ask for what daily activities like yoga etc are available. The khayam garden has a great shop on site for tourist treasures and bits you forgot to pack if you can't be arsed with haggling but it is cheaper off site with a good haggle. I'd definitely go back but as a summer/autumn visit as the sea breeze and rain on off March is chilly but even so, lovely walks, great entertainment team, excellent bar staff and well everyone and plenty to do in the cooler months. The quad biking was fun but man the Romeo Juliet spa visit was sooooo so good.. Steam room, mud and exfoliate scrub, shower, relax with tea then full body  massage and the Masseuse ladies was so relaxing and no it's not like a Turkish scrub massage, it's gentle and well done.. Great for after a day of activities. And there's hair salon, pedicure, manicure, jacuzzi and many other spa services with lower priced options to pamper yourself.. They have a gymn and indoor pool which was really quiet in March.. In fact I found our room 3318 a very peaceful side with such a great view and small balcony. There isn't a room service for food but it's so easy to grab a coffee and pastries to boiled eggs or cocktails even for a breakfast back to your room. Beach towels to rent at reception for 20td. So yeah you can relax by the pool or join in group activities, you tell the staff what you need and they will endeavour to make it happen, tip often is my only advice because it's worth it and so are the staff.. The food was great, plenty of things like steak, fresh fish, noodles, pancakes, fresh pizza cooked to order and all takes minutes with many pre cooked dishes worth sampling and the local beer and wine is lovely! Paninis handy in between food if miss your lunch or dinner. Loved the Tunisian food, the fresh fish was absolutely gorgeous, soups, fresh pressed juices, coffee and wine free flowing (the Tunisian house red was one of the best food wines I've ever tasted) salads, fresh fruit, lasagne, fresh veg, the bread delicious, stews, chicken etc I was actually surprised at the lack of lamb and strong spicy food on the menu (the harrissa sauce on bread was wowow spicy and lovely which helped my spice crave) There are plenty of adventures to be taken, camel or horse riding, quads, roman ruins, souks further afield go see old star wars sets the colosseum beats Rome hands down! If on a budget then plan ahead and use the train services even which I've heard from other travellers are friendly and helpful, get the staff to book your cabs as drivers rarely set a meter or agree to a fixed price if cab jumping.. There's a local service that does have fixed prices and your hotel staff are in the know. So yes even off season I'd give Khayam garden a 9/10 ands that's only because the outside pools could do with a but more heat off season.. Cus brrrr in March. Thank you to all the staff who made it a wonderful first visit to Tunisia, thank you Raphael who should be snapped up by any entertainment employer in any country and also your brothers and sisters in team for such a unique stay and insight to Tunisia and it's wonderful people xxx Lots of love and respect from Penny and Matt"

"I really lovely friendly hotel and spa. I’m a solo female travelling on her own, never once felt intimidated, uncomfortable or awkward. Beach is a little bit scruffy at the moment, apparently it’s cleaned up in the summer though I still thoroughly enjoyed walking every day along the beach. The evening entertainment is lively, but I wasn’t here for that. I was here just to relax, have lots of spa treatments and recharge my batteries. I was all inclusive, so had to go to the bar to get my own drinks, which isn’t a problem, (people paying for drinks had waiter service) until a lovely young man serving called Malek asked me if I would like a drink and got me one! (Last night of my eight days stay). Pool outside was too cold to go in, and the indoor one was too busy and full of screaming kids, so I swerved that! (At the weekend a lot of locals come here, rest of the time it was quiet). Food is good, usual buffet style, but varied - I found plenty to eat - and it was all beautifully presented, clean and well maintained throughout the service. Hotel is very clean - mattress protectors on the beds - very important to me! Room cleaned everyday. Public areas spotless. And probably the cleanest toilets I’ve been in for ages!"

"Just returned from our first visit to this hotel.Having visited many hotels in Tunisia,this has to be one of the cleanest we have ever been to, it was spotless. A lovely mint tea to welcome us which made a nice change from all the usual sweet sugary drinks other hotels give you,much more authentic. Quickly taken to our room which was also spotless. Water was already in the room along with kettle,cups,glasses and plenty of various tea bags ,but no coffee so you might want to take your own. Praise also to the little maid who cleaned our room every day,fresh towels and lovely towel art/flowers left every day,she was so friendly and nothing was too much trouble. Towels available to hire from reception for use in the beautiful indoor pool /outdoor sun loungers. Afraid the outdoor pools were just too cold for us (time of year) but lovely to sit around the outdoor pool,basking in the warm sunshine and admiring the views. Restaurant was the usual ,spotlessly clean again,plenty of teaspoons( those that have been to Tunisia before will know that tea spoons are a rarity) Lots of choices both hot and cold,but please will you switch on the plate warmers as the chefs go to a lot of trouble to cook the food only for us to put it on cold plates which spoils it.My partner had to warm his plate every time in the microwave ! Bar service was also great,special praise to the evening waiter who kept us topped up and had great fun with us ( sorry didnt get his name) Not much outside of the hotel,but a 20 min walk took you into Nabeul and the Friday market is worth going to see. All in all , a great week was had. Would we return? We most certainly would and look forward to it. Pat & Paul xx"