"TRAVEL: It was our first time visiting Tunisia and booked the One Resort Aqua Pool & Spa as a family of 12 as it appealed to the younger children. We arrived via a shared transfer coach which was plain sailing and took around 1 hour from the airport, with our stop being the first.
ROOMS: As we arrived before noon, the rooms were not ready which was not a problem as we were able to leave our suitcases and baggage outside the hotel reception area and were told we could use the pool facilities if we wish - We decided to sit in the main area and wait for the lunch hall to open. We were not entirely happy with our first family room - the rooms look a lot bigger in the pictures. It was a smallish room with 2 “sofa beds” through another room that’s separated by a sliding door. The “sofa beds” may be ideal for smaller children but are very small for older teens and adults. We explained our concerns to reception and they were really understanding and upgraded us to a superior family room free of charge. This room is much bigger with a double/queen bed separated by a door and another room containing 3 single beds and small patio area. Both rooms had TVs and storage for clothing. The bathroom is decent although there is only 1 toilet which can be an issue when there is 5 people in the room. We also had to ask for a kettle as our room didn’t have one and we had to plug it in by the bedside table. There was also a stench of sewage by our bungalow which thankfully didn’t come into the rooms. Towels are changed daily and the beds are also made up daily and can be changed on request.
FOOD/DRINK: There are bars and snack bars (pizza, chips, burgers, pasta) dotted around the complex if you don’t fancy the food, although the ice cream bar is only open between certain times. Be sure to ask for a double scoop! The main diner hall has lots of options from rice to chicken, pasta to Tunisian stews, not to mention all the little deserts. The children absolutely loved the chips which you’ll find in the cooking stations at the back of the diner. Some nights are also themed, I.e. Italian night and there is always a performer either singing or playing a guitar. There is always an option for soup/bread and hot drinks too.
POOLS: The pools are great with plenty of sun beds but be quick to get a ring for some of the slides as some people were hogging them! They also shut down the slides from a certain time until 3pm. There are different pool areas but the children loved the lazy river. TIP: if you join the One Resort Facebook group, people who are going home often leave items behind, such as floatys, which will save buying them in the shop. The beach is lovely and quiet and there is always a member of staff collecting empty glasses/cups. The water is fairly clear although seems to be lots of seaweed.
ENTERTAINMENT: The reason we loved our holiday so much was the entertainment team! They are up doing activities from the morning, throughout the day and end the evening with their fantastic shows in the outdoor entertainment arena (weather permitting) They really deserve a lot of credit, especially Moo-Moo, Rio, Lina, Bob to name a few and are fantastic both with kids and adults. (They only get 1 day off!)
VALUE: The onsite shop is a little pricey but there is always room for negotiation. Even though the hotel is 4 stars, we would disagree and say it is actually a 3 star. Overall though, the holiday is good value for money for what is included.
OVERALL: We really enjoyed our time in Tunisia and after a rocky first day, really enjoyed our stay at One Resort - The staff are great and people are friendly. The children loved it and were sad to go home (we hope to go back again!) There is always something to do for all ages. We also enjoyed watching the flamingos fly over in the evenings :) The hotel is also very safe with gates and security also check any vehicles coming into the complex.
ADVICE: There is no ATM at the hotel and the nearest town to withdraw cash from an ATM that is guaranteed to work is Sahline, about a 5/10 minute taxi ride. Be warned though, they may ask you if you want to see any shops or cafes/restaurants. We were happy to do this but if you really just want to use the ATM, be firm and kindly tell them you want to go straight back to hotel.
Don’t always go for the first price. There are little vendors on the complex that sell bracelets, henna, photographs, or even jewellery in the shop. If you think it’s too much, try and haggle the price. The same also goes for excursions outside of the hotel via the rep that goes around the hotel and the lady that tries to sell spa packages from within the hotel. Excursions we done included: camel riding, quad biking and a water activity on the beach.
TOP TIP: if the you tip the waiters/waitresses, bar staff and cleaners, they will look after you :)"
