A story spanning two thousand years is told by the waters of Korbous in Tunisia
- Eric ALAUZEN
- Aug 10
- 5 min read
For over two millennia, Korbous, Tunisia, has captivated visitors with its magical hot springs, beautiful coastline and unique history. From Carthage to the present day, it has welcomed rulers, travellers and spa guests seeking wellness and inspiration. This is the story of a rare destination that combines history and renewal.
When the waters of Korbous whispered in the ears of the Carthaginians
Korbous, in the Cap Bon region, about 60 kilometres from Tunis, nestled between the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged hills of Jebel Ressas, has been shining brightly for several millennia.
A stone's throw from the great Carthage, the Punic and then the Roman peoples loved to come by boat to relax in Korbous, then known as Aquae Calidae Carpitanae or Carpis, belonging to the important colony of Proconsular Africa, which included Carthage.
They built luxurious primary and secondary residences on the hillsides, where they often went to enjoy the sophisticated thermal baths, fed by mineral springs with recognised therapeutic properties, to sunbathe or, more simply, to forget their hectic lives as military leaders or administrators with multiple responsibilities. A story spanning two thousand years is told by the waters of Korbous in Tunisia
Like Sleeping Beauty, Korbous awakened by a bey
After several centuries of relative obscurity, the 19th century marked a new era for Korbous thanks to the impetus of Bey Ahmed I (1806-1855).
An enlightened ruler and man of taste, Ahmed I discovered this natural gem and immediately fell in love with it. Fascinated by the wild beauty of the landscapes, the mild climate and, above all, the beneficial power of the springs, he chose to build a sumptuous villa there, symbolising his special bond with this land. This personal gesture was the catalyst for a lasting revival!
Naturally, notables and the elite followed suit, and as a result of this royal initiative, Korbous quickly gained a reputation as a resort and spa destination, a privileged site where local traditions combined with the modern aspirations of the time.
Dar-El-Bey, built by the Bey who was in love with Korbous, has now become the town's public spa, very popular with Tunisians and tourists alike.
Edmond Lecore-Carpentier, living memory of Korbous
He was neither a doctor, a builder nor a politician, but his name remains closely linked to Korbous. An influential journalist and editor of La Dépêche Tunisienne, Edmond Lecore-Carpentier, husband of Marie Curie's granddaughter, discovered the resort at the beginning of the 20th century and It was love at first sight!
Seduced by the beauty of Korbous and the tranquillity of its waters, he regularly stayed in a magnificent villa on the mountainside that he had built. He actively contributed to the development of the resort by building an access road, a casino (the first in Tunisia) and promoting the luxurious Hôtel des Thermes, frequented by the international elite.
But it is above all his sincere attachment to Korbous that lives on in people's memories. When he died, he chose to be buried there. A rare gesture that sealed forever the bond between a man and a place.
This bond was so strong that the locals began to affectionately call him Sidi Carpenti, giving him an almost sacred status. Such recognition — worthy of local marabouts — is exceptional for a European, proof of the deep respect he inspired.
When Korbous shone on the Sun Coast
The real boom in Korbous came in the 1920s, a period of excitement and transformation for the entire region. But already in 1913, the municipality of Tunis (which was already counting the number of tourists) ranked Korbous as one of the top destinations in Tunisia.
On the ‘Côte du Soleil’ (Sun Coast), Korbous became a leading seaside and thermal destination, attracting a cosmopolitan clientele. Access to Korbous was mainly by boat from Marseille, offering a journey steeped in elegance and exoticism.
Upon arrival, the Hôtel des Thermes, a true architectural gem of its time and equipped with all Western comforts, offered spa guests spacious rooms, refined lounges, vast terraces facing the sea and sophisticated spa facilities.
Korbous cultivated a unique lifestyle, combining the mild Mediterranean climate, the richness of its healing waters and a refined atmosphere where worldly pleasures abounded: balls, dinners, games, artistic and literary gatherings.
The resort was a melting pot of cultures, where European elegance blended with Tunisian traditions, creating an atmosphere that was both cosmopolitan and authentic.
A presidential view: a villa, a symbol
In the 1960s, Korbous, already steeped in centuries of prestige, saw its destiny linked to that of the father of the Tunisian nation. Habib Bourguiba, a visionary president and fervent defender of national heritage, decided to have his government buy the former villa of Lecore-Carpentier, perched facing the sea.
This gesture, much more than a simple purchase, was interpreted as a powerful act: official recognition of Korbous' potential and a desire to preserve some of the unique charm of this thermal enclave. The presidential presence suddenly thrust Korbous into the spotlight, attracting the attention of institutions and curious visitors alike.
A renewed national interest
Although the resort development project did not immediately come to fruition, the knock-on effect was clear: new visitors, renewed interest in the benefits of the springs, and the beginnings of a debate on the modernisation of the thermal spa facilities. Korbous, which had been slumbering in its pre-war splendour, gradually began to open its eyes to the future.
The Royal Tulip Korbous Bay Thalasso & Springs, a new chapter for Korbous
The Royal Tulip Korbous Bay Thalasso & Springs, opening in 2022, is much more than a luxury hotel: it is an act of rebirth. Designed as a tribute to the raw beauty of Korbous, the hotel is part of an initiative to promote local heritage. Every stone, every view, every feature has been designed to respect the landscape, enhance the thermal springs and offer visitors an experience that is both authentic and innovative.
With its opening, Korbous is changing scale. The resort is becoming an international wellness destination without losing its soul. The legacy of Ahmed I Bey, the charm of the Roaring Twenties and the impetus given by President Bourguiba find their continuation here.
Under the impetus of the Royal Tulip Korbous Bay Thalasso & Springs, Korbous is entering the 21st century with grace, deeply rooted in its history and resolutely looking to the future.
From Carthage to the present day, Korbous has always charmed visitors with its rare combination of beautiful landscapes and soothing waters. Each era has left its mark, forging a unique identity that blends memory and modernity. The Royal Tulip Korbous Bay Thalasso & Springs is part of this tradition, offering visitors the privilege of a place that is timeless, steeped in history and resolutely contemporary.
Image illustration article : Korbous ••ღ
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