The Leading Hotel La Badira in Hammamet celebrates its 10th anniversary and opens the doors to the world of Hermès' fairy, Leïla Menchari.
- Eric ALAUZEN
- Apr 26
- 4 min read
La Badira in Hammamet (north-west Tunisia) is unique... Steeped in oriental elegance, Arab-Andalusian heritage and contemporary touches, between the sea and the hills, this hotel, a jewel of Tunisian hospitality, is the only one in Tunisia to belong to the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World collection. It is currently celebrating its tenth anniversary...
What is the Leading Hotels of the World collection ?
The Leading Hotels of the World is a prestigious collection of more than 400 independent luxury hotels in over 80 countries. Founded in 1928, it brings together unique establishments that combine excellence, cultural authenticity and personalised service. Each hotel is rigorously selected for its exceptional character and high standards.
An elegant, serene and poetic world
‘As bright as the full moon’ is the meaning of the word Badira.
The hotel subtly reflects the sublime interplay of light and shadow, giving it a very special, calm and relaxing atmosphere that delights its international guests, who love to stay in this authentic hotel that feels more like a traditional Tunisian house, respectful of the local culture.
La Badira, since its creation in 2014, has aimed to embrace the history of Hammamet, a favourite destination for artists and intellectuals in the 20th century. To celebrate them, between light and shadow, the hotel offers a collection of five 160 m² Legend suites (with private infinity pool), dedicated to Paul Klee, George Sebastian, Wallis Simpson, Claudia Cardinale and Jean Cocteau.
The Leading Hotel La Badira in Hammamet celebrates its 10th anniversary and opens the doors to the world of Hermès' fairy, Leïla Menchari
In addition to the Legend collection, the hotel also offers 124 suites and rooms (open-plan, 45 m²). Exclusively for adults, La Badira offers a discreet luxury experience, enhanced by a spa by Clarins, two outdoor swimming pools, private beaches and refined cuisine that gives pride of place to local and seasonal produce.
Who is the woman behind La Badira?
Mouna Ben Halima, from the Allani family, one of the first generations of leading hoteliers in Hammamet, is a visionary Tunisian entrepreneur. She is the architect of La Badira's success, having worked tirelessly for many months to bring it to fruition. If you are lucky enough to take a ‘tour of the owner's property’ with Mouna, you will remember it for the rest of your life, because you will understand, through her passionate words, how much energy, determination, research and intuition she has put into her project.
Planning, erecting, building and surrounding yourself with the best in their field (often local artisans) is all well and good, but ensuring that this outstanding hotel product remains among the best in Tunisia, if not the best, requires constant work, especially when you belong to the Leading Hotels of the World network.
This is what Mouna Ben Halima does every day, demanding of herself and her team, whom she knows how to motivate with her renowned kindness, tempered with authority when necessary.
La Badira is celebrating its tenth anniversary and paying tribute to the muse of Hermès, Leïla Menchari.
To celebrate La Badira's tenth anniversary in style and remain faithful to Hammamet's history, Mouna Ben Halima decided to invite the Hermès fairy, Leïla Menchari, to her Suites Legend.
Who is Leïla Menchari?
Leïla Menchari, who passed away in April 2020 after contracting Covid-19, was born in Tunis in 1927 to a lawyer father and a mother who was an activist for women's emancipation. She was the granddaughter of the last sultan of Touggourt. She was the first woman to attend the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Tunis.
She joined Hermès almost by chance, after losing her mother and deciding to give up her career as a top model at Guy Laroche. She started out working for Anne Beaumel, the company's interior designer, and ended up staying at the famous 24, Faubourg Saint Honoré address for fifty years! She replaced Annie Beaumel in 1978 and managed the shop window displays while coordinating the silk colour committee, whose decisions were crucial for sales of the brand's flagship product: the Hermès scarf.
She joined Hermès almost by chance, after losing her mother and deciding to give up her career as a top model at Guy Laroche. She started out working for Anne Beaumel, the company's interior designer, and ended up staying at the famous 24, Faubourg Saint Honoré address for fifty years! She replaced Annie Beaumel in 1978 and managed the shop window displays while coordinating the silk colour committee, whose decisions were crucial for sales of the brand's flagship product: the Hermès scarf.
The new Legend Leïla Menchari Suite
One of the most notable events of this anniversary year at La Badira is undoubtedly the opening of the new Leïla Menchari Legend Suite on the first floor, a vibrant tribute to the Tunisian icon of scenography, which harmoniously blends elegance, authenticity, luxury and poetry in a poetic and refined setting.
La Badira in Hammamet is celebrating its 10th anniversary and opening the doors to the world of Hermès' fairy, Leïla Menchari.
The decor was designed by Arlette Zouaoui and Chebilia Sayah Kaouel, who chose noble materials, iridescent colours and elements of Tunisian craftsmanship, not forgetting a wall dedication and five miniature display cases recreating her original designs for Hermès in Paris.
As it celebrates its tenth anniversary, La Badira confirms its status as a luxury icon in Tunisia, combining heritage and modernity. The inauguration of the Legend Leila Menchari Suite embodies this desire to pay tribute to elegance and creative genius.
This new setting enhances the unique experience offered by the hotel: ten years of excellence and a legend that continues to be written...
To book at La Badira, click here!
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