A Hotel Oasis in the Desert

Every evening before bed and again early in the morning herds of sheep parade in front of the plush Tamerza Palace in Tozeur, Tunisia.

Between them and the braying camels, donkey calls and barking wolves it's no wonder I can sleep. But sleep I do because the comfort of a five star hotel is like being wrapped in a Tempurpedic mattress.

From my balcony is the perfect view of an ancient mud village washed away in 1958 by an unusual flash flood. Stone and brick foundations outline where the homes once stood.

Other amenities include a traditional Hammam including purification, exfoliation, steam and vichy rooms. The Tamerza also includes an indoor infinity pool overlooking the desert ruins for relaxation and a heated outdoor pool for exercise.

At the spa, I opt for a local Berber favorite: desert rain with apricot oil. It's ultimate hydrotherapy for the senses. For 25 minutes I lay underneath a vichy rain shower spraying warm water from head to toe coupled with the massage of a lifetime.



Later in the evening we sit under a twinkling blue sky eating cooked camel smothered in gravy to the sounds of 4 Tunisians musicians. Yup, you read right, I ate camel and had it been served as lamb, veal or sirloin I couldn't tell the difference.

I must admit, if a Bedouin lifestyle includes hardships like these, I'm ready for an immediate conversion.