The Four Seasons Tunis has opened with a lavish spa inspired by Tunisia’s historic sites and traditions.

Located just a short drive from the ancient Roman ruins of Carthage, the resort includes 203 bedrooms and a Roman-inspired spa which was 10 years in the making.

Created by spa consultancy Blu Spas – which collaborated with HKS/Hill Glazier Studio and Brayton Hughes for the design – the spa includes 11 treatment rooms, many of which open to terraces with sea views.

“The project is located on a sandy site that steps down to the Mediterranean Sea and north of the ancient ruins of Carthage,” said Cary Collier, principal at Blu Spas.

“The spa design, embracing the hotel design vision, is rich in Tunisian culture.”

The VIP suite includes twin massage beds, a rain shower, bathtub and private terrace relaxation area. Spa manager Pierre Habert said the cutting-edge treatments on offer include a traditional hammam ritual.

A striking indoor-outdoor lap pool is surrounded by columns and mosaic tiles, while an outdoor pool overlooks the sea.

The resort also has a fully equipped fitness centre with steamrooms and sauna, separate men’s and women’s lounges and two tennis courts.

Perched along the hillside of Gammarth, the hotel combines contemporary Arabesque architecture and Mediterranean influences, including mashrabiya latticework screens.

Spilling down toward the Mediterranean sea is a palatial complex of white buildings connected via arched walkways and surrounded by pools, fountains and gardens.

Public areas are designed in an open concept to capture sea breezes, while guest rooms open to either garden or sea views.

The hotel is owned by investment group the Mabrouk Group and is the first Four Seasons in Tunisia – and the seventh in North Africa, with Four Seasons also managing two properties in Morocco and four in Egypt.