You’ll be warmly greeted at this divine little guesthouse on the edge of Hammamet North. Run by an Italian couple, the Villa Phoenicia is a haven of calm and greenery; although it’s only a short, eight-minute walk from the medina, restaurants and Hammamet’s main beach, it feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of the resort town.

Jasmine and bougainvillea sprouts from the whitewashed walls of the villa, and there are gardens and terraces dotted around – perfect for kicking back and relaxing as the muezzin sings the call to prayer. Downstairs, there’s a coffee table library, complete with glossy Tunisia-themed books and magazines to inspire the rest of your trip. The hosts serve ice-cold homemade lemonade upon arrival, and there is free Wi-Fi access and cold, bottled water – as well as the usual minibar treats – available upon request. Don’t be afraid to bombard the hosts with questions about the area; they are a wealth of knowledge, and they recommended great restaurants and onward travel options during our stay.

The broad, winding staircase leads up to the four guest rooms: Smeraldo, Diamante, Zaffire and Topazio. Smeraldo is the smallest, with two comfortable twin beds, lots of natural light and a calm, cool vibe. Zaffire has a warm, sunshiney theme, with a big double and lighting in hues of orange and yellow. We stayed in Diamante, the suite, during a hot spell, and the beds were dressed for summer: smooth white sheets, cool pillowcases and lovely cotton Tunisian throws in grey and baby blue stripe. The huge balcony, decorated in wood, bamboo and local art, is a beautiful spot to end the day. The bathrooms are pretty special, too. Diamante features a long enamel bathtub surrounded by wall-to-ceiling Tunisian ceramics.

For breakfast, the hosts served us freshly baked cakes, as well as the usual fare of croissants, brioches, warm bread, a selection of jams and jellies, cheeses, ham, coffee, teas and juice spread over pretty tablecloths in the light-filled downstairs lounge. The only downside to Villa Phoenicia? You’ll be sorry to leave.