I spent 11 days at Seabel Rym Beach over Christmas, and it was one of the best holidays I’ve ever experienced. From the moment I stepped into the foyer, I received the warmest of welcomes from two of the managers on duty that evening, offered a lovely chilled glass of apple juice and was promptly bestowed with an armband, ensuring I could make the most of the all-inclusive break. It was also advised to take a couple of bottles of water from the bar to my room, and I was delighted to see plenty of grab-and-go bottles on the counter to take away. They’re at all the bars.
The room was spacious for just one person, with two wardrobes for those that can’t pack lightly. A patio door opened onto a balcony, which in my case had a lovely view over both outdoor pools. Thankfully, each bedside cabinet also had a socket just above it, enabling phones and other electronics to be charged overnight. The large flat screen TV only had French and German channels, which was a little disappointing as although I don’t go on holiday to watch television, I do find local TV and its commercials fascinating. No sports channels either, and I did miss being able to catch up on or watch any football. The well lit bathroom was very clean (as was the room), with a powerful shower, and two bottles of locally produced toiletries. The room was housekept every day at a good hour, certainly before midday, and I often returned to a piece of towel art that was carefully crafted. The guest rooms are situated in blocks surrounding its own courtyard with a fountain and tiled seating, which is a peaceful area to be. There can be moments of loud footfall, as these courtyards form a quick route to the main buildings and terrace.
I’m not big on drinking alcohol, but there appeared to be a fair selection of local brands behind the bar. However, I made up that deficit in the number of coffees consumed each day, and they were very good indeed. The bar just off the foyer is where late risers, like me, can enjoy a selection of pastries, breads, pancakes and cakes between 10.00 and 11.00am for the late breakfast service. At 4.00pm this is where a great choice of sandwiches, pizza, pancakes and more pastries are offered for afternoon snacks.
There was often a queue before 12.30pm when lunch begins, which I never figured out the reason for as I saw trays being replenished in the main restaurant even close to the end of service. Lunch and dinner options are exceptional, and even the pickiest of eaters will find something to eat. Alongside many local dishes, there was always four or five meat options (plenty of chicken and beef), plus fish. For the unadventurous palate there’s Italian Corner with pasta and pizza, there was always fries and a couple of evenings chicken nuggets! My prior experience of buffet style self service is that there is a lack of vegetables on offer, and the food is barely warm, however that’s far from true at Seabel Rym Beach, where the meals were hot and veggies were plentiful and cooked very well. I never had a meal that was a disappointment - and if chef could share his meatball recipe, I’d be very happy. And the makrouna chicken too, my favourite!
On Christmas Eve, the hotel put on a party for guests with a six course dinner, live band and even belly dancers on table tops. A parade of dishes through the restaurant and a makeshift dance floor, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening. The evening started with a cocktail party in the foyer, which had been transformed for the night. Quite different to a place where people sit quietly to play games or read during the daytime.
The hospitality staff are friendly and helpful, and enjoy a bit of banter with guests too. They are all so hardworking. The most hardworking group at Rym Beach is undoubtedly the animation team, who are encouraging participation in activities from 9.30am and are still dancing with guests late into the night, after putting on a nightly dance production in the theatre. If you’re not the type of person who wants to take part in mini golf tournaments etc, there is zero pressure to get involved and you can stay in the sunshine topping up your vitamin D! In places like the Caribbean I will hide - if not literally run away - from animators, but here on my last few days I did thoroughly enjoy taking part in tekkers, basketball, darts and a ping pong ball version of connect 4. However, it does help if your schoolgirl French is still pretty good, to be able to get a grip of what’s going on. In my TripAdvisor reviews I don’t like to name any one particular member of staff, because it’s generally the sum of the people that makes or breaks a holiday. However, I’m going to break this habit to share that Fernando from the animation team was the absolute highlight of my time at Seabel Rym Beach. From my first full day to my final minutes, he would check in that I was having a good time on holiday, taught me some Arabic phrases and at a minimum made me smile, often laugh and managed to pull this cynical old introvert out of their shell. I am grateful that he took the time for a chat and prove that he is the king of dominoes! I returned home with happy memories of Djerba because of Fernando looking out for me. Thank you so much, you’re a diamond in the whole (talented) team.
Be prepared for themed evenings when you pack your suitcase. Especially for white night, Tunisian night and jeans and colours. The guests who were well prepared were having a grand time. I wish I had known this in advance.
In all, I have only one negative experience of the resort. Whilst sitting peacefully on a sun lounger I was approached by a man pressuring me into taking a tour on a horse and carriage. As much as I declined, he became belligerent and with a frown exclaimed “What! You don’t even want one hour?” When I thought I made it clear I didn’t even want one minute. I spotted this man on site several times, and although I’m not convinced he had any official relationship with Seabel hotels, it was clear that higher level staff knew he was there. It wasn’t a good look and his manner was abhorrent. At least after that first interaction he never approached me again, although I was thrown a dirty look or five.
With an entire world of countries and cities to visit, I generally review and consider hotels from a perspective of ‘if I happen to be there, or need to be there again’. In the case of Rym Beach, I had such a good break that left me feeling a real sense of wellbeing and relaxation I absolutely plan to return for another vacation. I will be very excited to return to the beautiful island of Djerba and more so Rym Beach.
GB