We tested the 4-star TUI BLUE Scheherazade hotel in autumn and the weather was exceptionally warm and sunny. This made breakfast by the pool and the hammock on the beach twice as much fun. Find out here what awaits you at the adults-only hotel TUI BLUE Scheherazade and whether it’s worth it!
Table of contents
What I liked
- View from the room, all rooms face the sea
- Well-kept large garden with hammocks
- Wide sandy beach, you are left alone by hawkers
- Large selection of cocktails that are included
- WLAN everywhere on the premises
What I didn’t like
- Not completely barrier-free
- Some pizzas with adventurous toppings
Where is the TUI BLUE Scheherazade located?
The TUI BLUE Scheherazade is situated in the hotel district of Sousse, nestled between Port El Kantaoui and Sousse city centre. You can theoretically walk the 5 km to Sousse centre along the beach. Of course, you can also take a taxi or hop on the tourist train that stops right in front of the hotel. The property boasts a prime location directly on the long, wide sandy beach, featuring its own private section complete with sun loungers, parasols, and daybeds.
Who is the TUI BLUE Scheherazade suitable for?
This is an adults-only hotel welcoming guests aged 16 and above. As such, it attracts visitors who simply want to enjoy a peaceful getaway. Guests come from all over the world, appreciating the tranquil atmosphere, excellent cuisine, and opportunities to explore the surrounding area. The high number of regular guests who return multiple times per year speaks volumes about the hotel’s quality. I also noticed several groups of friends who particularly praised and took advantage of the extensive leisure facilities. The friendly staff speaks English and French, with some members also speaking German. The hotel remains open during winter, when the spa and wellness facilities become especially appealing.
How is the all-inclusive at the TUI BLUE Scheherazade?
Französischer Einfluss: Leckere Hors d’oeuvre
You can choose from 4 restaurants and 6 bars. Start your day with an extensive breakfast buffet, for lunch choose between the main restaurant’s buffet and the poolside snack bar, and in the evening enjoy either the elaborate themed buffet or elegant à la carte dining. Make sure to dine on the main restaurant’s terrace or at the pool bar – both offer stunning sea views.
We arrived late in the evening after the restaurants had closed. A sumptuous plate of salads, sandwiches and fruit was waiting for us in our room. Just what you need after a long journey!
What you can expect:
- International buffet with live cooking in the main restaurant
- Tunisian-European fusion cuisine in the “Culinarium”
- International vegan, fish and meat menu at “Terra e Mare”
- Coffee & cake included in the Tea’s Coffee Shop (in other TUI BLUE hotels it costs extra in Thea’s)
- Moorish coffee in oriental style with water pipes (not included)
- Local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks included
- Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian selection
My tips:
- Be sure to try cocktails with the local spirits Thebarine and Cedratine!
- Planning a marriage proposal? Book a romantic dinner for two in one of the pavilions on the beach (for a fee)
- All dishes are labelled for allergy sufferers, e.g. with symbols for onions and garlic. A dream for people with irritable bowel syndrome who have to avoid these ingredients. Label missing? Do you have a question? Talk to the BLUE Guide Kitchen!
- Don’t miss out on Tunisian specialities such as brik, couscous or pastries with herbs!
- For excursions, you can have free packed lunches packed for you or take something with you from the Grab & Go area
- If you’re open to variations on pizza classics: they had pizza margherita with banana (could lead to a war with Italy)
- Laugh at funny translated signs 😉
- You can find all food and drink menus in the BLUE App!
Rooms at the TUI BLUE Scheherazade
Unlike many other hotels, the hotel does not offer rooms with a poor view of the street or courtyard, but all rooms face the sea. The higher up your room is, the better the view, which extends over the garden and pool area to the beach. The sunrise over the sea is magical! You can even see the sea from your bed.
Insider tip for the best view: Book room 804 via the “select your room” booking.
Another highlight are the Swim-up rooms with direct pool access. This pool is only for the guests of the swim-up rooms! For more space, treat yourself to a junior suite.
Pillow too hard, too soft? Run out of shampoo? Simply submit a service request via the BLUE app and you will be helped.
More hotels with private pool access? Here you will find the hotels with swim-up pool and with private pool.
What activities does the TUI BLUE Scheherazade offer?
On the hotel grounds you will find
- Mini Golf
- Shuffleboard
- Boule
- Darts
- Kubb
- Sjoelbak
- a tennis court that is also used by the Tunisian professional player Ons Jabeur,
- a fitness room with sea view
- Board and card games
- and even an escape room!
The hotel offers professionally-led fitness classes, some held on the fitness platform overlooking the sea, including stretching, Pilates, HIIT, yoga, aqua dance, and much more. The BLUE App lists all daily activities and allows you to reserve spots in fitness classes.
Don’t be confused by the fact that “Smoking” is listed as a programme item in the BLUE App. It explains where smoking is permitted in the hotel, and there are only a few places. As a non-smoker, you are well protected here. More on this in the FAQ below the article.
What about wellness? Of course, there’s a traditional hammam in the BLUE Spa. Treatments are available for an additional fee. I’ve heard the couples massage and whirlpool are particularly popular, and the shower massage is a real hit – imagine being massaged while warm rain showers pour down on you. Try it out and leave a comment below the article about your experience!
Evening entertainment begins with sundowners by the pool, continues with performances by musicians and artists, and evolves into a casual party atmosphere. When entertainment takes place in the pool area’s “courtyard,” you can hear it in the rooms. If you’re noise-sensitive and plan to sleep before 22:00/23:00, bring earplugs. Don’t expect wild club parties though – the crowd here tends to be more mature 😉
What can one do around the hotel?
Check the BLUE app to see what excursions are on offer at the hotel or contact the BLUE Guide for personalised tips.
- Don’t miss visiting the Sousse old town. Read this article to discover what Sousse has to offer.
- Port El Kantaoui is a beautifully designed resort town that you can reach by taking the tourist train from the hotel. There you can take part in boat trips or sit in the café and watch other holidaymakers.
- A day trip to Monastir, which is known for its fortress and mausoleum by the sea, can be easily and cheaply organised by train from the centre of Sousse.
- Kairouan, known as a holy city in Islam for its ancient mosque and a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its medina.
- El Djem is known for the Amphitheatre of El Djem, which is considered the best preserved amphitheatre in North Africa and, with a capacity of around 35,000 spectators, is the second largest of its kind after the Colosseum in Rome.
- If you are interested in Roman archaeological sites, I can recommend a trip to Dougga. Dougga is considered the best-preserved example of a Roman city in North Africa. The journey is relatively long. You will need to hire a car or join an organised tour.
What about sustainability in the hotel?
The drought is also increasing in Tunisia and saving water is more important than ever. The hotel is doing everything it can to become more sustainable and has its own environmental officer. It publishes a sustainability report every year. You can find it in the BLUE App. Here are some of the measures implemented at the hotel:
- Connection to a biological wastewater treatment plant
- Energy-saving switches, LED lighting and other measures to save electricity
- at least 80 % of the food comes from the region.
- Disposable plastic items, e.g. straws, are replaced by reusable alternatives and the accommodation has a comprehensive recycling plan for at least four types of waste
- Water-saving shower systems, flushing toilets and efficient garden irrigation reduce water consumption. Laundry is changed at the guest’s request.
- Guests can take part in environmentally friendly activities (“Beach Cleanup”), local charitable organisations are supported and staff receive regular training on sustainable behaviour.
Is a holiday at the TUI BLUE Scheherazade worth it?
No matter what time of year, but especially in the low season, the hotel is worthwhile for a relaxing holiday. No screaming children, great all-inclusive catering and leisure facilities, beautiful beach and yet close enough to many excursion destinations. Just read the reviews and see for yourself.
Book your holiday at the TUI BLUE Scheherazade now
FAQ about the TUI BLUE Scheherazade
When is the hotel the cheapest?
In autumn and winter, you can find real bargains! November temperatures can still reach 30 degrees, and the sea remains warm enough for swimming. Winter weather is less stable but mild, making it perfect for a wellness holiday with excellent value for money!
Is the pool heated?
The pool in the inner courtyard can be heated. Exactly when it is heated depends on the temperatures. Enquire via the BLUE app.
Is smoking allowed?
It is prohibited in all indoor areas and the terraces of the hotel’s restaurants and bars. The first row of sunbeds is also a non-smoking area. Smoking is permitted on the room balconies.
Which draught beer is served in the hotel?
The beer on tap is the Tunisian “Celtia”.
Are branded spirits also offered in the all-inclusive package?
Imported spirits are offered, but are not included. For every popular spirit such as gin or rum, there is a local alternative that is included.
Does the main restaurant have an outdoor terrace for breakfast and dinner?
Yes, the main restaurant L’Olivier has two terraces – one facing the inner courtyard with a view of the pool and one facing the sea.
Can you do water sports such as jet skiing or banana boating? If so, at what price?
Water sports activities are offered, but for a fee. Prices vary depending on the provider and negotiating skills. There is a provider in the hotel.
Thank you for your blog Miri, it is very well curated and answers many additional questions I had about the hotel and beyond. Your section on Dougga is in German, was that intentional? In the title “Book your holiday at the TUI BLUE Scheherazade nowe” the word now ends with an e.
Great blog Miri, much appreciated.
Hi Lorella,
thanks for the compliment! Of course the German section was not intentional… Thanks for the hint, I changed it to English and fixed the typo. I’m glad someone reads the articles thoroughly 🙂
Have a great day
Miri