El Iberostar Mehari is a four-star hotel located on the east coast of Djerba Island in the tourist zone where many of Djerba’s hotels are found.
Mehari Iberostar has much going for it from the point of view of well appointed, clean, comfortable rooms; decor is a modern, international style. The grounds and buildings are extremely well maintained. An outdoor pool is unheated, and like most at other hotels is not used much until the water heats up sometime in mid-March, but to balance the lack of an outdoor pool during the cooler months, there is a heated indoor pool that has a very pleasant ambience filled with light.
Facilities include tennis courts, boulodromes for petanque, (a game that originated in France where players or teams play their “boules” towards a target ball), an archery court and a space for occasional dance lessons and Zumba by the outdoor pool. A spa centre offers a Hammam (steam room), and services such as massage, body wraps with seaweed, facials, manicures and pedicures, etc.
An animation team runs many programs, for both adults and children during the day and evening which I will explain further on in this entry.
A tasty and abundant choice of food, served buffet style, replicates the typical Mediterranean diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Where Iberostar could improve is with first impressions as guests arrive for their stay, meaning that a genuine sense of welcome would go a long way. There is no doubt that the reception staff is professional at their work, this is not in question. And once I got to know several of the reception desk staff they were charming and helpful, freely offering their time with computer and administrative issues, and this is when their warm personalities came through. Communication of facilities and programs to new guests would be helpful, perhaps an information session?
Grounds and buildings of El Iberostar Mehari:
Delicious food is a top priority that contributes to an enjoyable stay. El Iberostar Mehari comes up with spades in this department.
The many activities available at El Iberostar Mehari are often led by a member of the animation team. They include aqua-gym, fitness, organized walks, yoga, archery, petanque, Zumba and some dance. I notice the animation team doing more outreach with guests to encourage participation. As well there are tennis courts and horseback riding organized by the hotel. One animator offers many programs specifically for children during the day and early evening.
At the hotel’s beach there are camels and horses to ride, rented by individuals independent from the hotel. The beach offers long stretches for walks and where one can see fishing boats in the distance. On the main road there are caleches to hire.
The animation team offers nightly entertainment including dancing, skits and karaoke. I must also add that all members of the animation team are terrific dancers, many of them self taught. They get guests up and dancing which makes for great fun, and for me was delightful.
The hardworking animation team:
Some personnel from the hotel including Anis Chemli, general manager, David, assistant manager, my favourite waiter, bartenders.
It’s great to make new acquaintances:
And having new experiences, such as making hummus with the chef at the El Iberostar Mehari.
