Reviving a Century-Old Icon: La Badira's Ambitious Project in Aïn Draham
In the lush green heights of northwest Tunisia, Mouna Ben Halima, CEO of La Badira, is preparing to breathe new life into one of the region's most iconic hotels: the century-old Hôtel Les Chênes, which has been abandoned for nearly 30 years.
For Ben Halima, the choice of Aïn Draham was a no-brainer. She explains that she was seduced by the site's rich heritage: "It's a historic hotel, dating back to 1907, and has seen the greatest personalities of the 20th century pass through its doors," she recounts with undisguised emotion. Closed for three decades due to disrepair, the establishment remained the property of Ctama assurances, which took the initiative to find a hotel partner to rehabilitate this memory-filled location.
Restoring the Past to Energize the Future
For Mouna Ben Halima, passionate about heritage valorization, this project is part of a broader vision: making every corner of Tunisia accessible through high-quality hospitality infrastructure. "Every square meter of Tunisia deserves to have high-end accommodation units. We have a country so rich in natural and archaeological sites that we must give people the chance to discover each region in the best possible conditions," she insists.
Unlike La Badira Hammamet, a luxury beachfront gem, the new project is anchored in an intimate, mountainous concept, with only 28 rooms. Spa, à la carte restaurant, and high-end services will be available to ensure the same level of excellence as the parent company.
Weaving Synergies for the Region
Beyond simply operating a hotel, the CEO hopes to actively contribute to the local dynamic. She stresses the importance of collaborating with other tourism stakeholders already present to develop joint offers and strengthen Aïn Draham's attractiveness. "We can create common programs to make the region even more appealing. It's a very rich region, and it deserves to be rediscovered," she affirms.
Delivery Expected for Early 2026
The renovation works are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026. For the CEO of La Badira, this project goes beyond mere commercial ambition: it's about preserving a piece of history while offering visitors a unique experience, nestled between oak forests and local traditions.
With this new venture, Mouna Ben Halima reaffirms a strong conviction: Tunisian tourism has everything to gain from diversifying, to better reveal its often-overlooked treasures.
