The idea of being pampered in luxurious surroundings while basking in glorious sunshine may sound appealing to most people, but when I hopped on a plane to visit one of the world's leading hotels and spas, I felt nervous.

Having never been to a spa or indulged in any kind of thalassotherapy treatments before (in fact I wasn't even sure what the word meant until I looked it up), I was in two minds as to whether it was going to be an enjoyable experience or not.

Only a two and three quarter hour flight from London, Tunisia has become a popular tourist destination for sun and spa seekers alike.

With it's golden sandy beaches, stunning resorts and warm climate, it's the ideal place to relax and unwind.

I was lucky enough to be staying at The Residence Tunis, a luxury five star hotel situated in-between a eucalyptus forest and the Med, and only 20 minutes from the Tunisian capital, Tunis.

As I stepped into the grand foyer of this beachfront hotel which resembles a Moorish-Andalucian palace with its cupolas, arcades and murmuring fountains, I felt an immediate sense of calm; this was indeed a tranquil haven where you can, as in the words of The Residence's mission statement, 'take refuge from the norm'.

Situated within the hotel is Les Thermes Marins de Carthage, which recreates ancient Roman thermal baths and the mythical hammams (steam baths) of the Orient. This ultra modern thalasso-spa, comprises 30 treatment rooms, a hamman (steam bath) and a majestic cupola covering a stunning seawater swimming pool with wide bay windows overlooking verdant landscaped gardens.

It was hard not to feel relaxed in these surroundings, and I was also reassured by the friendly team of thalasso specialists who could all speak good English.

Thalassotherapy comes from the Greek word for sea, and refers to a variety of treatments which use seawater and seaweed to tone, moisturise and revitalise the body and skin.

Different forms of thalassotherapy have different effects, helping you boost your immune system, tone your muscles, cleanse your skin, reduce the appearance of cellulite, and relax and improve your quality of sleep.

My afternoon programme consisted of four treatments. The first was a seaweed wrap, where warm seaweed was put over my body to tone my skin. This was then followed by a short period in a steam box to eliminate toxins and moisturise. This treatment, which lasted 20 minutes, was particularly invigorating.

The second was a multi-jet bath, where I lay in a tub for 20 minutes while jets of seawater gave me an incredibly relaxing, all-over hydro-massage. I was told that this treatment helped to improve circulation, and that seawater was very good for my skin - which certainly felt soft and rejuvenated afterwards.

After an application of essential oils over my body, I was then enveloped in a hot water blanket, which provided a wonderful floating sensation.

To round off my treatments, I was given a 20-minute massage which left me in a state of total relaxation. I would have been happy to spend my entire evening there, or even longer... so much for my nerves at the beginning of the trip!

Apart from thalassotherapy, Les Thermes Marins also offers a range of beauty treatments, aromatherapy, and fitness activities. You know you are in safe hands with its team of doctors, hydrotherapists, physiotherapists, and physical education instructors.

But it's not only spas and luxury hotels that Tunisia has to offer - the country is steeped in culture and history. With its ancient ruins of Carthage, its beautiful Moorish architecture, vibrant markets and diverse cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

After a good night's sleep in one of the Residence's sumptuous bedrooms, I enjoyed a hearty breakfast of pancakes in maple syrup and fresh fruit but there were plenty of other delicious looking offerings from the hotel's super self-serve buffet to tempt me. Then I decided to walk it off by taking a stroll around Tunis' ancient medina.

A visit to the medina, or the old town, was a memorable experience, negotiating my way around the labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, crowned with white domes, terraces and slim minarets. This particular morning it was very lively with throngs of people wandering around the outdoor market stalls or souks, which sell a vast array of colourful merchandise, including intersting knick-knacks and beautiful silk scarves - too tempting to resist. The medina has an impressive past, dating back to the seventh century and little has changed since the thirteenth. Today it is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Another fascinating place to visit within easy reach of Tunis and The Residence is the picturesque Sidi Bou Said, with its whitewashed houses and blue shutters and doors. The 13th century village is home to the Ennejma Ezzahra Palace, built by an erudite orientalist who assembled an incredible collection of musical instruments. And don't miss the ancient ruins of Carthage, a testament to its rich and powerful past.

The hotel can organise private excursions to the Tunis medina, Sidi Bou Said, Carthage and more.

Thalassotherapy Tunisia is now a major thalassotherapy destination. With the first centre opening in 1994, there are now some 40 thalasso-spas dotted along the coast. Deriving from the Greek word thalassa meaning sea and therapeia meaning healing, thalassotherapy is the therapeutic use of seawater and marine extracts on the skin including mud, sand and algae. Seawater has beneficial properties for the body due to its composition, and when heated between 34 and 38 degrees, mineral salt and trace elements can be transferred to the body through the skin. Some of the treatments are designed simply to be relaxing but most can also improve circulation and a sense of well-being, as well as help soothe aches and pains including rheumatism and arthritis.

Hotels and spas for thalassotherapy treatments The Residence Tunis (theresidence.com) Hasdrubal Thalassa and Spa Hotel at Yasmine Hammamet (hasdrubal-thalassa.com) Nahrawess (nahrawess.com) Villa Didon Thalassotherapy Centre (villadidoncarthage.com) Travel and money Flight: Alexis flew from Heathrow to Tunis with Tunisair Currency: Tunisian dinar which can only be bought in Tunisia