THE hotels Sidi Driss and Ksar Hedada may not look like much to the average passer-by, other than being interesting pieces of architecture native to their beautiful surroundings.

But mention to any fan of George Lucas' Star Wars films that they are found in the Tataouine region of Tunisia and their ears will immediately prick up.

The area was inspiration for the planet Tatooine, which featured in three of the four films released, and the two hotels are distinctive to any fan's eye.

Sidi Driss was used as the homestead of hero Luke Skywalker's aunt and uncle in the original film and has even been revisited by Lucas for the next film, Episode II.

Like many hotels in the area, it is dug into the ground with the rooms beneath the surface and very basic, costing only around £10 a night.

Still a working hotel, alterations made by the crews of Lucasfilm adorn the walls to give it an "intergalactic" feel and it's easy to imagine the characters standing above, searching the landscape for a runaway droid.

Ksar Hedada is now disused and, caught under the late afternoon's red sky, is spectacular before you even notice it featured as the streets of the town Mos Espa in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Even as you watch the natives walking through the streets wrapped up to keep the sun at bay, it is obvious Lucas also found inspiration for his costume department here.

But, let's not forget that Tunisia is a wondrous country - even if you didn't know your Jedi from your Jawa.

The scenery is spectacular, barren, almost alien, in large parts of the north, awe-inspiring for the most when you hit the rocky northern Sahara and then Tataouine.

Dusty mountains with winding roads surround the ancient Berber villages dug into the hillsides, many of which are now abandoned as the government, led by the popular Ben Ali (whose picture adorns many buildings and walls), has moved the residents into new communities.

Occasionally, a stone dinosaur or two stands on the horizon as a permanent reminder of the country's former residents.

Very little in the way of vegetation is seen and the odd water tank can be spotted surrounded by camels taking their daily drink.

In contrast, the beaches of Djerba and other holiday resorts are pristine, palm tree-lined havens.

Most of the big hotels - a million miles from the basic hostels off the tourist trek - are outstanding.

For three nights, our base was the five-star Palm Beach Palace, in Djerba, where attention to the customer is a priority. Not only is it beautifully presented (you pass the man polishing the floor on the way to bed and he's there again when you get up), but fruit baskets and meat platters await you when you arrive in your room.

The Sangho Privilege, in Tataouine, is set out like a small village, with chalets among winding paths and palm trees. Staff are friendly and more than willing to help you practice your French, which is a commonly spoken language, along with the main tongue, Arabic, as well as English and German.

Another hotel we visited was the Dar Dhiafa, recently lovingly converted from houses to form 40 rooms, each with their own unique style, ranging up to the Suite de Sultan, with two double beds opposite one another.

We are told: "It's normal - the sultan would have four or five wives." So, something for everyone there, then.

Markets provide the visitor with a chance to barter, but arguing the toss over a few dinar with an expert vendor will probably see you paying what he wants, even if it is much less than the original asking price.

That said, it is still reasonably cheap and the hand-woven carpets are certainly a worthy memento.

It's also worthwhile returning with a few culinary items. The olive oil and a very hot chili paste, known as harissa, are excellent.

Most of the cuisine is based around seafood, with eggs a prominent part of the diet, as well. Traditional dishes include cous cous, and, for the egg lovers, bric.

Alcohol is widely available, despite the Islamic culture, and a lenient attitude is taken to drinking, with a wide range of unusual spirits on offer.

Traveling to Tunisia involves a two-and-a-half hour flight with Tunisair from Heathrow to Tunis-Carthage, the airport in the capital Tunis, formerly known as Carthage - home of the legendary army leader Hannibal.

Another one hour flight takes you to Djerba, which is a popular island with tourists.

Even in January, the weather is warm, but comfortably so and visitors do not have to worry about a sticky, humid climate.

Also, off-peak visitors are generally in for a relatively cheap ride, in terms of hotel rooms, which cost per room, rather than per person.

FACTFILE

At the Dar Dhiafa, prices range from 170 dinar (£85) per double room to 250 dinar (£125).

Prices at the Palm Beach Palace start at 170 dinar (£85), while the Sangho Privilege starts at 58 dinar (£29).

Economy return flights cost £240 to Tunis-Carthage on Tunisair but this can vary and charter flights can be much cheaper into Monastir.