Harissa is widely used in Tunisia.
*COUGH* Stolen from Wikipedia to help understand what Harissa is
Harissa is a Tunisian hot chili sauce whose main ingredients are piri piri (type of chili pepper), serrano peppers and other hot chili peppers and spices such as garlic paste, coriander, red chili powder, caraway as well as some vegetable or olive oil.

Most stews will contain Harissa from what I've found on previous trips.
I'm sure Aslemma will be here soon to help more.

Hi Andy and Caz, I've only just seen your post but there's still time to jump in with my two-pennorth for what it's worth.. First of all a quick glance at this map will show you where your hotel is siituated: http://www.holidaymaps.de/afrika/tunesien/skanes.html

Now, harissa. As Ormmoth says it is very popular in Tunisia but not to everyone's taste. Apart from being used in much of the cooking, you will often be given a small dish of harissa mixed with olive oil in which you can dip the delicious bread which is usually provided in restaurants. I've grown to love it and always ask for it if they haven't put it on the table. There are plenty of things which don't include this however so you should be able to avoid it.

there isn't a lot to do in Skanes itself but your rep will offer a lot of excursions you can go on, all at various prices. There is quite a lot you can do independently however, making use of the the very inexpensive train or metro from Sousse or Monastir, or the buses. The louage (shared taxi) is another good and cheap way of getting around and taxis are inexpensive for shorter journeys, particularly if you negotiate (aka haggle). "la, gahli barcha" means"'No, too expensive".

You must go into the Medina at Sousse as it is quite an experience and not frightening as some people fear. Whilst there visit Dar Essid, which is an old house/museum and absolutely fascinating. I suggest you "Google" it but I can assure you it is a couple of pounds well spent. Don't bother with the catacombs, as though they may be worth a visit when excavations etc are finished I was distinctly under-whelmed in April when I visited. The mausoleum of the penultimate President, Bourgiba, at Monastir is absolutely wonderful.

Further afield but easily reached are Tunis, Carthage (for histoty buffs) and Sidi Bou Said. For the desert saffari you really do need to go with an organised tour. You will be spoiled for choice regarding things to do but much will depend on your budget and the time available.