Al Moudira
Step back in time and soak up the atmosphere in the only palace on the Nile's west bank.
Tucked away in rural farmland, Al Moudira is ideally located close to the city of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, between the River Nile and the Theban Mountains.
54 large rooms and suites are set around a peaceful courtyard and feature ornate murals hand painted by the hotel's Lebanese artist owner. Each has been individually decorated with antique furniture picked up in Middle Eastern souqs and represents a theme inspired by Egyptian history and mythology. All have spacious hammam style bathrooms and other facilities include satellite television and minibars.
The poolside Pavilion serves light lunches and the Great Room, with its Ottoman brick domes and hanging chandeliers, is where a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean menu is served at dinner. There are also two bars where you can enjoy a drink or mint tea.
Why We Love It
The hotel name derives from the time of the refurbishment, when the builders referred to the owner as 'al moudira' - the boss. The name stuck.
Mövenpick Resort Aswan
The Mövenpick Resort Aswan has an unparalleled position on an island in the middle of the Nile near Aswan. The 230 spacious modern decorated rooms, suites and villas all overlook the Nile.
The Resort features three restaurants. The Orangerie Restaurant, with views over the pool and gardens, offers the famous Mövenpick breakfast buffet, as well as lunch and dinner buffets. The restaurant is open 24h daily. The Poolside Restaurant serves light a- la- carte dishes, the famous Mövenpick ice cream and is a perfect spot to enjoy a fresh drink. Another highlight is the unique Panorama Bar and Restaurant. It is situated on the top floor of the tower. Secure floor to ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the island whilst enjoying international or local cuisine. The Lounge Bar is open all day for drinks, cocktails and light snacks, and to work off all this excess, the hotel fitness centre offers massages and other treatments by expert spa specialists.
Why We Love It
The hotel may be on an island in the middle of the Nile, but 5-minute shuttle boats run 24 hours a day.
MS Mayfair
A cruise without the crowds - the MS Mayfair has all of the benefits of a larger ship, just with less people, the most knowledgeable guides and whole lot more privacy.
The MS Mayfair meanders along the banks of the Nile passing all of the ancient relics and historical sights along the way. The itineraries range from 3 to 7 nights and travel from Luxor to Aswan (and vice-versa). Highlights include the temples at Luxor, the High Dam and Obelisk, and the temple of Horus in Edfu. The expert Egyptologists are on hand to give fascinating insights into the history of the area, and are sure to keep even the most self-confessed philistines interested.
Be transported back into the 1920's where the art deco features and sweeping staircases evoke memories of a glamorous past. The 72 cabins and 2 suites all have large windows, maximising the beauty of the Nile and its dramatic surroundings.
The MS Mayfair has a total of 5 decks, featuring a Sun Deck with an outside pool and two Jacuzzis. The BelAir Deck has a bar and shop, and the Nile Deck is home to the Nile Adventure Restaurant and the ship's Spa, which includes a sauna, steam room and therapist.
Why We Love It
Sundowners on the Sun Deck at sunset. A cliché? Perhaps, but in this instant we are willing to forego the naff-factor when the views are that good.
Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan
The hotel is built in the Nubian desert on a shelf of pink granite overlooking the Nile opposite Elephantine island.
One of the most famous grande dame hotels in Egypt, the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan retains much of its Victorian facade and elegance, with guests arriving in a historic lobby with polished marble floors and high, classic Islamic arches.
The Old Palace Wing houses nearly half the 138 rooms and suites, while the newer Nile Wing is a later addition.
The signature 1902 restaurant has a Qualawun Mausoleum and 75-feet dome and serves international and oriental specialities, while Al Saraya is a brasserie style affair with a terrace overlooking the Nile. There are no prizes for guessing what Oriental Kebabgy specialises in, and finally the Palms restaurant offers cocktails, snacks and lunch throughout the day.
The emphasis is very much on drinks with a view at the four hotel bars, La Terrasse, Promenade, the originally named The Bar and Yasmin Vitamin Bar & Lounge, all of which have Nile views.
Finally, So Spa offers rejuvenating treatments from around the world and includes an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, hammam steam room and gym.OT: La Terrasse bar features King Faoud Corner, where the former Egyptian monarch would sit enjoying the view of the Nile, the lifeblood of his country.
Why We Love It
La Terrasse bar features King Faoud Corner, where the former Egyptian monarch would sit enjoying the view of the Nile, the lifeblood of his country.
