The very best luxury hotels in Egypt promise the right royal treatment
Urban sanctuaries and beachside retreats abound.
Already explored the wonders of Turkey and Malta? From the vibrancy of the Red Sea to the lure of the Nile, Egypt has a more diverse touristic appeal than simply the pyramids. And the best luxury hotels in Egypt are among its many treasures. From grand resorts to quaint eco-friendly desert lodges, these accommodations promise unparalleled indulgence, leaving you in a royal state of mind.
The best luxury hotels in Egypt
1. Steigenberger Alcazar | Sharm El-Sheikh
Grand entrances, imposing arches, and elaborate carvings inspired by Islamic architecture form the fundamental character of the Steigenberger Alcazar. Located in Sinai Peninsula’s Nabq Bay, the retreat welcomes guests wanting a beachfront holiday by the Red Sea in the gorgeous Sharm El-Sheikh region of the country.
Among the facilities that make Steigenberger Alcazar a preferred family-friendly hotel in Egypt are its 35,000sq-m private beach, five restaurants, three bars, gardens, three public pools, and ample spaces for kids to run around freely. Not to be forgotten are the hotel’s boutique features, from complimentary ice cream and soft drinks to fruits on the beach and tea time, all of which are part of their all-inclusive deals.
The guestrooms follow suit in excessiveness, boasting plush interiors, gorgeous fabrics, and modern conveniences. The two-storey seafront luxury villa having four bedrooms, bathrooms with Jacuzzis, a private pool, and multiple TVs, is ideal for a family get-together. However, our pick from the 610 abodes is any of the 99 swim-up rooms that place you steps away from the refreshing swimming pool.
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2. Adrere Amellal | Siwa
Boutique to its very core, Andere Amellal is one of the most inspiring eco-friendly hotels in Egypt. Primitive in its composition, the lodge is an experiment in a back-to-the-basics lifestyle, albeit with a few modern-age comforts for a pleasurable stay.
A concept devised by Dr. Mounir Neamatalla, Adrere Amellal welcomes guests to experience a landscape-centric, artistic stay in one of 40 hand-built rooms. The surrounding environment of the Siwa oasis in the Western Desert forms an intrinsic part of this rustic sojourn. At times, one senses magical undertones in the air, possibly because Siwa is where the famed Oracle of Amon once lived. The surprise standout factor, though, is that Adrere Amellal has no electricity.
A sustainable fortress where dunes meet the oasis, hundreds of beeswax candles illuminate this stunning property come nightfall. The rooms consist of beds atop blocks of salt, olive wood furniture, carpeting, and small windows overlooking the lake.
For leisure, there’s a swimming pool and the opportunity to taste truly authentic Egyptian cuisine, prepared using organic produce and served in different locations around the complex.
Learn more about Adrere Amellal
3. The Chedi | El Gouna
The Chedi is a luxury beachfront retreat located in the holiday town of El Gouna, bordering the Red Sea. Its 82 rooms and suites, designed by Roman interior designer Elisabetta Freda, display minimalistic elegance using furniture that doesn’t take away attention from the stunning views outside.
Floor-to-ceiling windows, USB charging points, a pillow menu, Smart HDTVs, rain showers, and natural colour palettes showcase the merger of contemporary aesthetics with Egyptian and Asian influence, also visible elsewhere in the hotel.
The Chedi, meaning “Buddhist stupa” in the Thai language, is a result of the continuing partnership between Swiss Orascom and Singapore-based GHM. The resort’s 820-ft private beach with water sports and sun loungers is among its many highlights, as are the two large outdoor pools.
Furthermore, while there are four on-site restaurants at The Chedi, we highly recommend booking a table at least once at Nihon. Not only does the restaurant serve delectable Japanese food, but its rooftop vantage point grants astounding panoramic views of the surroundings.
Don’t miss our full story on the best luxury hotels in El Gouna.
Find out more about The Chedi
4. The St. Regis | Cairo
With an unmatched prime location on the Nile Corniche, unbelievable opulence everywhere you look, and the hotel’s signature butler service across all room categories, The St. Regis, Cairo is undoubtedly one of the best luxury hotels in Egypt. Developed by architect Michael Graves, the 39-storey riverfront property features 233 rooms, 50 suites, and 79 serviced apartments.
The hotel’s grand interiors celebrate the past through rich furnishings and royal textures; think shimmering crystal chandeliers, intricate wood carvings, colourful embroidery, and beautiful mother-of-pearl inlays. The Egyptian influence with a modern touch continues through the rooms with their floor-to-ceiling windows, wood panelling, and elegant furnishings, highlighted by soothing shades of desert browns on the walls.
Step outside, and St. Regis invites you to spend a little time by its heated pools or work up an appetite at the gym. Gastronomy at the hotel is serious business, as guests can dine at one of seven superb restaurants, catering to every occasion or epicurean craving. Our favourite? The cool and casual poolside Sirocco is apt for a lazy lunch. But for dinner, try the dark and atmospheric J&G Steakhouse or the bright and thematic Asian restaurant Tianma.
Find out more about The St. Regis Cairo
5. The Makadi Spa Hotel | Hurghada
Once home to some of the most influential kings and queens of the known world, Egypt continues to radiate an old-world charm that makes it a popular destination for couples. Catering to this niche group of holiday-goers, The Makadi Spa Hotel is an extensive adults-only, 282-all-suite beachfront retreat delivering astounding Red Sea views.
Thanks to its grand size, the hotel, even when busy, has ample reserved and secluded spots for couples to enjoy a private moment. The Moorish architecture, with soft colour tones and intricate Arabic interiors throughout, provides the perfect backdrop for intimate moments.
Moreover, the hotel has several swimming pools, including an infinity pool, as well as a spa and wellness centre. The Makadi’s innumerable culinary offerings left us in complete awe. Gourmands can savour seafood at Mariscos, try Asian delicacies at Mandarin, taste local Egyptian food at Shimmers or relish world cuisines at The World and The Cove. Additionally, there’s an ice cream parlour and several bars all around the property.
The extravagance of The Makadi continues once you return to the room. Contemporary amenities like walk-in showers, terraces, his-and-her sinks, private pools, and separate living areas help you relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploring.
Read our full story on the best luxury hotels in Hurghada.
Find out more about The Makadi Spa Hotel
6. Address Marassi Golf Resort | Alexandria
Inspired by the low-rise Tuscan style of architecture and oozing a tempting Mediterranean aura, Address Marassi is a 624-hectare golf retreat on the North Coast of Egypt. A luxury hotel owned by the Dubai-based EMAAR group, it offers 48 rooms and suites as well as 82 serviced apartments.
An impressive property, we adore how the thoughtfully-planned lighting spotlights various spaces and art dotted around the resort, accentuating the sublime architecture even further. A project undertaken by Nulty, it brings a sense of stylish elegance to the scene while creating a relaxed and romantic ambience. Another jewel on the crown that Address Marassi wears is its 18-hole golf course, meticulously designed by Peter Harradine. The retreat’s two heated outdoor pools, five restaurants, and a spa with a separate indoor pool add to its appeal.
Rooms at the Address Marassi are a lesson in design aesthetics. Featuring private balconies, their muted colour tones juxtapose the bright blues and greens of the sky, sea, and grass outside. Creature comforts aplenty, if you decide to stay in, spoil yourself with amenities such as Nespresso machines, air conditioning, free WiFi, interactive TVs, and ensuite baths with rain showers and tubs.
Find out more about Address Marassi Golf Resort
7. Sonesta Star Goddess | Nile Cruise
Enjoy a completely unique way of exploring Egypt by hopping onboard the Sonesta Star Goddess for a cruise down the Nile. An all-suite river liner, Sonesta offers three-, four-, and seven-night cruises between Aswan and Luxor.
Guaranteeing a memorable and comfortable sail, the 33 suites fall under three categories named after three famous music composers: Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin. However, all rooms come with private balconies and modern features like wooden and carpeted flooring, a separate living area, LED TVs, internet access, climate control, and ensuite baths with spa units.
Outside your private room, Sonesta Star Goddess provides its passengers with plenty of public spaces. The lobby interiors are simple but feature a high ceiling and large windows for uninterrupted views of passing cities and countryside. The pool, open-air restaurant, and enclosed dining area are where everyone congregates daily to exchange stories while sailing on what is among the best luxury hotels in Egypt.
Find out more about Sonesta Star Goddess
8. Sofitel Legend Old Cataract | Aswan
When it comes to iconic luxury hotels in Egypt, the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract must get a mention. A 19th-century Victorian palace, it sits strategically on the edge of the Nile, opposite Elephantine Island. Built in 1899 by Thomas Cook and expanded in 1961, the hotel underwent a massive refurbishment from 2008-2011. Now, it comprises 138 rooms divided into the Nile Wing and the Palace Wing, the latter being the site of the original hotel.
Located in the Nubian Desert, the Old Cataract lures guests with its romantic setting and neo-Moorish architecture. It is also no surprise that the hotel has long been a much-revered holiday destination for the rich and the famous ever since its inception. Among the abode’s most celebrated guests is Agatha Christie, who penned Death on the Nile while residing here. We highly recommend that you do not miss out on the hotel’s high tea and tour of Agatha Christie and Winston Churchill suites for an insightful walk down memory lane.
While the rooms at Sofitel Legend Old Cataract still exude the plushness of their former glory, you also enjoy all modern-day conveniences during your stay. In addition, the hotel boasts an infinity pool, an indoor adult-only swimming pool, five restaurants, and four bars. As for the culinary offerings, the Terrace presents visitors with mesmerising views, while 1902 is an unmissable opportunity to savour delicious French cuisine.
Find out more about Sofitel Legend Old Cataract
9. Al Moudira | Luxor
Al Moudira, or “the boss,” gets its name from what the staff and workers building the property would call owner, photographer, and designer Zeina Aboukheir. Among the finest boutique hotels in Egypt, Al Moudira is Zeina’s labour of love brought to fruition with the assistance of architect Olivier Sedaoui.
About a 40-minute drive from Luxor International Airport, you can also reach the residence via boat to make a slightly more dramatic entrance. Upon arrival, the first thing that catches the eye is the quintessential Arabian architecture featuring arches and domes with ornate arabesque design patterns. However, Egyptian influence is equally evident through ceramic fountains, the eight-hectare garden with aromatic florals, and a courtyard decorated using antique furniture like an ancient diwan and 18th-century Syrian frames.
The 54 guestrooms at Al Moudira are an amalgamation of bright colour patterns reflected in hand painted frescoes and their furnishings. Furthermore, high ceilings, pillars, mood lighting, canopy beds, and lavish baths help create a royal atmosphere.
Promising an experiential stay, Al Moudira offers its guests an array of facilities to wind down, from a swimming pool, solarium and spa to a Turkish bath and the Eastern Bar. Gourmands, too, are in for a treat as breakfast, lunch, and dinner cover various international cuisines with an emphasis on fresh and tasteful preparations served in unique settings.
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10. Al Tarfa Desert Sanctuary Lodge & Spa | Dakhla
Close to Dakhla Oasis but in its own 200,000sq-m secluded private reserve, Al Tarfa is an eco-friendly resort in Egypt, famous for unmatched extravagance amidst the rural charms of the Western Desert. An intimate sojourn, we love how the hotel’s mud-brick and stone exteriors merge seamlessly with the landscape, creating an ecologically and economically sound sanctuary that honours its surroundings.
Simultaneously, Al Tarfa is ideal for families wishing to explore cultural and environmental immersion without giving up on the comforts of the modern world. Whether it is an exhilarating camel safari, horseback rides, 4X4 desert adventures, or a wander around the surrounding date orchards, there’s much to fascinate guests of all ages.
Owned and operated by Camps & Lodges of Egypt, Al Tarfa consists of 20 individually designed abodes. Epitomising rustic-chic, the rooms showcase a strong Saharan-influence in their interiors and come with air conditioning, bespoke furniture, carpets, and private terraces.
Al Tarfa’s allure continues outside, wherein both the Dar Al-Mona lounge bar, built using natural elements and the resort’s pool on a dune offer spectacular vistas. Dining at Al Tarfa is no less remarkable, as chefs use only organic and locally bought ingredients to serve a curated menu of different Egyptian recipes daily.
Learn more about Al Tarfa Desert Sanctuary Lodge & Spa
11. The Oberoi Beach Resort | Sahl Hasheesh
Spread over 19,249sq-m, The Oberoi Beach Resort is a sprawling property bordering the Red Sea. An immersive accommodation where Arabian architecture and culturally significant design, highlighted by domed ceilings, pillars, and the use of natural elements, set the mood for a dreamy interlude. Among the best luxury hotels in Egypt, The Oberoi also acts as the perfect gateway to experiencing the colourful aquatic life that calls the bay of Sahl Hasheesh home.
Rooms at this all-suite retreat coddle you with generosity, be it the sunken marble tubs in the ensuite bathrooms, the private pool of the Grand Suites, or the expansive indoor and outdoor personal space accompanying the Royal Suites. From arches and beautifully framed windows to incorporating traditional ornaments such as wall hangings and papyrus lamps, Egyptian design aesthetics give the room a distinctive personality grounded in local ethos.
Adding to the charm of The Oberoi Beach Resort are its many shared facilities. The swimming pool, with two whirlpools, separate sections for kids and adults, and bright yellow parasols, is a lively spot to mingle with other guests.
At the same time, the hotel’s main dining area with courtyard and terrace seating, as well as Indian restaurant Zaffran, ensure that even ardent epicureans leave having experienced a memorable culinary affair.
Learn more about The Oberoi Beach Resort
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