Jetsettersblog

Cruise & stay packages in Luxor & Aswan from £1,199 per person

THE 5* Sofitel Legend Old Cataract in Aswan re-opened on 15 September 2011 in the heritage hotel that has been an iconic building overlooking the Nile in Aswan since 1899 and welcomed many famous guests including Sir Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher and Agatha Christie who famously penned ‘Death on the Nile’ during one of her stays.

Discover Egypt (www.discoveregypt.co.uk) has put together the following three introductory offers to entice travellers to experience the new grandeur and splendor of this newly refurbished, historic hotel either combined with a cruise or as a holiday on its own:

4-night Nile cruise & 3-nights at the Old Cataract from £1,199 per person – includes cruise from Luxor to Aswan on the 5* Royal Viking, return flights from Gatwick to Luxor, transfers, full board cruise with 10 excursions and bed and breakfast accommodation in Aswan Based on weekly departures in 2012.

5-night package to the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract from £1,229 per person – includes return flights from Heathrow to Aswan, via Cairo, transfers and bed and breakfast accommodation. Daily departures from London and guests can add an extension in Cairo at the Mena House Oberoi from £100 per person per night.

8-night cruise and stay package from £1,399 per person – includes 1-night at the Sofitel Old Winter Palace in Luxor, 4-night luxury Nile cruise on the Alexander the Great from Luxor to Aswan and 3-nights at the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract. Price includes full board cruise with 10 excursions, flights from Heathrow to Luxor and return from Aswan via Cairo, transfers in resort and bed and breakfast accommodation in Luxor and Aswan. Departures throughout 2012.

Sofitel, over a two year period, have completely re-furbished the hotel and it now includes 138 elegant rooms and suites, 4 restaurants, 4 bars, 5 meeting rooms, outdoor pool and sumptuous Spa with 8 treatment rooms, hamman, sauna and indoor plunge pool. Behind its pink Victorian façade the hotel retains much of its original beauty including the historic lobby with polished marble floors and classic Islamic arches.

The hotel offers two different experiences for its guests – the Old Palace Wing where the heritage features have been preserved in the 76 rooms and suites plus the Nile Wing that has been lavishly designed with contemporary elegance and features 62 rooms and suites.

For reservations contact Discover Egypt on 0844 880 0461 or visit www.discoveregypt.co.uk

With a temperate year-round climate and stunning courses with historical back-drops, Egypt makes the perfect winter golfing destination for a relaxed round in the sun or a challenging game for the professional enthusiast. Egypt has a long and proud golfing tradition dating back to the 1800s. It is home to many championship standard courses in top resorts and currently has 20 world-class courses spread throughout the country.

Egyptair have also made it easier for golfers to travel with their own clubs by introducing an increased baggage allowance; two pieces of luggage are now allowed per passenger.

Tariffs for International Routes

Checked baggage allowance
Hand luggage
Number of pieces
Maximum weight per piece
Maximum dimensions per piece

First & Business class
2 pieces
32 kgs / 70 lbs
158 cm / 62 in
2 pieces with maximum weight 8kg

Economy class
2 pieces
23 kgs / 50 lbs
158 cm / 62 in
1 piece with maximum weight 8kg
Golfing equipment that falls outside of the generous increased allowance will be subject to 50% of the applicable charge of excess baggage.

Unique golf courses in Egypt not to miss include:

Sporting Club Golf Course – Alexandria www.nadisporting.com
Built in 1898, the Alexandria Sporting Club is one of the oldest sporting clubs in Egypt. Over 97% of the club area is occupied by the golf course and tourist can play alongside local members.

Cascades Golf, Spa and Thalasso Resort – Hurghada
www.lhwspas.com/Spa-And-Golf
A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, The Cascades Golf Resort in Soma Bay has an 18-hole on-site championship golf course designed by South African golf legend Gary Player.

El Gouna Golf Course – Hurghada www.elgouna.com
El Gouna’s 18-hole championship course boasts year-round golfing in a setting where players, novice and professional alike, can feast their eyes on stunning mountains and endless sea view as the course challenges their strength, ingenuity and skill.

Taba Heights Golf Resort – Sinai Peninsula www.tabaheights.com
Taba Heights Golf Resort has been voted the top golf course in Egypt and also as one of the top courses worldwide by the Top 100 Golf Courses. The professional course offers serious and novice golfers the opportunity to tee off under a crop of desert mountains overlooking an incredible expanse of blue water with a view of three countries.

Mena House Oberoi – Cairo
http://www.oberoihotels.com/oberoi_menahouse/index.asp
The Mena House Oberoi is one of the most unique hotels in Cairo, with its own rich and colourful history. Surrounded by 40 acres of verdant green gardens, this palatial hotel is located just 700 metres away from the Great Pyramids of Giza in Cairo.

The Mena House Oberoi Golf Course within the hotel grounds is currently undergoing an enhancement project and is set to reopen by early 2012. It is one of the few hotels in Cairo with a golf course. Enthusiasts can tee off at the 9 hole golf course which is located in the shadow of the Great Pyramids.

Royal Valley Golf Course – Luxor www.golfluxor.com
This 18- hole championship course with an elegant Clubhouse are situated on the East Bank of Luxor, 13 Km from Luxor’s city center and 8 Km from Luxor’s International airport. Royal Valley offers a wonderful combination of year round sunshine and desert golf where you are only moments away from Luxor’s spectacular ancient civilization.

Sharm El Sheikh Golf Course – Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh’s only golf course is located 10 minutes from the International airport and Naama Bay, in the grounds of the 5L Maritim Jolie Ville Golf Resort.

The Par 72 PGA Championship golf course (6021m) has matured to be one of the best in the world. Opened in 1997 and designed by American architect Sanford & Associates, the course features Bermuda grass and 18 man-made lakes, which attract a variety of exotic birds, of which nine belong to the endangered species list.

Dubai, UAE – - Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, will soon offer customers a quicker and more convenient link to Uganda, with the introduction of a direct service.

“As demand for our Entebbe service continues to grow, customers can now enjoy the convenience of a non-stop air link with Dubai. Our new direct service will offer seamless connections to key destinations in the Middle East, Indian Sub-continent, Asia and the Far East, together with the award-winning in-flight service for which Emirates is renowned,” said Jean Luc Grillet, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for Africa.

Starting 25th March, EK 729 will depart Dubai at 0825hrs each day, arriving in Entebbe at 12:35hrs. The return leg, EK 730, will leave the Ugandan city at 1540hrs and get into Dubai at 2155hrs.

“At Emirates, we continually look for new ways to improve the service we provide to our customers. Entebbe is an important market for Emirates in the East African region and we are dedicated to ensuring our customers have access to the highest service standards both in the air and on the ground,” added Jean Luc.

Emirates will operate an Airbus A330-200 on its Entebbe routes in a three-class configuration, featuring 12 luxurious First Class seats, 42 seats in Business Class and generous space for 183 passengers in Economy Class.

Onboard, passengers can enjoy delicacies from an exclusive menu served to them by Emirates’ cabin crew representing over 120 nations. With a fleet of 168 aircraft and the largest A380 and Boeing 777 operator in the world, Emirates currently serves 20 destinations in the African continent, with new services to Zambia and Zimbabwe starting from February 2012.

Passengers on all Emirates’ flights also have the added bonus of extra baggage allowance with 30 kilogrammes permitted for those travelling in Economy Class, 40 kilogrammes for Business Class and 50 kilogrammes for First Class passengers. To date, Emirates’ Entebbe route has been operated as a linked service with Addis Adaba.

For more information or to book, visit www.emirates.com or call your local Emirates reservations office.

El Gouna, one of Egypt’s premier holiday resorts, is the first Red Sea destination to offer stand up paddling to holidaymakers. Offered by SUP Red Sea, the activity-come-workout is great for improving balance, coordination and strength and boasts celebrity fans such as Jennifer Aniston, Cindy Crawford and Pierce Brosnan.

Originating from Polynesia, the sport burns around 700-800 calories per hour so vacationers can enjoy that extra something delicious at one of the many world-class restaurants around the resort – guilt free.

Travellers can choose from beginner, intermediate or advanced lessons with a SUP Red Sea instructor, practice SUP yoga or hire the equipment to try it at their own pace. There is no need to worry about dealing with the sea waves as beginners can get to grips with the new sport in several picturesque, calm and waveless lagoons which border the beach. With the azure waters and dramatic surrounding backdrop, the resort is renowned for its excellent watersports including snorkelling, windsurfing, kitesurfing and wakeboarding.

El Gouna is recognised as Egypt’s most environmentally-friendly holiday destination, with unspoilt lagoons and miles of sandy beaches. After stand-up paddling in the Red Sea, watersport enthusiasts can enjoy the thrilling new Liquid Park at El Gouna or experience some dry-land action (or relaxation), with many leisure activities on offer from golf to horseback and camel riding.

If you’re looking to escape the silly season and experience Christmas with a difference then On the Go still have some late availability on offer to fantastic far flung places. Just grab a flight and head for the sun or snow – the choice is yours!

Egypt -
Party with the Pharaohs – 6 days
The ideal Xmas or New Year’s mini – getaway! Spend Xmas Day or New Year’s Eve relaxing by the pool in sunny Cairo! We’ll reveal the very best of ancient Egypt this Xmas or New Year’s from the legendary Pyramids and antiquity filled Egyptian Museum, to the tomb strewn Valley of the Kings and back again! Departs 20 and 26 December – £369 per person excluding flights

Egypt & Jordan -
Festive Road to Jordan – 16 days
The ultimate Egypt & Jordan experience. Pyramids, Petra, Red Sea & Dead Sea – do something out of the ordinary this New Year – spend it under the desert stars in Wadi Rum, sailing the Nile on a felucca cruise or celebrating by the Red Sea in Dahab! Departs 17, 21 or 27 December – £1,129 per person excluding flights

Jordan -
Enjoy XMAS in Petra or New Years Wadi Rum – 8 days
Jordan is overflowing with magnetic attractions. Discover the Rose City of Petra, float like a cork on the Dead Sea and camp under the stars in remote Wadi Rum! Xmas in Petra departs 22 & NY in Wadi Rum departs 27 December – both tours £779 per person excluding flights

Russia -
News Years Red Square – 9 days
Where will you be celebrating on New Year’s Eve? Ring in the New Year in Moscow’s Red Square, journey through Russia’s heartland for some alpine fun and a steamy banya in Pskov before heading north to beautiful St Petersburg. Departs 26 Dec – £599 per person excluding flights

Morocco -
Christmas in Morocco – 8 days
Make your way to magical Morocco this Christmas, a short hop from Europe but worlds apart. An exotic land of spices, ancient Kasbahs, rolling Saharan sands, verdant valleys and bustling souks. Departs 23 December – £579 per person excluding flights

Surf the New Year – 11 Days
Spend a cracking Christmas exploring the Atlas, snap up some bargains in the souks of Marrakech and ring in the New Year beachside in Essaouira, on Morocco’s stunning Atlantic coast! Departs 23 December – £679 per person excluding fights

India -
Shere Khan – 9 days
With all the highlights of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, we also go in search of Shere Khan himself, at Ranthambhore, one of India’s best national parks and home of the tiger! Departs 17 December – £729 per person excludes flights

China- SAVE 10%
A Chinese New Year – 11 days
Enjoy Christmas and 5 star New Year’s Eve climbing the Great Wall, sightseeing in Beijing, tackling terracotta warriors & throwing snowballs at Harbin’s Ice Sculpture festival! Departs 23 December – now £764 per person excludes flights, a saving of £85!

1. WHERE: VIETNAM
HOW LONG: 7 days
Set in the cool mountains of Vietnam’s northwest, Sapa became a favourite amongst the French colonialists seeking to escape the heat. Enjoy true rural hospitality, follow secluded trails, experience an overnight train journey and explore the busy Old Quarter of Hanoi.
BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ 7-day Sapa Trek departs daily year round, from £650 per person.

2. WHERE: TANZANIA
HOW LONG: 8 days
An up, close and personal African safari trip that presents countless captivating moments to savour. Explore the renowned parks of Tanzania with numerous game drives and visit incredible sites such as the world famous Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.
BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ 8-day Northern Tanzania Circuit departs on 22 December 2011, with further departures scheduled in 2012, from £1,690 per person.

3. WHERE: BHUTAN
HOW LONG: 8 days
A comprehensive journey through the remote and culturally rich kingdom Bhutan, taking in the iconic Taktsang Monastery, the sights and sounds of capital Thimphu and a drive across the Dochu La Pass to explore the isolated yet beautiful Gangtey Valley.
BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ 8-day Essence of Bhutan departs daily from September to May, from £1,250 per person.

4. WHERE: JAPAN
HOW LONG: 8 days
Stunning coastlines, rolling mountain scenery, World Heritage National Parks and a rich cultural heritage: team this with an exquisite cuisine and hot springs to soak in after a stunning day’s ride and you see why Hokkaido is one of Japan’s most idyllic destinations.
BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ 8-day Secrets of Hokkaido by bike has five departures from June-September 2012, from £1,990 per person.

5. WHERE: NAMIBIA
HOW LONG: 10 days
Game viewing in Etosha National Park, cultural interaction with a Himba tribe, rock art at Twyfelfontien and visits to the Skeleton Coast and the Namib Desert: just some of the highlights of this encompassing itinerary in stunning Namibia!
BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ Namibian Explorer departs every Tuesday until March 2012 (every Friday from April 2012), from £990 per person.

6. WHERE: FROM EGYPT TO JORDAN
HOW LONG: 8 days
Step into the rich historical legacy of Pharaonic Egypt’s pyramids before journeying into the Sinai and the land of the Bedouins. In Jordan, tour the dramatic Wadi Rum by jeep, explore the iconic monuments of Petra and have a swim in the world famous Dead Sea!
BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ 8-day Pyramids to Petra departs on 4 December 2011, with further departures scheduled in 2012, from £990 per person.

7. WHERE: ANTARCTICA
HOW LONG: 10 days
Follow in the footsteps of the great heroes of the Antarctic history as you set sail from the tip of South America, accompanied by expert naturalists. With the most dramatic scenery and biggest variety of wildlife, Antarctica is all about discovery and exploration.
BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ 10-day Discover Antarctica departs on 1 January and 20 March 2012, from $5,290 (£3,299) per person.

8. WHERE: CHINA
HOW LONG: 10 days
Trek along a remote section of the Great Wall, one of the greatest wonders of the world, away from the crowds. Take in the vast and diverse scenery, savour true rural Chinese hospitality and complete the experience in Beijing visiting the historic Forbidden City.
BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ 10-day Great Wall Trek has six departures from May-October 2012, from £1,150 per person.

9. WHERE: ECUADOR
HOW LONG: 7 days
This jam-packed trip is an ideal introduction to Ecuador. In addition to the bustling capital of Quito and the colourful Indian markets of Otavalo, it incorporates the volcanic spine of Ecuador, the sensational Cotopaxi National Park and the famous Devil’s Nose Train.
BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ 7-day Ecuador Experience departs every day except Thursday year round, from £1,050 per person.

10. WHERE: NEPAL
HOW LONG: 8 days
From the vibrant capital of Kathmandu and the stunning sunset and sunrise in Dhulikhel to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region, and the wildlife safari at Chitwan National Park, this trip is a balanced mix of relaxation and marvellous mountain views.
BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ 9-day Nepal Discovery departs on 16 December 2011, with further departures scheduled in 2012, from £890 per person.

For more information and bookings please visit www.worldexpeditions.co.uk  or call 0800 0744 135. World Expeditions’ all-inclusive policy ensures there are no local payments. Prices do not include international flights, however these can be arranged on request.

El Gouna, the Red Sea’s premier leisure destination, has boosted its water attractions with Liquid Park, the first inflatable water park in the Middle East.

With slides, trampolines, and a number of other activities right on the water, Liquid Park’s lagoon location gives it a truly original setting for fun in the sun that can be enjoyed by both the young and the young at heart.

Open daily from 10am to 6pm, Liquid Park costs £10 per person and comes complete with an animation team, life guards and mandatory life vests. While the minimum age to enter is six years old, younger children can enter if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

El Gouna is recognised as Egypt’s most environmentally-friendly holiday destination, with unspoilt lagoons and miles of sandy beaches. After enjoying the sun on the thrilling new Liquid Park, water sport enthusiasts can visit one of El Gouna’s five kitestations to try their hand at kitesurfing, or splash into The Orange Concept, El Gouna’s water sports specialist, for a range of water sports including wakeboarding, waterskiing and wakesurfing. For some dry-land action, visitors can take part in one of the many leisure activities on offer including golf, horseback and camel riding, or relax in the Mövenpick or Steigenberger’s Angsana Spas.

Early December is one of the most reasonably priced time of the year to enjoy a classic Nile cruise and with Discover Egypt (www.discoveregypt.co.uk) also offering 50% discounts for the 2nd traveller – there is no better time to book a Nile cruise.

Nile cruises on the 5* Viking Princess departing from Gatwick on 05 and 12 December 2011 are currently just £699 per person, with the 2nd traveller going for £349.50, making it the best value time to travel from now until October 2012.

This is also one of the best times of the year temperature wise when it is a very pleasant 25 degrees with nine hours of sunshine on average – perfect for relaxing and topping up the tan before the onslaught of the festive season.

The price includes return flights to Luxor, seven night full board Nile cruise with 10 guided excursions to see the amazing ancient archaeological monuments and sites that still stand after 6,000 years, plus transfers in resort.
Highlights include visiting:
Valley of the Kings – one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and a World Heritage site since 1979
Temple of Queen Hatshepsut – close to the Valley of the Kings and one of the most significant monuments of ancient Egypt
Valley of the Queens – the burial place for the wives of Pharaoh’s and often their children. The area is said to hold 70 tombs that are all lavishly decorated, one of the most famous being the tomb for Queen Nefertari carved out of the rock.
Colossi of Memnon – one of the most imposing ancient monuments on the West Bank and featuring two huge stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have sat in the Theban necropolis for 3,400 years.
Temple of Karnak- the Temple complex of Karnak is the largest ancient religious site in the world and is a vast mix of ruined temples, chapels, pylons and other buildings, including the Great Temple of Amun and a massive structure started by Pharaoh Ramses II between 1391-1351 BC).

The popular 5* Viking Princess offers 49 stylish cabins that all face out over the Nile for amazing views, compete with en-suite facilities, in room amenities and air conditioning. There is also a lovely plunge pool, deck bar and spacious restaurant where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served.

Discover Egypt is also offering cruises departing on the same dates in December on board the 5* MS Royal Ruby for £799, with the2nd traveller going for £399.50; the deluxe 5* Royal Viking for £899, with the 2nd traveller going for £449.50 and on the recently refurbished, luxury 5* Alexander the Great for £1,599, with the 2nd traveller going for £799.50 – a cruise to suit every budget.

For reservations contact Discover Egypt on 0844 880 0461 or visit www.discoveregypt.co.uk

Peregrine has introduced two new, epic overland adventures in its 2012-13 Africa program: a 33-day trip that combines the best of East and Southern Africa, and a 42-day tour from Cairo to Cape Town, aptly named the Grand Africa Tour.

“We know that for many of our clients, Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime trip,” explained Jane Reed, Peregrine Marketing Manager. “They tend to stay longer than in other destinations, and want to cover more territory. These new trips are designed to be the once-in-a-lifetime answer.”

The new 33-day Classic Africa overland trip is expected to be particularly popular. It starts in Nairobi, Kenya and includes watching the vast flocks of flamingos at Lake Nakuru and game drives on the broad savannah of the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Mid trip, there’s a few days relaxation on the sandy beaches of Zanzibar.

From Tanzania, the group flies south to Victoria Falls for the second stage of the journey. There are more wildlife encounters against a backdrop of contrasting terrain, from the pristine Okavango wetlands to the stark desert and dunes of Sossusvlei and the life-giving waterholes of one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife reserves: Etosha, in the remote north of Namibia. The trip travels south via the Fish River Canyon – the world’s second-largest – to end in Cape Town.

Along the way, transport ranges from purpose-built safari vehicles to dugout canoes and accommodation ranges from a houseboat to luxury tented camps. Offering considerably more comfort and inclusions than the ‘traditional’ overland Africa safari, groups are limited to a maximum of 12 passengers; all accommodation, entry fees and excursions are included, as well as flights between Zanzibar and Victoria Falls, most meals, a Peregrine local leader and specialist local guides.

The Classic Africa safari costs $13 445 per person, twin share and has departures from Nairobi in July, August and September, 2012; January and March 2013.

Another new trip for 2012 is the Best of Botswana – which caters for travellers who like their African adventure underpinned by comfort. The trip travels between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls in a small (12-passenger), private, purpose-built Peregrine vehicle, staying at the very comfortable lodges that make up the Under One Botswana Sky portfolio of properties, including a scenic flight in the Okavango Delta and two nights in a permanent tented safari camp.

The trip visits some of Botswana’s most famous highlights, including Chobe National Park, renowned for its huge elephant populations; the blinding white salt pans of Makgadikgadi; the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls. But it also visits the Cape Vulture colony (the world’s largest, with 800 breeding pairs) in Marakele National Park and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary – a community-based project that is a vital link in Botswana’s efforts to conserve these endangered animals.

The 12-day Best of Botswana tour starts in Johannesburg and ends in Victoria Falls, and also runs in reverse. There are monthly departures, year-round. The trip costs $4635 per person, twin share, including all transport, accommodation, entry fees, Peregrine local leader and specialist guides, and most meals.

For more information contact your travel agent or Peregrine Adventures on 1300 854 500 or to download a copy of the new Peregrine Africa 2012-13 brochure, visit www.peregrineadventures.com

Sofitel Luxury Hotels has reopened its venerable Old Cataract hotel in Aswan Egypt following a three-year closure and extensive renovation program.

Perhaps most famous for inspiring author Agatha Christie’s ‘Death On Nile’ novel, penned while in residence, the hotel has been both preserved and updated as a result of the renovation. The result is a new look and new name to become the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, joining Sofitel’s illustrious ‘Legend’ collection of historically significant hotels around the world which includes the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Vietnam, and the Sofitel Legend The Grand in Amsterdam.

Located in the Nubian Desert on the banks of the Nile River across from Elephantine Island, the revived Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan has risen again after its closure to continue a long story that began back in 1899 in the heart of sparkling Aswan. It’s very name was taken from the marriage of the river and the granite wall that forms the first cataract of the Nile. More than a hotel, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan is a destination unto itself.

Sofitel entrusted French interior designer Sybille de Margerie with the task of bringing the luxury of the myth to life once again while conserving the original beauty of the Victorian building. A true challenge, given the weight of history that every wall bears and the rich memories of the legendary visitors who once crossed its threshold. The soul and splendor of the place are preserved, and the architecture updated for a decidedly contemporary face – Sybille de Margerie has risen to the challenge by bringing together Victorian, Middle Eastern and French styles.

From its rose granite plateau rising above the sacred river, the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan offers visitors two different experiences in the hotel’s rooms and suites[1]. The historic charm of The Palace pervades its 76 accommodations, including 45 suites.

From Agatha Christie to Sir Winston Churchill and including Agha Khan, many famous faces have stayed here, movie stars, heads of state and crowned heads. Once a legend always a legend, and here that has held true through the extravagant transformation that managed to preserve the site’s heritage in such touches as the Byzantine-style striped arches.

The two most spacious suites, named the Agatha Christie Suite and the Winston Churchill Suite offer their own private terraces and amazing views.

The contemporary and elegant new The Nile wing features 62 rooms, 37 of which are suites. All offer a balcony and a view of the famous Nile river. Each room also boasts intricate artwork (friezes) and chandeliers, reproducing and reflecting the historic aspects of the original historical wing to inextricably link the two buildings. Particular attention was paid to the bathrooms; some rooms even offer guests the luxury of taking a bath while gazing out over the Nile. The biggest suite in this wing is the Agha Khan Suite.

Some moments seem to exist out of time. Tea served in the setting sun, a ritual as Agatha Christie experienced it, is a must while visiting.

Emblematic spa and hammam created

The Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan unveils a brand new 1200m² So SPA that is a temple of well-being with 8 treatment booths, 3-room hammam and indoor pool. Impressive views, and elegant, original décor along with French cosmetic expertise from Cinq Mondes makes this So Spa space one of the finest new additions to the hotel.

So Spa treatments are an original well-being concept from Sofitel that draw inspiration from gastronomical French cuisine, another of Sofitel’s areas of expertise. The Starters, lasting 30 minutes, are aimed at active young urban dwellers seeking a moment’s rest after a full day. The Main Dishes and Desserts last an hour and include full massages, facial care, hot rock massages and other luxuries that will nourish you body and soul.

A veritable icon of fashion and cinema, Marisa Berenson has created a beauty ritual just for Sofitel that includes her secret to beauty and youth – Soin Sublime with precious prickly pear oil. A unique beauty ceremony, made truly stunning by the use of gold and crystal accessories from the maison Saint-Louis.

So SPA has also developed its own products, So Exhilarating and So Rejuvenating, exclusive treatments that become classics when accompanied by Sofitel music played on So SPA iPods for the full experience. Every massage table offers an adapted version of the famous Sofitel MyBed concept, the bedding used in all Sofitel Luxury Hotels, for optimum comfort and complete relaxation.

Legendary 1902 Gourmet Restaurant

Sofitel Legend Old Cataract now boasts a choice of four restaurants, including the legendary 1902, made famous by its Qualaun crypt. A majestic 20-metre high dome with décor worthy of the Thousand and One Nights theme evoked by the region. A true experience is to have dinner in this breathtaking outlet, as in ancient times, and indeed there is still a dress code to get in. Wooden floors, beautiful lights and chandeliers, delicate and elegant table settings make it an unforgettable dining experience.

In addition, guests can enjoy Sofitel’s new Mediterranean restaurant Oriental Kebabgy and its superb terrace overlooking the Nile. Le Palms, located poolside, beckons with light snacks throughout the day. Lastly, a gem of the renewed hotel is new restaurant Al Saraya offering exceptional breakfasts and dinners with a breathtaking view of the eternal Nile.

As if it were still the Belle Epoque, four bars provide four different experiences and many more unforgettable moments, beginning in La Terrasse, with its famous “King Fouad’s Corner”. La Promenade on the rose granite walkway offers a first-class view of Elephantine Island, making it THE place in Aswan to meet for a cocktail or a traditional tea. In the lobby, THE BAR has all the magic of a piano bar amidst the elegance of Middle Eastern décor. The Yasmin Vitamin Bar & Lounge overlooks the pool and gardens.