LINKS
On this page you will find links to take you to information about some of the places I have found during my work travels. I recommend them all and even if you can't - or don't want to - come on a dance trip with me, you can visit them all on your own personal journeys.
GEZIRA GARDEN, WEST BANK, LUXOR
When I started Mazazik although I knew I had a special connection with Egypt I had not intention of doing residential trips there, until I found the Gezira Garden. Situated on the West Bank of Luxor, within easy walking distance of the Nile and the local ferry, after a day sightseeing it is an oasis of peace. The food is also wonderful. Owner Gamal Mahmoud has pulled together a team who will look after you as well as giving you the warmest welcome in Luxor. They are also famous locally for their party nights and you are bound to see local musicians there during your stay. They will also book taxi transfers for you from Luxor airport. These may seem quite long (about 30 minutes) as you have to go into the countryside to go over the bridge. The local ferry will have you in Luxor in 10 minutes.
www.el-gezira.com/?hotel=gezira-garden
When I started Mazazik although I knew I had a special connection with Egypt I had not intention of doing residential trips there, until I found the Gezira Garden. Situated on the West Bank of Luxor, within easy walking distance of the Nile and the local ferry, after a day sightseeing it is an oasis of peace. The food is also wonderful. Owner Gamal Mahmoud has pulled together a team who will look after you as well as giving you the warmest welcome in Luxor. They are also famous locally for their party nights and you are bound to see local musicians there during your stay. They will also book taxi transfers for you from Luxor airport. These may seem quite long (about 30 minutes) as you have to go into the countryside to go over the bridge. The local ferry will have you in Luxor in 10 minutes.
www.el-gezira.com/?hotel=gezira-garden
ESKALEH NUBIAN ECOLODGE, ABU SIMBEL
I have a special love of Nubian music and dance. And the Nubian Ecolodge at Abu Simbel is a must visit for anybody with that interest. Owned by musician Fikry Kashif, and run by his wonderful family, it isn't just a hotel, but an opportunity to learn about the little-known culture of the Nubian people. The lodge is built in the traditional way out of mud bricks, which you might see drying in the sun, and is cool even in the high temperatures. With views out across the desert and on the shores of Lake Nasser, the beauty of the landscape is breathtaking. Why not go for a cruise on their boat for lunch? Set meals are healthy and nutricious. Sit on the terrace with one of their books with a glass of karkadeh (hibiscus tea) and you will feel the stresses of the world fall from your shoulders. This isn't just a great place for a holiday, to visit the wonder of the temples at Abu Simbel, but for me it is a time for spiritual rejuvanation. The local town is also a hassle-free place for a stroll. It does take an effort to get there but is easily combined with a trip to Cairo or Aswan. Flights to Abu Simbel airport are not always easy to find, but road transfers from Aswan are cheap and will also give you a taste of the desert (just make sure you book them in advance as you will need to arrange permissions. If you need advice - just ask me).
The website is currently having problems but take a look here www.facebook.com/Eskaleh/
or email [email protected]
I have a special love of Nubian music and dance. And the Nubian Ecolodge at Abu Simbel is a must visit for anybody with that interest. Owned by musician Fikry Kashif, and run by his wonderful family, it isn't just a hotel, but an opportunity to learn about the little-known culture of the Nubian people. The lodge is built in the traditional way out of mud bricks, which you might see drying in the sun, and is cool even in the high temperatures. With views out across the desert and on the shores of Lake Nasser, the beauty of the landscape is breathtaking. Why not go for a cruise on their boat for lunch? Set meals are healthy and nutricious. Sit on the terrace with one of their books with a glass of karkadeh (hibiscus tea) and you will feel the stresses of the world fall from your shoulders. This isn't just a great place for a holiday, to visit the wonder of the temples at Abu Simbel, but for me it is a time for spiritual rejuvanation. The local town is also a hassle-free place for a stroll. It does take an effort to get there but is easily combined with a trip to Cairo or Aswan. Flights to Abu Simbel airport are not always easy to find, but road transfers from Aswan are cheap and will also give you a taste of the desert (just make sure you book them in advance as you will need to arrange permissions. If you need advice - just ask me).
The website is currently having problems but take a look here www.facebook.com/Eskaleh/
or email [email protected]
GRENADINE LODGE, DALYAN, TURKEY
If you are looking for somewhere that is easy to get to (25 minutes from Dalyan airport) where you can just relax, swim and enjoy fresh, healthy food, this may be the place for you. Lovely rooms around a lovely swimming pool with plenty of places to relax and surrounded by grenadine orchards. It is also used as a yoga retreat and the feeling of calm and serenity is everywhere. There is a lot to see in the surrounding countryside but you might just want to get the bus to one of the best beaches in Turkey, Iztuzu, which is just down the road. Dalyan is a great mixture of a local town with just enough touristic infrastructure to make life there easy for you. Once again the team who run the Lodge, led by Aygul and Connie, are fabulous. You can also arrange a shuttle from Dalyan airport through them.
the-lodges.com/
