Adrere Amellal in Siwa has to be one of the most luxurious holiday resorts in the region. The owner, Mounir Neamatalla, doesn’t market or advertise this unique haven, which has been listed as one of the top hotels in the world. Word of mouth of enchanted guests has proven to be amazing publicity. For the past two years, jetsetters, businessmen, celebrities, artists and writers have all come to the Western Desert searching for the ultimate relaxation.
So what is it about Adrere Amellal? And what does it offer its guests? If truth be told it is really what you don’t get that contributes to the uniqueness of the place. There is no electricity and no telephone. But a luxurious art of living more than makes up for the lack of amenities.
Dining alfresco under the stars is a stylish affair, with crystal glasses, Limoges china and Cristofle silverware.
This is probably one of the reasons why Neamatalla refuses to call it an eco-lodge. “I don’t look it as a lodge. It is intrinsically part of the oasis of Siwa.”
Adrere Amellal, literally “the White Mountain”, is the traditional Berber name of the mountain at the foot of which lies this 34-room facility. Local master builders used local materials, semi-transparent salt blocks and stone for the walls as well as palm tree stems for the roof. Nestled in olive and palm groves, it represents vernacular architecture at its best. Adrere Amellal has been described as a desert castle, but guests see it as Paradise, says Neamatalla.
Neamatalla has been involved in the protection of Siwa’s ecosystem for the last five years. This particular endeavor attracted the world’s attention and the idea emerged of promoting Siwa as a nucleus for an alternative path of development. “I see Siwa as a Dialogue Center,” he says. “We want people who are spiritually inclined and environmentally minded to experience life in this oasis. Closeness to nature opens aspects of our personality which we have lost.” Neamatalla vouches that he feels now younger and more energetic than he did ten years ago.
Visitors staying at Adrere Amellal are treated to archaeological and desert trips. Siwa is famous for its 230 natural springs. Travelers have noted to Spring of the Sun or Cleopatra’s Bath since the days of Herodotus. Even the hotel’s swimming pool is in fact a natural hot spring.
During the hot summer months, from July through September, patients from as far away as Sweden and Germany make the journey to Siwa for the famous sand cures, a treatment developed for rheumatism and arthritis. Early morning shallow graves are dug in the sand.
At midday, when the sun is most intense, the patient steps in the hole and is covered with hot sand ensuring that less sand is placed around the heart.
The patient remains there for five to thirty minutes, depending on the prescribed treatment. The patient is then brought up to a tent where he is wrapped in blankets and given herbal teas and chicken soup to drink.
During the treatment which can last up to seven days, the patient is forbidden to bathe.
How to Get There
Air-conditioned buses leave Cairo and stop on the way at the coastal town of Marsa Matrough. Bus tickets cost around $10 each. Car rental with a private driver is easier but more expensive at about $170 one way.
What to See
The old town of Shali, which is entirely built of salt, mud, rock and plaster. Dating back to the 13th century, a few of the buildings of the old town are still in use today.
Jabal El Mawta or Mountain of the Dead, which is lined with 26th Dynasty tombs, enhanced with murals and inscriptions.
Fantasy Island also known as Fatnas, a small island on the salt lake of Siwa covered with palm trees and lush vegetation. It is a delightful place where you can relax and enjoy an enchanting sunset while sipping the uniquely Siwan yellow karkadeh, a refreshing drink made from the hibiscus flower.
Where to Stay
Adrere Amellal. Thirty-four rooms set in olive and palm groves, overlooking lake Siwa and Great Sand Sea. Built is traditional Siwan style. Creative cuisine made from Adrere’s organic fruits and vegetables.
Double Room Full board $400
Email: [email protected]
Sali Lodge, set in a palm grove. Eight suites built and decorated in Siwan style overlook an internal courtyard and stone pool. Local specialties such as date omelet, lamb casserole and stuffed pigeon as well as vegetarian tajines are served in the lodge’s restaurant Kenooz Siwa.
Double Room: $40
Tel: 20 46 4602 399
Internet Sites
http://www.siwaparadise.com