Dar Dahab

An Eco-Chic Retreat on the Shores of the Red Sea in Egypt - Hotels Above Par - Boutique Hotels & Travel

"An eco-chic, bohemian boutique on the Red Sea that feels like a home away from home, this three-star property is owned by Swiss–Egyptian creative entrepreneur Nahed Ismail and was built on family land; its design was executed by Swiss architect (and the owner’s son-in-law) Anthony Julen and draws heavily on traditional Islamic architecture. Distinctive materials and locally sourced craftsmanship define the place: walls of mud or condensed sea-salt bricks, a fiberglass façade shaped like a mashrabiya, palm-leaf furniture, henna bedside lamps, bedframes made from Siwa sea-salt bricks and hand-woven fabrics throughout. Ten fully furnished apartments (studio to two-bedroom) exude a serene, thoughtfully curated atmosphere; bathrooms have Italian-style showers. Public spaces include an open kitchen and dining room that opens onto a small private beach, a lush indoor terrace, a cozy library nook, and a rooftop lounge with breathtaking turquoise views of the Red Sea—ideal for reclining on provided deck chairs with a traditional Bedouin mint tea at sunset. The hotel is self-catering but staff will prepare breakfast and dinner on request; practical amenities include daily room service on request, complimentary coffee/tea/water, free Wi‑Fi, storage for kite‑surfing/diving gear, bike and car rentals, and airport pickup/drop-off. Rates start around $100–150 per night, and the location is convenient for snorkeling, kite surfing, diving, the Blue Hole, Dahab village, and excursions to Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s monastery."