“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller,” Ibn Battuta.

From Cairo to Aswan: Mandarin Oriental is creating Egypt’s Ultimate Luxury Travel Experience. One of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands is making a landmark commitment to Egypt. Mandarin Oriental has announced plans to manage three iconic properties across the country — and connect them with its very first branded river cruise — creating an end-to-end luxury Journey unlike anything currently available in the region.

Stay where History Meets The Nile. In Aswan, the legendary Old Cataract hotel will come under Mandarin Oriental management in May 2026, with a phased refurbishment leading to its relaunch as Mandarin Oriental Old Cataract, Aswan in mid-2027. Located on a pink granite cliff in the Nubian Desert, this historic heritage hotel (famous for hosting Agatha Christie) is actively operating and taking reservations. Its contemporary Nile Wing is undergoing extensive renovation, with the fully reimagined property officially scheduled to fully reopen in July 2027.

One of my favorite Egyptian experiences was in Aswan, I insisted on visiting the Old Cataract Hotel for sunset and a proper cocktail. My guide, Haytham, negotiated with a horse and buggy driver to deliver me to the hotel and wait while I enjoyed the sunset. The driver was a little grizzly in appearance in his long slightly soiled gallibaya, an overcoat, a loosely draped scarf and wrapped turban. Egyptians tend to shout at each other, no menace involved, an unnerving situation when you don’t understand the language. Negotiations ensued, Haytham, protecting me, took a photo of the buggy drivers’ license, made sure his cell phone worked, took his number, negotiated a firm rate and shouted some more. It was a thrilling adventure and captured in the link above with my pony cart video of city trotting!

In Luxor, the historic Winter Palace will reopen as Mandarin Oriental Winter Palace, Luxor — also in mid-2027 — featuring six dining venues, a spa, and Nile-facing event spaces, steps from the Temple of Luxor. Located near the Temple of Luxor, this storied property is undergoing an extensive restoration.

Egypt is brimming with energy, acclimate before you begin the Frenetic Pharaoh Program!

In Cairo, the storied Shepheard Hotel is already being transformed into Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, slated to open in 2027. Both Aswan and Luxor properties are being developed in partnership with Egyptian developer Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG) Holding.

Linking Aswan and Luxor will be a newly developed luxury river cruise ship offering three, four, and seven-night Nile itineraries — complete with generously appointed suites, three dining venues, and immersive cultural excursions. It marks the first river cruise product in Mandarin Oriental’s history.

For clients seeking the very best Egypt has to offer, 2027 is shaping up to be a landmark year, our team is the best!

Highly Recommend!