Tag Archives: Mandarin Fan

Are you a FAN? Mandarin Egypt – Iconic Hotels and Nile Cruise

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“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!

Truffle Temptations, a World of Wine and Truffles – Mandarin Milano

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My upcoming stay at the Mandarin Oriental Milano in spring has me very excited to return to this city. One of the few Mandarin exclusive offerings. Autumn Adventure: Truffle hunting in Langhe, a hilly region in Piedmont, Italy, has a long history that dates to ancient times. The Langhe region is renowned for producing the prized white truffle (Tuber magnatum), which is one of the most expensive and sought-after culinary delicacies in the world.

A hint of my first foray to Milan, I carried a small pocket film camera up the winding stairs to the roof top of the majestic Gothic masterpiece Duomo, the gargoyle photos are still on my office walls. The fifth largest church in the world is still a primary attraction of the city. Its completion took 400 years! The Duomo is home to an impressive array of statues—over 3,400 in total, making it the cathedral with the highest number of statues in the world.

Surrounded by the magnificent snowcapped mountains of the Alps, Alba is hilly and slightly mountainous and the best way to get here is a scenic 2-hour drive from Milan. Meet the truffle master and a renowned truffle hunting dog, an expert in the woods! Pull up your wellies and hike through leaf carpet grounds, surrounded by the sounds and scents of the fall forest, the perfect setting of rust and gold crunchy leaves.

Autumn outings rewarded by a handful of white truffles. Chefs all over the region celebrate the white tuber. What is your favorite dish to enjoy the precious tuber? One of my favorites is a delicate Ravioli al Uovo, with browned sage butter. What favorite wine to enjoy, a glass of Antoniolo ‘San Francesco’ Riserva, Gattinara, Alto Piedmont, or a sweet sherry, or a Barbaresco, an aged Chardonnay?

From October to December, the international white Truffle Fair of Alba is a time of celebration. Black truffles are found in Central Italy, especially Umbria and Piedmont. .

Only one of the many offerings of Mandarin Milano! Highly Recommend !