Adrere Amellal: Desert Ecolodge

Im Egyptian but live abroad and was looking to see more of Egypt. I came here to Adrere Amellal. What a beautiful place. The staff, led by Mr Mohamed, were so kind, attentive, polite and caring. The food was magnificent. I ate so well. The setting was beautiful (climbing the mountain for views is a must). The tours they organised around Siwa’s historic sites and into the desert and the salt lakes over a couple days were excellent (with the superb assistance of Mr Elewa). The key take is that this place (and Siwa) is different , original, authentic and not like anything else. I thoroughly enjoyed.

Our family is fan of travelling and enjoying special accommodations with uniqueness. Adrere Amellal is the best so far. We prefer not to explain the experience… just go! Do not let the remoteness, the 10 hours from Cairo stop you from going. Worth the money, really. Adrere Amellal is not for those expecting the “luxury” of 5 star occidental hotels. Its luxury is the awesome vernacular architecture, landscape, silence, no electricity, no wifi, plastic free. BEAUTY in capital letters. Our favourite rooms: - if you like views, ask for the one that has a bed lounge at the terrasse - if you like very much art, ask for the Library room. - my very favourite: 5 Peach round suite room. We are a vegan family. The best vegan food we have tasted in a long time. We were pampered with kindness and discretion by Mohamed, the manager, and his team. Always with a yes and a smile. Book minimum 3 nights. Best time of the year: november and march (warm during the day and a blanket at night). If you like artisans, ask Mohammed a tour to visit the 3 master artisan they worl just for them. Thanks to the soul behind Adrere Amellal, owner and architect of the lodge, egyptian Dr. Mounir Neamatalla, the visionary of this project. Enjoy beauty!

The service is what stands out at this ecolodge. Rooms are as rustic as they can get. Beds are a little hard, no AC but have the necessities. Meals here were fantastic! We gave the 2 chefs standing ovation at the end. Cocktail and dinners are at different location every night. You’d have to stay 11 nights to experience all of them. We were lucky to have the perfect conditions for dinner under the stars in the Great Sand Sea that was perfectly orchestrated, beautiful, delicious and with great service. Activities are swimming/floating in salt lake, nearby temple of the Oracle Alexander the Great visited, old town of Siwa etc. This was one of our top 5 travel experiences of all time.

A magical experience! Really one of a kind, I never knew that this gem existed in Egypt but my mind was blown! The location is magical and the serenity as well as the energy will take you places. Rooms are made of siwa salts to increase positive energy! No electricity, no artificial elements! All food and products are organic! Meanwhile, they attend to you and serve you like royalty! I’ll never forget how they used to light us fire and candles every night ensuring we were warm! Their chef cooking is unbelievably delicious but not much variety and you have to be open to experiment unconventional tastes , but I can swear that I never felt this serene in calm in my life before. They managed to make simple luxurious and I really don’t know how! Yes, it’s expensive but worth every penny