Luxor, Egypt
Al Moudira is the original vision of founder Zeina Aboukheir, who visited Luxor on a felucca several decades ago and fell in love with its timeless, transcendent charm. Here, she was inspired to create a paradise in the desert and, with the help of renowned Egyptian architect Olivier Sedanoui, she constructed a property on two hectares – part palace, part guesthouse.
Recently, privately-owned Al Moudira became the first hotel in Egypt to become a member of the renowned Relais & Chateaux group, whose values of preserving local traditions, biodiversity and culinary skills through hospitality perfectly align with ours. In a world that is increasingly hectic and fast-paced, Al Moudira continues to be a refuge where time slows down - reflecting, perhaps, the gentle flow of the Nile.
The hotel is located 24 km from Luxor International Airport (LXR), and it takes about 40 minutes by car.
Indulge in a rejuvenating Turkish bath under the grand domes of our Hammam of hand-painted tiles and antique basins.
Enjoy a state of perfect relaxation with your choice of one of therapeutic massages, signature treatments and a detoxing sauna experience.
Hotel's team will conjure magical memories for you during your stay, from seeing the sunrise at Karnak to watching from the deck of a felucca the sun setting over the Nile. Visits to local artisans, hot air balloon rides and many other bespoke activities are available, according to your preferences.
Gardens, palm groves, orchards, vegetable gardens and vistas create an enchanting environment for the guests. Taha and his team of local gardeners have created an extraordinary oasis in the desert. Slice of Paradise is the perfect place to relax beneath the palms, walk amongst olive trees, treat yourself to a day in the Spa and enjoy candlelit private dinners wherever you wish.
Relax by the main pool or in one of six villa pools, which they occasionally open for guests who are not staying at the villas. Surrounded by palm trees, the main pool is large enough to swim laps and has a small shallow area safe for young guests.
Set Nefru, 37-metre dahabiya, a traditional Nile sailing boat, is moored nearby and ready for your private charter. One of the few early 20th century boats still in service on the Nile, Set Nefru has recently been lovingly restored. The boat now boasts five luxury cabins, is fully crewed and is available as a private charter for long or short cruises.
It is a library hotel and has a carefully curated collection of books in two villas. Each villa contains more than 1,200 books on Egyptian and Middle Eastern archaeology, history, art and politics, together with the novels of celebrated Egyptian writers such as Naguib Mahfouz. The library houses over 7,000 books that will be of interest to the visitor to Egypt, including historical collections such as the first edition of Baedeker guides for Egypt and the Middle East.
In a beautiful outdoor sanctuary, Lavkush, resident Indian yogi, teaches this holistic approach to health and wellbeing. In this calm and peaceful setting, you will learn to integrate yogic postures with breathing techniques, meditation, and sound principles for everyday life. The spa offers an authentic Oriental hammam experience, where traditional bathing rituals blend seamlessly with modern wellness practices, promising total relaxation and rejuvenation. Complete with sauna and steam room, treatment rooms and a fully equipped gym, expert masseurs, beauticians and trainers offer a wide range of therapies.
The limousine service offers a blend of modern and classical elegance, featuring a fleet of 11 vehicles to cater to your every need. With three spacious SUVs and three versatile minivans, they ensure comfort for groups of any size. For those seeking a touch of nostalgia, vintage cars are sure to impress. Vintage collection includes the iconic stretch Mercedes 200, crafted in the pivotal years of 1967-68, two robust Land Rover Defenders from the 1980s, and the timeless Karmann Ghia, a masterpiece from 1960.
Whether you are arriving from a long flight or planning a memorable excursion, services are tailored to elevate your experience. Vehicles are available for airport transfers, for touring the historic sights of the largest open-air museum in the world, or to take you to your next destination. For those drawn to the allure of the desert’s vast expanse, the Defenders provide a gateway to adventure. Immerse yourself in the serene landscapes and historical richness of Egypt, making every journey an event to remember.
Inspired by the sumptuous reception halls of the grand Ottoman palaces, the Ottoman Hall provides an elegant atmosphere for dinner. Chef Tito and Chef Jens have created an imaginative menu that is a delicious fusion of Mediterranean, Asian and South American cuisine, with some Middle Eastern elements.
This peaceful, shaded courtyard leading off the reception area is situated at the heart of Al Moudira, next to the beautiful traditional bar. It is an informal outdoor living room where you can enjoy breakfast, coffee, lunch, an apéritif, or a casual dinner. Here, guests can relax and read, or simply lounge in the shade while the birds play around the bougainvillaea.
The recently opened Khan Al Moudira is a traditional Egyptian restaurant and café, beautifully furnished with antiques and pieces from the coffee houses of Cairo’s old colonial times, with original pictures illustrating Egyptian society a century ago. Khan Al Moudira overlooks a courtyard with an antique Ottoman marble fountain made from a single block of marble and it is surrounded by some of the most beautifully curated shops in Egypt, full of antiques that may find their way into the rooms and suites of Moudira.
A red glow emanates from the Shahrazade, enticing guests to enter the opulent interior within. Zeina’s Arabian fantasy was inspired by the wild decadence and glamour of Cairo in the 1930s. Shahrazade is available for private dinners and parties.
Shenouda, our long-serving head of service and barman, mixes the perfect cocktail for Aperitivo hour in the Eastern Bar. With its ambiance of many moods, the sounds of swinging jazz and slow, deep blues hark back to the heyday of travel on the Nile.
Set in a beautiful palm grove, the swimming pool pavilions with the pool bar and Il Forno restaurant are perfect for a relaxed lunch or drink from the Mashrabiya Bar. Here, Ahmed crafts Egypt’s best pizza in a wood-fired oven and serves his celebrated Shamsi bread bruschetta with the unrivalled Egyptian rucola.
Those who want to plunge into the history and culture of Egypt, for a luxurious vacation on the banks of the Nile.