Cruising the Nile

With the addition of three new resorts on the Red Sea and five new Nile cruisers, Movenpick, the international upscale hotel company of Swiss heritage, is evolving as one of the major upmarket hospitality providers in the region.
 
Even King Farouk’s former private yacht from 1918 is now cruising under the company’s flag.

Movenpick Hotels & Resorts has underlined its commitment to Egypt’s tourism industry, which suffered a collapse following the revolution, by adding Movenpick Resort Hurghada, Movenpick Resort Abu Soma and Movenpick Resort Sharm El Sheikh in Naama Bay to its existing portfolio of four properties on the country’s Red Sea coastline.
 
It has also strengthened its presence on the Nile with four new cruisers and one sail boat, including the spectacular Misr, once the private yacht of Egypt’s former King Farouk.

Roger Kacou, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts’ senior vice president-Africa, said: "We have a long and successful history in Egypt since 1975 and today managing 18 hotels, resorts and Nile boats.

"This announcement signifies an important step in our dynamic expansion programme that demonstrates our commitment to and total confidence in Egypt’s tourism."
 
Operating under its management this month, the Movenpick Resort Hurghada is conveniently located in Hurghada Bay, only eight kilometres from Hurghada International Airport and offers 252 spacious rooms and suites, all with a direct view over the Red Sea. The resort has benefited from a programme of renovations throughout 2010 which will continue during 2012 in stages to ensure a smooth operation.

Movenpick Resort Hurghada facilities include a private beach, marina and freshwater pool and is ideal for waterskiing, snorkelling and diving, horseback riding, visiting Giftun Island and desert safaris.

Movenpick Hotels & Resorts are returning to Sharm El Sheikh on April 8 to operate Movenpick Resort Sharm El Sheikh - Naama Bay. With its prime location on Naama Bay the resort features 298 rooms and four villas with private pool, all with panoramic views over the property’s five private beaches.

The resort’s captivating architecture and design faithfully reflects its Arabian heritage. Soft cream colours contrast with the rich dark wood of furniture and latticework, while domes and arches add to the sense of serenity. The Moorish-style and elegance, the company says, blend seamlessly with every modern facility and service.

Movenpick Nile cruisers offer even more options for cruising the river Nile after boosting their fleet with the historical steamship Misr and four more boats, the M/S Sun Ray, Darakum, Hamees and Feddya. The hotel management company will then operate a total of seven ships on the Nile and one on Lake Nasser.

Originally built by the British Royal Navy in 1918 and later converted into a luxury Nile steamer for King Farouk, Misr is the only steamship on the Nile and is a true time capsule that rekindles the nostalgia of a golden age, but with true luxury accommodation, cuisine and service.

Misr has 16 cabins and eight suites that recreate the days of Louis XV and XVI, memories of the British and Ottoman Empires and the stunningly cool chic of art deco.

The Sun Ray, Darakum and Hamees are among the largest and best-appointed craft on the Nile. Sun Ray and Hamees have a comfortable and contemporary design while Darakum features a Moroccan-inspired decor. All have five decks and on four of the decks offer a wide range of spacious cabins and suites with panoramic views of the Nile and feature air conditioning, satellite LCD TV, mini bar, safe and private bathroom with tub.

Currently under construction, Feddya is an exclusive and unique sail boat featuring four spacious suites, two with balconies, a dining room and lounge.

This vigorous expansion programme will gather pace later this year with the opening of Movenpick Resort Abu Soma, a 424-room haven of comfort hugging the unspoilt golden beaches of the Red Sea, just 45km south of Hurghada.