Swide Magazine by Dolce&Gabbana

Yes, The Oberoi Group may have already been on our bookmark page however news of an Egyptologist on board a luxury cruiser seemed out of the ordinary even for their level of service. With Harrison Ford uppermost in our minds we set sail on a little internet voyage of discovery.

The Oberoi Zahra is a luxury Nile cruiser that offers the Oberoi Hotels tradition of high standards in hospitality with spacious (and chic) cabins on the Nile. With our panama hat already packed we’ll be checking into “the mutedly elegant interior” of its luxury cabins and suites for some autumn “sunculture”.

The cruise offers a seven-day itinerary from Luxor to Aswan (and vice versa), allowing guests the opportunity to leisurely discover five thousand years of Egyptian culture. How much more refreshing than a museum. English speaking Egyptologists are on board, with French, and German speaking Egyptologists available with prior notice. Perhaps the only time when one can 'have' their own personal Egyptologist…and be able to write the details on a postcard the next day.

Unique to The Oberoi Zahra are private docking facilites that ensure a relaxed experience whilst disembarking the boat (and therefore no scary crowd scenes). Small luxury coaches are available at each stop to take guests sightseeing with one’s personal Egyptologist/Harrison Ford coming along too.

Don’t fret however if it all sounds like to much culture as The Oberoi Zahra the only boat to sail down Nile with a full-service spa. The boat has has twenty-five luxury cabins that are tastefully designed with timber floors and elegant interiors. Large windows in the cabins and bathrooms offer panoramic views of the Nile framed by large windows within en suite bathrooms. The cruiser also has two spacious suites with separate living rooms; private terraces and jacuzzis redefine luxury on the Nile. In a lovely touch, telescopes are available on board to highlight the spectacular views of the Egyptian night sky.

The luxury cabins are spread over thirty square metres and minimally furnished with a choice of king-size bed and twin bed, flanked by large bedside tables and two lounge chairs with a coffee table. Bathrooms are finished in marble and mosaic and feature vanity counters and separate glass-enclosed steam and shower stalls, with picture windows offering magnificent views of the passing scenery.

The Cabins curiously include high-definition LCD televisions, which perhaps when the Nile is outside could be considered a little unnecessary. Nevertheless other useful amenities include a CD and DVD player (and yes, you do have to pack The Bangles), complimentary high-speed Internet access, two-line speakerphone, data port, and our eternal favourite a well-stocked mini-bar and tea and coffee. Gourmet dining is taken care of courtesy of a on board chef offering the finest international cuisine including a la carte service, with new menus on a daily basis.

Other details are deciphered for you at - http://www.oberoizahra.com

Kerry Olsen

 

TAGS: egypt the oberoi oberoi zahra luxury cruise nile harrison ford cabins spa elegant culture luxor aswan