Siwa Relax Retreat

Top choice in Siwa Oasis

LoginSave

Far away from it all, this place is a dream in which to totally relax for a few days. Built on the edge of the lake, the simple but comfortable rooms are covered in bougainvillea and have floors made of salt crystals. Some have shared bathrooms, others are en suite. There is no electricity, just candles.

Sun loungers surround the pool, which is part of the lake. Ashraf is a relaxed host, and gives excellent and expert oil and salt massages and mudwraps on the lake shore. You can book for a romantic dinner by the lake (US$15).

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • The Shali Fortress in Siwa Oasis, Egypt.

    Fortress of Shali

    15.36 MILES

    Central Siwa is dominated by the spectacular organic shapes of the remains of this 13th-century mud-brick fortress. Built from kershef (chunks of salt…

  • Bir Wahed

    Bir Wahed

    2.35 MILES

    A favourite Siwa excursion is the freshwater lake at Bir Wahed, 15km away on the edge of the Great Sand Sea. Once over the top of a dune, you come to a…

  • Shiatta

    Shiatta

    14.77 MILES

    Sixty kilometres west of Siwa Town, this stunning salt lake on the edge of the Great Sand Sea is ringed by palm trees. It’s a popular stopover for…

  • Gebel Al Mawta

    Gebel Al Mawta

    15.99 MILES

    This small hill, at the northern end of Siwa Town, is honeycombed with rock tombs peppered with wall paintings. Its name, Gebel Al Mawta, means 'Mountain…

  • Temple of the Oracle

    Temple of the Oracle

    16.91 MILES

    The 26th-dynasty Temple of the Oracle sits in the northwest corner of the ruins of Aghurmi village. Built in the 6th century BC, probably on top of an…

  • Fatnas Spring

    Fatnas Spring

    13.24 MILES

    This fairly secluded pool is on a small island in the salty Birket Siwa, accessible across a narrow causeway. Nicknamed ‘Fantasy Island’ for its idyllic…

  • Cleopatra’s Spring

    Cleopatra’s Spring

    17.16 MILES

    Following the track that leads to the Temple of the Oracle and continuing past the Temple of Umm Ubayd will lead you to Siwa’s most famous spring. The…

  • Old Mosque

    Old Mosque

    15.43 MILES

    Just above the entrance to the Fortress of Shali is the old mosque with its distinctive chimney-shaped minaret. The mosque was recently restored and a…

View more attractions

Nearby Siwa Oasis attractions

1. Bir Wahed

2.35 MILES

A favourite Siwa excursion is the freshwater lake at Bir Wahed, 15km away on the edge of the Great Sand Sea. Once over the top of a dune, you come to a…

2. Fatnas Spring

13.24 MILES

This fairly secluded pool is on a small island in the salty Birket Siwa, accessible across a narrow causeway. Nicknamed ‘Fantasy Island’ for its idyllic…

3. Shiatta

14.77 MILES

Sixty kilometres west of Siwa Town, this stunning salt lake on the edge of the Great Sand Sea is ringed by palm trees. It’s a popular stopover for…

4. Fortress of Shali

15.36 MILES

Central Siwa is dominated by the spectacular organic shapes of the remains of this 13th-century mud-brick fortress. Built from kershef (chunks of salt…

5. House of Siwa Museum

15.42 MILES

This small museum contains an interesting display of traditional clothing, jewellery and crafts typical of the oasis. It’s worth the entry fee just to…

6. Old Mosque

15.43 MILES

Just above the entrance to the Fortress of Shali is the old mosque with its distinctive chimney-shaped minaret. The mosque was recently restored and a…

7. Ain Al Arais

15.75 MILES

The closest spring to central Siwa is Ain Al Arais, a cool, inviting waterhole with a grotto-like bottom, just five minutes’ walk from the main market…

8. Tomb of Niperpathot

15.98 MILES

In the Tomb of Niperpathot, one of the oldest in the oasis, the inscriptions and crude drawings are made in the same reddish ink you can see on modern…