House of Kheops - Egypt

Salaam alekom strays!

There is an ancient Egyptian proverb which states “a beautiful thing is never perfect”.

It’s a strange saying for a place that, architecturally, is pretty perfect. The level of accuracy, precision, and symmetry displayed in temples, tombs, and monuments is unmatched. Their attention to detail is incredible.

Ancient Egyptians valued beauty. The yearly flooding of the Nile, led to an abundance of fresh produce to use as ingredients in skincare and cosmetic products. Milk, honey, and olive oil were championed in preventing skin ageing. Eyeliner was made from kohl, while pigmented clay was used to make lip and cheek tint.

The value of beauty extends beyond life – the dead were also decorated, especially if you were notable. The Valley of the Kings is covered in hieroglyphics, it surprised me how much colour was used. I don’t know about you, but I pictured miles of sandstone, and while somewhat true, colour is abundant. Below the surface is even more impressive. Gold, gold, gold. King Tut’s jewellery collection is enviable. And talk about his sarcophagus! 110 kilograms of solid gold!

Mini history lesson aside. I have the most tranquil accommodation to share. A vibrant oasis on the cusp of the Sahara Desert, in Nazlet El Samman’s village, The House of Kheops.

Bougainvillea, fragrant jasmine, olive trees, and palms wrap the house. Claus the cat roams the property. Sunlight dances on the surface of the pool. The observatory is in perfect alignment with the Pyramid of Khufu, the largest wonder of the ancient world. This is a space that demands to be felt. If I could describe it in one word - magic.

At the House of Kheops, you can choose to book a room and share the house with other guests, or book the entire villa which would be a real vibe for a group holiday! We booked the Olive room, aptly named after the olive tree right outside.

There is a real sense of community in the villa, shared meals around the outdoor dining table, and conversations of art and adventure fill the space. It simultaneously feels like you are miles from anyone else, with space to truely reflect and rejuvenate, while also feeling the buzz of the Egyptian activity.

You can opt to have the hosts cook local cuisine for you - we did and it was delicious.

The locals in the village are super friendly, the kids all round up in the evening when the sun has set and the heat from the day is dissipating for games of street soccer. Fruit and veggie stalls line the streets, and authentic falafel is available a short walk away.

Overall it felt like a safe neighbourhood.

A true sanctuary, The House of Kheops is in my top 5 stays of all time.

Add Egypt to your wishlist and soak up the magic.

Stray beautiful,

BEAR.

House of Kheops

House of Kheops - Egypt

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