Dar means home in Arabic and this eco-chic boutique hotel on the Red Sea really oozes the feeling of a home away from home. Owned and operated by Nahed Ismail, a Swiss-Egyptian creative entrepreneur, Dar Dahab was built on a parcel of land belonging to her family for decades and this intended family spirit is distilled throughout the hotel, from its design by Swiss architect – and Nahed’s son-in-law – Anthony Julen to the black and white photos of her stunning grandmother hanged in the lobby.
The property’s design is inspired by traditional Islamic architecture, giving it its distinctive aesthetic. The walls are made of mud or condensed sea salt bricks, and the fiberglass façade is shaped like a typical Mashrabiya, that elegantly carved latticework. Every décor element is carefully curated to reflect the richness of Egyptian craftsmanship.
The ground floor entrance hall is crowned by a statement pendant lamp and leads to a lush indoor terrace. A sculptural antique Egyptian door leans against the main wall, bringing even more wow factor. The open kitchen and dining room are contiguous to the terrace and have direct access to the hotel’s small private beach.
As for the rooms, Dar Dahab has 10 fully furnished accommodations. All of which are also tastefully adorned with locally sourced pieces, exhaling a serene atmosphere. Furniture manufactured with palm tree leaves, gorgeous henna bedside lamps, bedframes made of sea salt bricks from the famous Siwa oasis, and hand-woven fabrics covering the sofas. Bathrooms feature Italian-style showers.
Amongst the many show-stopping features of this hotel, are the rooftop and its breathtaking view on the Red Sea and all of its different shades of turquoise. Grab one of the provided deck chairs, order a traditional Bedouin mint tea, and watch the sun go down on the Gulf of Aqaba.
Top Takeaways
Location: Dahab, South Sinai, Egypt
Rating: Three-star
The Vibe: An eco-chic bohemian oasis on the shores of the Red Sea
Food + Drink: Dar Dahab is a self-catering hotel with an open kitchen and dining room on the ground floor. The staff can prepare breakfast + dinner upon request.
Amenities: daily room service upon request, complimentary coffee, tea, and water bottles, free wifi, rooftop lounge, private beach, an adorable library nook filled with books about Egyptian culture and craftsmanship, storage area available for kite surfing/diving equipment, bicycle and car rental services, pick up and drop off to the airport
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel? Its well-thought and 100% locally sourced décor and architecture give the hotel its very distinctive look
What’s Nearby? all water sports such as snorkeling, kite surfing or diving, Dahab village, Mount Sinai & St. Catherine’s monastery, plenty of stunning hiking trails, the Blue Hole
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? Rent a mask and snorkel to explore the wonders of the Red Sea. Grab a yummy healthy lunch at Shanti Café or a delicious pastry at Ralph’s German Bakery. Buy a colorful locally made rug at any of the city’s carpet shops.
Rooms: 10 fully furnished apartments, ranging from studio to two bedrooms
Pricing: Rates start at 100$-150$ a night
Closest Airport: Sharm el-Sheikh International (SSH)
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