Tucked between a chalk-white mountain and a glowing salt lake, Adrère Amellal is not your typical desert retreat. Found in Egypt’s remote Siwa Oasis, this art-filled eco-lodge offers a different kind of luxury — one shaped by nature, silence, and handmade beauty. There’s no marble, no electricity, just the soft flicker of candlelight and the peaceful rhythm of slow living.
١. The history of Adrère Amellal
Adrère Amellal isn’t just a hotel—it’s a desert dream carved into the foot of a white limestone mountain near the Siwa Oasis in Egypt.
The hotel was founded by Dr. Mounir Neamatalla, an environmentalist and entrepreneur who envisioned a space that would celebrate the region’s heritage and natural beauty. What makes Adrère Amellal even more special is its connection to Siwa’s deep-rooted culture. The oasis itself has a rich history dating back to ancient times—it was once a sacred oracle site visited by Alexander the Great. The hotel honours this legacy, not just in its architecture but in the way it operates. Siwan craftsmen and local builders were involved in every part of its creation, preserving skills passed down for generations.
The name Adrère Amellal means “White Mountain” in the local Amazigh language, and the mountain behind the property rises like a sentinel, watching over the salt lake that shimmers nearby. Each room is positioned to frame views of this landscape—some look out onto olive groves, others onto the dunes or the shimmering lake.
Dr. Neamatalla also made sure the hotel would serve as a model for eco-tourism in Egypt. No two rooms are the same, and yet they all reflect a shared philosophy: no waste, no plastic, no disruption to the land. Even the swimming pool is naturally filtered, and guests are invited to slow down, unplug, and connect with nature.
٢. Adrère Amellal’s artistic expression
Art is nature, art is in culture, art is at Adrère Amellal. At Adrère Amellal, each of the 40 hand-built rooms offers a unique blend of traditional Siwan architecture and sustainable luxury. Constructed using local materials like kershef—a mixture of sun-dried salt rock, clay, and straw—these rooms are designed to harmonize with the surrounding desert landscape. Furniture crafted from palm trunks and fronds, along with handwoven Berber rugs, add to the authentic ambiance.
Embracing an off-grid philosophy, the lodge operates without electricity. Instead, rooms are illuminated by beeswax candles and oil lamps, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere. Some rooms feature balconies or rooftop terraces, allowing guests to sleep under the stars and fully immerse themselves in the tranquil desert environment.
The lodge offers various room categories, including Single Desert Rooms, Double Desert Rooms, Special Desert Rooms, and Salt Suites. Each room is thoughtfully designed to provide comfort while maintaining a close connection to nature, offering views of the shimmering salt lake or the expansive desert dunes. Adrar Eamellal
٣. Culinary experiences
At Adrère Amellal, the culinary experience is as unforgettable as the setting. Every dish is made with organic ingredients grown right on the property, carefully tended without pesticides, and harvested with love. The cuisine, led by Chef Arafa Mahmoud, blends traditional Egyptian flavors with light European touches, all with a creative twist. Meals are served in ever-changing locations—from breakfast under the palm trees to lunch by the spring-fed pool—so guests can savor both the food and the stunning views. Signature dishes include hibiscus risotto, date cigars, and organic tomatoes stuffed with fresh garden peas. Cooked in honey-glazed clay pots, favorites like grilled pigeon, orange pasta cakes, and flan with wheat flour are rich in flavor and storytelling, offering a dining experience that feels like something out of a thousand and one nights. From house-made date jam to sunset liqueurs and local olives, every bite speaks the language of the oasis.
٤. Best time to visit
The best time to visit Adrère Amellal in Egypt is between October and April. During these months, the weather in the Siwa Oasis is pleasantly mild, making it ideal for exploring the desert, enjoying the salt lake views, and relaxing in the lodge’s naturally cooled rooms.
Winter (December to February) is especially peaceful, with cooler nights that pair beautifully with candlelit dinners and stargazing. It’s best to avoid the summer months, as temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F), and since the lodge doesn’t use electricity or air conditioning, the heat can be intense.
So, for the perfect balance of comfort, nature, and quiet luxury, aim for the cooler season!
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