Of course, the Temple of Luxor was the draw (and a big one) to be in town. But now, there’s a stunner of a hotel that is your next stop in Egypt.

If Cleopatra and Wes Anderson co-designed a hotel, we’re pretty sure it would look exactly like Al Moudira. It’s set on the sleepy west bank of the Nile in Luxor — yes, that Luxor, with all the temples and tombs. The whole place feels like someone dropped a wide-eyed designer with a suitcase full of antiques in the middle of the desert and said, “Enjoy.”

Overview

Al Moudira isn’t new — it’s been dazzling guests since 2002. But maybe it’s new to you, and frankly, that’s a shame we’re here to fix. It was dreamed up by Zeina Aboukheir, a Franco-Lebanese interior designer. She clearly looked at the barren sand dunes and thought, “You know what this needs? Arches. And tiles. And maybe a fountain or ten.” So, she did all of that, so that we could enjoy this part-Arabian-Nights, part-bohemian-fever-dream hotel. It’s a sprawling palatial maze of 54 suites, frescoed ceilings, and private courtyards. Then, in 2022, the hotel got a fresh chapter, thanks to Florian Amereller, a lawyer-turned-hotelier who decided to make the fantasy a bit more sustainable. So, he added solar power, an organic farm, and some well-placed TLC. Don’t worry though — the soul of the place is untouched, and the vibe is still firmly “sultan chic.”

The Rooms

No two rooms at Al Moudira are the same. Like, literally. Each of the 54 suites has its own thing going on — one might have a jewel-toned dome, another a mother-of-pearl bed, or hand-painted tiles that make you feel like you woke up inside a Moroccan soap opera. Zeina sourced pieces from souks across the region, and it shows. Of course, there’s a lot of velvet. There are also lanterns. There are wardrobes that might be Narnia portals (no promises). And if you’re rolling deep (or just really into privacy), ask about Zeina’s old villa. It’s a five-bedroom dream, with its own gardens and secret corners, perfect for writing your memoirs, planning a coup, or just hiding from emails.

Food + Drink

You will recognize the main restaurant, The Ottoman Hall, by its vaulted Ottoman-style ceilings and general air of sensual intrigue. It serves up a rotating menu of Egyptian and Mediterranean plates, most of which include something plucked that morning from the on-site organic farm. Expect slow-roasted lamb with saffron, lemony tabbouleh with just the right bite, and baba ghanoush that deserves its own museum wing. Then, there are the Khan Al Moudira and The Eastern Bar, which are perfect for when you’re too relaxed to be fancy. Or, just grab a seat in The Courtyard, order a fresh juice (or three), and tuck into something grilled, under the stars. It’s informal, but you’ll still feel like a very important person — because here, you  are.

Wellness

Imagine this: you’ve just spent the day exploring tombs, dodging camels, and pretending you know how to read hieroglyphs. You return to Al Moudira a bit dusty and vaguely regal, and head straight to the spa. The spa at Al Moudira happens to be a little pocket of Byzantine-tiled bliss, with a traditional hammam, steam rooms, massage suites, and the scent of rose oil hanging in the air like an expensive secret. Treatments range from deep-tissue massages to herbal scrubs, aromatherapy facials, and even rituals inspired by ancient Egyptian beauty routines — Cleopatra wishes she had this glow-up game. The focus here is on letting go: of tension, of stress, of your very linear sense time. Honestly, you may forget what year it is, and that’s kind of the point.

What Else?

You though that was it? Please. Al Moudira is a maximalist’s fever dream, and we’ve barely scratched the gilded surface. Let’s start with the garden — four hectares of full-blown paradise. Date palms, banana trees, hibiscus, jasmine, birds flitting around like extras in a perfume commercial. Then, there’s the pool — or as it should be called, the Oasis of “Do Not Disturb.” Long, rectangular, lined with lemon trees and the occasional lounging cat. It’s saltwater, there are embroidered parasols, and waiters who just appear with a fresh mint lemonade before you even realize you’re thirsty.

And art lovers, prepare to lose your minds. The hotel isn’t just decorated — it’s curated. Every tile, every carved door, every handwoven textile has a backstory and probably a passport. There are antique Syrian lamps, painted Moroccan shutters, mashrabiya screens, and so many dreamy little corners that even your phone will give up trying to capture it all. And if you’re the type who wants to get a hands-on experience, there are cultural workshops — from Egyptian cooking classes and henna sessions to impromptu Oud concerts in the courtyard. Because Al Moudira isn’t just somewhere to stay — it’s a living, breathing, scented, tiled, story-filled daydream. And if you start referring to yourself as “Sheikh of Suite 27,” well… who are we to stop you?

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FAQs

Q: Does Al Moudira Hotel have a spa?

A: Yes, Al Moudira Hotel has a full-service spa with a hammam and massage treatments.

Q: Is there a pool at Al Moudira Hotel?

A: Yes, Al Moudira Hotel has a saltwater pool in the garden.

Q: Are there restaurants at Al Moudira Hotel?

A: Yes, Al Moudira Hotel has a main restaurant and two other, more casual restaurants.