As Eid draws near, a lot of families and friends will be scurrying to plan out the activities and places they will visit during vacation. Many will be faced with fully booked hotels and the knowledge that many touristic places will be super crowded. That is where Airbnbs come to the rescue. With all the attention devoted to hotels, many overlook the idea of staying in an Airbnb. When it comes to Egypt, there are plenty of Airbnb stays scattered across the country. We’ve picked out our favorites that believe will make your holiday all the more memorable.
Barefoot in Tunis, Fayoum
This Airbnb was built with the environment in mind as it follows the ideals of the “small house movement” which is all about downsizing and simplifying living spaces. That is why it is not the biggest in size, occupying only 27 sqm, and why it was built using re-purposed wood as a way to maintain an environmentally friendly approach.
Guests who arrive at Barefoot in Tunis get to stay in its wooden house that can accommodate up to three people and features air conditioning (hot and cold), a fully furnished kitchen, a private bathroom, a private heated plunge pool, a private deck & garden as well as an outdoor fire pit. The cost of this Airbnb is $116 per night and if you are planning to book it during Eid time, it will cost $328.86 for three nights.
Along with its many amenities, having it be located in Tunis Village means that guests are just a step away from all the fun activities available in the village including workshops, art centers and museums. For a lot of the guests who stayed in Barefoot in Tunis, they described it as a unique type of lodging experience, with a few describing it as a hidden gem. All in all, it may be little in size, but it has everything you need to make your stay super comfortable.
Beit Theresa, Dahab
Located in one of Egypt’s most attractive cities, with breathtaking natural beauty is Beit Theresa. Its name is a literal translation of the word gold in English. The city’s name is thought to have come from the area’s golden sand beaches. This wonderful Airbnb: Beit Theresa is a golden gem, dubbed “Nature Lovers Paradise” by the owners. It is made up of a collection of wonderfully-crafted, ethnic-style holiday rentals on the beach in Dahab. They are built with natural materials while combining modern convenience with old-style hospitality.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a seasonal fruit tray and fresh juice. The morning breakfast is also carefully chosen, prepared, and served using seasonal and fresh products from the neighborhood market. In terms of cost, it’s a little pricey as the owners have put in a nightly fee of $376. Beyond its price, guests get to pick between three separate units: Fisherman’s Lodge, Tree House, and Stone Room, all of which are ideal for lone kiters/divers, young couples, or kiting/diving pals. From a fisherman’s lifestyle to a one-of-a-kind sea vista, all three cater to distinct preferences and interests.
Eco Nubia
Taking a step back in time, Eco Nubia is the Airbnb stay set within an archeological site set along the Nile River. Its eco-lodge helps to promote a more eco-friendly approach to tourism in Nubia. It was built using the same old methods used by houses that were built in Nubia in the past including a reliance on mud and brick.
Beyond it being environmentally friendly, Eco Nubia also offers a unique experience through its beach area that is directly on the Nile which means that guests can swim in its waters. The lodge also houses a restaurant called the Solaih Nubian Restaurant that overlooks the famous Philae temple. If you decide to try out Eco Nubia, an average night will cost 100 dollars.
Temple House, Siwa
Continuing on with the eco-friendly trend, Siwa’s Temple House is yet another Airbnb that places the environment at the forefront. Consisting of a traditional house set within a quiet residential area opposite of Shali Lodge, the lodge is all about simplicity and comfort. Its rooms exude an eco climate as they offer a cool atmosphere in the summer and warm temperatures during the winter.
Each room is housed with beds made from traditional palm tree structures as well as comfortable mattresses made from local Egyptian cotton. Guests also have access to three terraces that offer superb views over the village, the Shali lodge as well as the oasis with its many trees. To experience a stay at Temple House, you can book a room for an average of 30 dollars a night.
The Beachfront Penthouse, Dahab
This Airbnb offers a luxurious two-bedroom beachfront condominium with a private balcony on the Asala area’s coastline. Asala Market, the main local Dahab market with all the shops, is only a five-minute walk away. Aside from its gorgeous sea view, what makes Dahab unique is the variety of activities available. Scuba diving lessons are available, as well as diving in the famed blue hole. You may also go kitesurfing or windsurfing, take a trip to Ras Abu Galum, where you can trek, rent a boat, or even join a camel safari!
When it comes to Airbnb itself and its architectural style, we can say that it fits in perfectly with Dahab’s traditional building trend of brilliant colors and stone carvings. What’s also special about the Beachfront Penthouse is that it offers the most affordable price so far in terms of a typical Airbnb stay with an average night costing $85.
Now that you have seen all these alternative vacation options, you are a step closer to planning a vacation that will renew your spirit and provide you with a sense of serenity you never knew existed.
