We just had a fantastic 10 day trip to Luxor 28 Dec 2012 – 7 January 2013), staying at Villa Rosamund with 7 other people. All was completely peaceful and there has not been any reason to worry about travelling to Luxor due to the demonstrations in Cairo. The Villa is on the west bank of the Nile and the Valleys of the Kings, Queens, nobles and workers are just a 10 minute drive from the house. And all of Luxor lies across the Nile, which is reached by a 5 minute stroll to the boat and an always-delightful crossing to one of the many landing points on the east bank in Luxor. The Villa, even though so close to the city of Luxor, lies at the edge of a thoroughly Egyptian village, so there is no feeling of being in a tourist resort that might as well be anywhere in the world. The Villa is lies at the end of a quiet, peaceful track surrounded by a banana plantation. The views from the roof terrace, overlooking the Nile are beautiful – especially at sunset – with all the mosques singing out the call to prayer. And in the morning, breakfast on the roof terrace is a wonderful way to start the day.
The Villa design is also an Egyptian delight – full of domes and arches and wonderful brickwork and hanging lamps to feast the eyes. The interiors are built to provide a cool refuge in the heat of the day (air conditioning if needed – we were there in the cooler season of just lovely English-summer temperatures). Beds are very comfortable, bathrooms are beautifully and fully equipped and there are plenty of cupboards so you can fully unpack and settle in for your holiday.
One essential component of the Villa Rosamund experience is Khyry. He is an Egyptian in partnership with the English owners of the house and provides an invaluable service to all who stay at the Villa. He knows how to make anything you wish for happen – from camel rides to overnight trips to other sites to finding a good restaurant close by to taking you to special shops to delivering you to a balloon ride at dawn. And he provides all this with an infectious sense of fun and humour, lots of good information and a warm good nature. While his services can be used as little or as much as people want, I expect people will want to have his help and expertise for a good part of their holiday as it certainly makes things smooth and efficient and makes the best use of precious holiday time.
All in all, this was a delightful holiday in a delightful place surrounded by some of the greatest wonders of the ancient world – can’t do better than that!!
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I'm lucky enough to travel the world with work but Egypt is one place I will continue to visit for its beautiful weather, antiquities, culture, people, food the list goes on and on.
It really does have everything, wether you want to relax by pool, spend the day in a temple, drinking in a bar, on the nile, Luxors timeless beauty and preserved heritage is a perfect mix of old and new. mostly old!
The West Bank where Villa Rosamund is steeped in local culture and it far more quiet and traditional than its East bank partner. A quick boat ride over the water however and your in the bustling East bank with its markets, temples and cosmopolitan atmosphere. A must do is a drink at the bar in the old winter palace. You feel like your in a Agatha Christie novel or Indiana Jones film! The Luxor experience is truly unforgettable and quite unlike anything you will have experienced in Europe.
Villa Rosamund itself is a beautiful multi-story apartment with lovely outdoor and indoor spaces all constructed to Islamic design. Its clean and airy, great for relaxing, if you find time! It will transport you to a different place with its Islamic curved archways and beautiful stone floors. All mod cons provided including great self catering facilities and fast internet.
On top of all this comes Khyri who as well as part owning the villa has worked as a guide all over Egypt and is the quite the celebrity on the West bank! There is no trip, excursion, dinner or problem in the whole of EGYPT that this man cannot arrange! tell him what you'd like to do when you get there and he can suggest possible itineries but always with a no pressure angle. We found everything he offered to be far better value than the tourist hangouts on the East bank and he wraps it up in a unique individual experience so instead of battling with 50 other tourists most of the time in our group of 7 we were by ourselves. you may even find yourself at a local wedding which is an unforgettable experience. I would recommend Luxor for any group, friend, partner, honeymoon or individual. It really has something for everyone. Have a great time and say Hi to Ramases from me!!
Mark
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I first visited Villa Rosamond a couple of months ago and we loved it so much we are booked in again to see the New Year in. It's a magical place with amazing views. On one side you can clearly see the River Nile, beyond the banana plantation, and on the other side there are views towards the tombs and the Temple of Hatshepsut. The property itself is beautiful and simply decorated, with mosaic tiled floors and white washed walls. However, both kitchens are well appointed and there are air con units in each room, good comfy beds, plenty of (modern) bathrooms (most ensuite) and all bathrooms had reliable hot water. Khyry, the co-owner and manager of Villa Rosamond, is brilliant. He speaks perfect English and can organise anything for you; a camel, donkey, balloon ride, day or overnight trip on a faluka down the Nile, trips to the tombs, a lift to the local restaurant etc. etc.
The house is perfect for a family get together, it would also be perfect for a retreat or a group of friends. I went with my family, it worked so well we're all looking forward to going back again. It's very spacious with large communal rooms in which to socialise and plenty of places to hide away from everyone else and read a book in peace and quiet.
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How easy was it to book the property? | How helpful were the directions to the property? |
How easy was key pickup/access to the property? | Overall condition of the property |
Bedding & mattresses | Kitchen & utensils |
Bathroom cleanliness | Other facilities & amenities |
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Friends getaway | Older travelers |
Families with young children | Large groups |
How easy was it to book the property? | How helpful were the directions to the property? |
How easy was key pickup/access to the property? | Overall condition of the property |
Bedding & mattresses | Kitchen & utensils |
Bathroom cleanliness | Other facilities & amenities |
Service |
Friends getaway | Older travelers |
Families with young children | Large groups |