Mandarin Oriental is deepening its affection for Egypt with a significant expansion plan that integrates two of the country’s historic Nile-side hotels with its first luxury river cruise. Starting from 2027, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy stays at the Mandarin Oriental Shepheard in Cairo, Mandarin Oriental Old Cataract in Aswan, Mandarin Oriental Winter Palace in Luxor, and embark on the new Mandarin Oriental, Nile Cruise, creating a high-end journey across both land and water.
A seamless Cairo–Luxor–Aswan journey
This portfolio is designed as a cohesive experience rather than individual properties. Guests can begin in Cairo at the soon-to-reopen Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, fly to Luxor, and Aswan, seamlessly transitioning between two revamped heritage hotels and an exclusive cruise along the Nile.
Mandarin Oriental envisions this as an “end-to-end experience that unfolds across land and water,” featuring private access, expert guides, and a strong emphasis on Egypt’s vital archaeological and cultural landmarks. The venture is developed in collaboration with Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG) Holding for the hotels and K.G. Company / Garranah Group for the cruise vessel, combining international luxury expertise with deep local knowledge.
Mandarin Oriental Old Cataract, Aswan
From May 2026, Mandarin Oriental will take over management of the celebrated Old Cataract hotel positioned over a picturesque bend of the Nile, overlooking the Temple of Khnum. While the Nile Wing undergoes comprehensive renovations, the entire hotel is scheduled to relaunch in July 2027.
Once reopened, guests can expect an elegant collection of rooms and suites, many offering sweeping views of the river, six dining options focusing on local and international cuisines, and a spa inspired by regional wellness traditions, complemented by serene indoor and outdoor spaces.
Mandarin Oriental Winter Palace, Luxor
In Luxor, the iconic Winter Palace will be closing in early 2026 for a full renovation, set to reopen in July 2027 as Mandarin Oriental Winter Palace, Luxor. Renowned for its views over the Nile and proximity to the Temple of Luxor, the hotel has long been favored by archaeologists, royalty, and discerning travelers. The restored Winter Palace will offer a mix of historic character and contemporary comfort across its accommodations, provide six dining experiences, and feature a tranquil spa amid its elegant surroundings.
Mandarin Oriental, Nile Cruise: a new way to sail the river
The third aspect of this luxury initiative will be Mandarin Oriental, Nile Cruise, marking the brand’s debut into river cruising. Scheduling three-, four-, and seven-night itineraries from Luxor to Aswan, the cruise is designed to complement stays at both Mandarin Oriental hotels, offering luxurious suites and differentiated on-board dining pursuing both Egyptian and international flavors.
Karim Garranah, Managing Director of K.G. Company, shares that the extended family connection with the Nile informed the cruise’s concept, emphasizing “exceptional care, cultural integrity, and a guided journey honoring the river, its history, and its people.”
A new benchmark for luxury travel in Egypt
For Egypt, this expansion signifies a new era in premium, heritage-led tourism. Laurent Kleitman, Mandarin Oriental’s Group Chief Executive, remarks on the nation as one of the fastest-growing global tourist destinations, describing this portfolio as a rare chance to construct a journey rich in culture and distinctly Mandarin Oriental, by integrating a historic grand hotel in Cairo, two reimagined icons in Luxor and Aswan, and a chic river cruise, ultimately aiming to establish a new standard for how visitors experience the Nile and its iconic sites.
