Mandarin Oriental expands in Egypt with iconic hotels and luxury Nile cruise

Building on the forthcoming reopening of Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo in 2027, Mandarin Oriental is announcing a significant expansion of its presence in Egypt through a distinctive collection of experiences.

The brand will manage two storied hotels and launch the first luxury river cruise offering. All together, this portfolio will create a seamless journey on land and river under the Mandarin Oriental brand, celebrating Egypt’s culture and historical richness.

The Group will assume management of two iconic properties in Luxor and Aswan, both of which will undergo significant renovation before reopening in 2027.

Complementing these landmark hotels, Mandarin Oriental will introduce its first luxury river cruise, owned and developed by K.G. Company for Real Estate and Tourism Investment, part of Garranah Group, and operated in partnership with Mandarin Oriental. Together, the hotels and cruise form a fully integrated, destination-led journey between Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. The cruise will offer an immersive voyage between the two cities and stands as a defining expression of Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to exceptional, culturally rooted experiences.

Aswan

In Aswan, Mandarin Oriental will assume management of the historic Old Cataract hotel from May 2026. The hotel will continue to welcome guests within its heritage building while a comprehensive renovation of the Nile Wing is undertaken. The entire property is scheduled to be completed in July 2027, joining the Mandarin Oriental portfolio as Mandarin Oriental Old Cataract, Aswan.

Perched above the river and facing the Temple of Khnum, the hotel will feature elegant rooms and suites, six dining venues, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental and spaces designed to foster reflection and a deep connection with the surrounding landscape.

Luxor

In Luxor, the iconic Winter Palace is closing its doors to begin a complete restoration, reopening in July 2027 as Mandarin Oriental Winter Palace, Luxor.

Overlooking the Nile and located near the Temple of Luxor, the hotel will offer a refined collection of rooms and suites, six dining venues and The Spa at Mandarin Oriental set within tranquil gardens, alongside elegant event spaces. Respecting its legacy while embracing a contemporary spirit, the hotel will be reintroduced as a destination for cultural discovery and leisure.

The hotels are developed in partnership with Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG) Holding, one of Egypt’s most respected developers. The collaboration combines TMG Holding’s deep local expertise with Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service and brand-led approach, underpinned by excellence, craftsmanship and a shared long-term vision. The river cruise is owned and developed by Garranah Group, whose deep-rooted connection to the Nile brings authenticity, heritage and continuity to the journey.

“Egypt is one of the fastest growing global destinations and presents a rare opportunity to create a journey that is both culturally rich and uniquely Mandarin Oriental. By uniting our first river cruise, with truly iconic historic hotels in Luxor and Aswan, alongside the upcoming Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo, we are introducing a seamless, end-to-end experience that unfolds across land and water,” said Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental.

“From the moment guests arrive in Egypt to the moment they depart, the journey is carefully curated through private access, expert guidance and exceptional care, offering encounters with Egypt’s most significant heritage sites. We are proud to partner with both Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG) Holding and Garranah Group, whose shared commitment to quality and long-term vision has been instrumental in bringing this exceptional journey to life,” he added.

“We are honored to partner with Mandarin Oriental on this landmark project, which brings together Egypt’s extraordinary heritage with a new, world class luxury journey. By combining Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service with our deep local expertise, we are creating an experience that will set a new benchmark for luxury tourism in Egypt,” said Hisham Talaat Moustafa, CEO of Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG) Holding.

Contemporary luxury cruise ship

Mandarin Oriental, Nile Cruise will introduce the Group’s signature hospitality to the storied waters of the Nile. Offering three, four, and seven-night itineraries between Luxor and Aswan, the vessel is currently in design development and will blend a romantic feel with a contemporary finish. The cruise will feature generously sized suites, three distinctive dining venues and a dedicated wellness space, complemented by curated cultural programming that will form a pillar of the experience. Expert-led talks, immersive excursions and a guided journey from end to end will bring depth and continuity to each voyage.

“For generations, our family has been deeply connected to the Nile and its stories. Partnering with Mandarin Oriental allows us to share Egypt’s heritage through a new lens, one defined by exceptional care, cultural integrity and a guided journey that honours the river, its history and its people,” described Karim Garranah, Managing Director of K.G. Company for Real Estate and Tourism Investment, part of Garranah Group.

In the meantime, the historical Mandarin Oriental Shepheard Cairo, located along the Nile River, is now due to reopen in 2027 as the renovation encountered numerous delays. The hotel was originally due to open back in 2024.

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