Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau is a stunning dahabiya, available only for private charter. An oasis of calm, the vessel is reminiscent of the glamour of old-world sailing. It is the smallest of the Sanctuary fleet with only 6 cabins, and its intimate size means it can dock at smaller ports - there's almost nowhere it cannot reach, so your fully-personalised touring itinerary can take you off the beaten track and away from the busy tourist spots. This is enhanced further thanks to private docks in Luxor and Aswan.
THE VESSEL
The Sanctuary Nile Chateau is the ideal way for families and small groups to experience the Nile. Combining modern elegance and old world glamour, this traditional sailing boat or 'dahabiya', has been completely redesigned and decorated to deliver the most exclusive, serene and elegant private sailing experience on the river.
Built to exacting international standards the vessel resembles the traditional sailing boats of old which transported people and goods up and down the Nile. Today a party of up to 12 guests can enjoy an elegant and intimate week long cruise sailing past some of the river's most beautiful scenery and important sights.
ACCOMMODATION
The Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau is state-of-the-art and the first dahabiya to be built to international luxury standards. Fully air conditioned and fitted with luxury amenities throughout, there are four spacious cabins and two suites.
The Farouk Suite is a spacious 90 m2 and is located on the Upper Deck for added privacy. Its calm colours and decor reflect the natural surroundings of Upper Egypt. Influences from Egypt's Royal era are integrated in the furnishings and décor. The Napoleon Suite, at 40 m2, is located on the Main Deck and reflects Egypt's influential Napoleonic era.
The four signature cabins; Nubia, Balady, Lake Nasser and Philae Temple are approximately 24 m2 each. Each of the cabins is decorated in its own original style.
FACILITIES
The Upper Deck Salon and Dining Room are simply but tastefully decorated with white linen furnishings, coloured scatter cushions, timber floors and ceilings. There are floor-to-ceiling glass bi-fold doors which can be left closed in hot weather for air conditioned comfort or opened to the breeze on milder days.
There is also a Cigar Lounge and Library located on the Main Deck which can alternately be used as a private lounge and office area. The Sun Deck has a small plunge pool, sun lounges, outdoor shower and an open Arabian-style sky lounge ideal for star gazing under the clear Egyptian skies.
THE DAHABIYA EXPERIENCE
Your dahabiya serves as a floating hotel which allows greater exploration beyond Luxor and the Valley of the Kings to see some of the most beautiful scenery and rarely visited sites. These include the Temple of Horemheb, cut into the riverside rocks at Gebel Silsila and the pre-Dynastic capital of Upper Egypt, El-Kab, with its tombs and temples dedicated to the vulture goddess, Nekhbet.
Your journey is accompanied by the services of one of our Egyptologists, who will illuminate your voyage with tales and facts of the river's incredible history.
Why we like it
