Mandarin Oriental is doubling down in Egypt, unveiling a landmark collection that will unite two of the country’s most storied hotels with the brand’s first-ever luxury river cruise on the Nile.
The move builds on the forthcoming reopening of Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo in 2027 and signals a long-term commitment to Egypt as a high-growth luxury destination. Together, the three hotels and new cruise experience will create a seamless, end-to-end journey between Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, bringing land and river under the Mandarin Oriental banner.
The Group will assume management of two iconic properties in Upper Egypt, both of which will undergo extensive renovations before reopening in 2027.
In Aswan, Mandarin Oriental will take over the historic Old Cataract from May 2026. The heritage building will continue to operate while a comprehensive refurbishment of the Nile Wing takes place, with the entire property scheduled for completion in July 2027. It will then formally join the portfolio as Mandarin Oriental Old Cataract, Aswan.
Perched above the Nile and facing the Temple of Khnum, the reimagined hotel will feature elegant rooms and suites, six dining venues and The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, alongside spaces designed to foster reflection and connection to the surrounding landscape.
In Luxor, the Winter Palace will close in early 2026 to begin a complete restoration. It is slated to reopen 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 and complemented by elegant event spaces. The restoration will honour the property’s heritage while repositioning it as a contemporary hub for cultural discovery and leisure.
The hotels are being developed in partnership with Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG) Holding, one of Egypt’s most prominent developers, combining deep local expertise with Mandarin Oriental’s global brand and service standards.
Mandarin Oriental’s first Nile cruise
In a brand first, Mandarin Oriental will also introduce Mandarin Oriental, Nile Cruise, owned and developed by K.G. Company for Real Estate and Tourism Investment, part of Garranah Group, and operated in partnership with the hotel group. The vessel will offer three, four and seven-night itineraries between Luxor and Aswan and is currently in design development. Plans include generously sized suites, three dining venues, a dedicated wellness space and curated cultural programming, including expert-led talks and immersive excursions.
“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,” Mandarin Oriental group chief executive Laurent Kleitman said.
“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.
“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.
Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG) Holding CEO, Hisham Talaat Moustafa, said the group was honoured 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,” he said.
“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,” said Karim Garranah, Managing Director of K.G. Company for Real Estate and Tourism Investment, part of Garranah Group.
