White buildings atop a rocky hill by the sea under a partly cloudy blue sky.

BenBen by Dhara Hotels

Located in the Nile, on the old Nubian island of Heissa opposite the city of Aswan, lies the BenBen by Dhara Hotels – an adults-only retreat that is only accessible by the hotel's own shuttle boat. Even the journey over the water is part of the experience and sets the tone for the seclusion that makes this boutique hotel so special. The architecture draws on Nubian building traditions: high wooden ceilings, bright, natural materials, and plenty of natural light create an airy, calm atmosphere. From the private terraces – some with their own whirlpool – views open up to the Nile and the Temple of Philae, which shines golden at sunset. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city yet just a short boat ride from Aswan's sights, the BenBen is a place to slow down – for all who wish to experience peace, design, and the magic of the Nile in their own way.

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Details

Country
Egypt
City
Aswan (Heissa Island)
Price
from approx. €190 per night/person
Best Travel Time
October - April

Rooms

The rooms and suites of the BenBen by Dhara Hotels are designed with high wooden ceilings, natural materials, and plenty of daylight – a consciously reduced, eco-friendly interpretation of Nubian living culture. Each accommodation features a private terrace, some even with their own whirlpool directly overlooking the Nile and the Temple of Philae. Amenities include comfortable beds, walk-in showers, air conditioning, and a desk, while soundproof walls ensure quiet even with the terrace door open. Adults-only from 16 years – this keeps the reflective atmosphere preserved for all guests.

Cozy hotel suite bedroom with wooden ceiling, twin beds with white linens, wicker pendant lamps, decorative round wall art, and potted plants, viewed through an arched doorway.

Bathroom with a mosaic-tiled mirror and a beige stone sink with a pendant light, adjacent to a bedroom with a large bed, pillows, warm lighting, and a balcony with a view of a cityscape.

Modern hotel suite bedroom with a large bed, decorative rug, and wooden ceiling beams overlooking a water body through large windows and glass doors.

Bright suite living area featuring wooden furniture with grey cushions, a colorful patterned rug, a wooden round coffee table, and a hammock chair near large windows with a sea view.

Culinary

In the whitewashed, open YAM Restaurant, local cuisine is served with halal, vegetarian, and vegan options, while the Philae Bar & Terrace is the perfect place for a sundowner with a view of the temple. In the evenings, occasional live music and small entertainment programs create a festive atmosphere under the Nubian starry sky. Breakfast with fresh pastries, fruits, and warming specialties is served on the terrace overlooking the river.

Outdoor dining area at a modern hotel at dusk with illuminated wall niches displaying decorative items and wooden tables and chairs arranged on a tiled floor.

A cozy restaurant interior with wooden ceiling beams and hanging wicker pendant lights, featuring tables set with plates, glasses, and cutlery, and a white wall with built-in shelves displaying decorative items.

Interior of a lounge with white arched walls, blue cushions in a circular sunken seating area, wooden ceiling beams, decorative plates, and a window showing outdoor landscape.

Spacious rooftop terrace with wicker chairs and tables overlooking a lake and rocky hills under an overcast sky.

Activities

The spa area of the BenBen combines hammam, steam bath, outdoor whirlpools, and a thermal bath into a small wellness retreat in the middle of the Nile. Those who want to start the day more actively can practice yoga on the so-called 'BenBen's Rock' with a view of the river. From here, the Temple of Philae and the Aswan High Dam are only a short boat ride away, as are the Unfinished Obelisk and the Nubian Museum – ideal excursions to discover Aswan's history before returning to the tranquility of the island.

White Mediterranean-style hotel suite terrace with wooden chairs and a private plunge pool overlooking a rocky coastal landscape under a cloudy sky.

A woman practicing yoga in a seated meditation pose on a large rock at an outdoor terrace overlooking a river with rocky hills in the background under a clear sky.

A sailboat gliding on the river in front of a hill with ancient ruins and a small structure at the top.

Location

The BenBen by Dhara Hotels is located on the small, ancient Nubian island of Heissa in the middle of the Nile, opposite the city of Aswan and in sight of the Temple of Philae. The island is exclusively accessible by the hotel's own shuttle boat, which operates around the clock between the mainland and the hotel. The Aswan High Dam is only a few kilometers away, as is the Nubian Museum and the Unfinished Obelisk, while Aswan International Airport is about a 20-minute drive away. This island location makes the BenBen the ideal starting point for day trips to Abu Simbel and also one of the quietest retreats along the entire Nile.

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Contact person

A smiling man with short, light brown hair and a beard standing outdoors with a blurry desert background.

Philip Eichkorn

CEO / Managing Director

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