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Castle Zaman: Timeless Fun
Once upon a time, just down the sparkling coastline from Taba Heights, a runaway king without a crown decided to build a castle...
Hani Roshdi, a young architect and visionary who was tired of the non-stop bustle of Cairo, teamed up with partner Naguib Sawiris and laid the first stones six years ago with one main objective: to bring a unique brand of classic charm to the destination. This cliff-top palace may be the closest you'll ever get to a living medieval kingdom.
Inside the thick walls and a labyrinth of passages, all constructed from stone quarried on-site, lies a truly astonishing collection of surprises. Uniquely Egyptian architectural tricks, like huge vaults and cascading terraces, situate the castle's glittering gem: a cool swimming pool carved from the rock, commanding a view of the coastlines of four countries.
Moving between pool, bar and table at will, the hours melt away into a dream of cool arcades within and blue Red Sea reefs far below. Dim catacombs and underground halls are vividly reminiscent of the wind-traps used in Islamic times as natural cooling mechanisms, while the crenellated battlements, though reconstructions, felt fully capable of repelling attackers.
If you like sand and sea as much as we do, you'll want to make your way down the steep stairway leading to the castle's private beach. The beach, with fine-grained sand underfoot, is special for its rustic freedom from umbrellas, beach chairs and the other artificial encumbrances that often taint trips to the beach. The experience, however, isn't nearly finished.
After a climbed back up the slope to the castle, the kitchen staff summons you to the table for a banquet of legendary proportions, prepared using traditional techniques. A larger-than-life stuffed lamb platter, accompanied by an assortment of sides, is so good your mouth will continue to water long after you return home. The ingenious menu, which includes seafood as well as lamb and other choices, was designed by Hani, King of Castle Zaman.
Caste Zaman is located a few kilometres south of Taba Heights. Tours of the castle should be coordinated in advance. For reservations, call +20 12 214 0591.
Contact the tour operator at the information desk of your hotel for more details on rates and availability.
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