I have just returned from my second stay in Dahab at the excellent Bedouin Moon Hotel.
Dahab the place
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Dahab itself is a small village on the Sinai peninsula, about an 1 hour drive north of Sharm El-Sheik. Dahab is a very special place, and I cannot stress enough that - contrary to the UK Government's foreign office guidance - it is as peaceful, friendly and safe as I found it to be on my first trip in 2012. It is quite a 'bohemian' and simple place, thankfully free of tons of luxury hotels, and instead populated by a diverse mix of local Bedouin people, Egyptians who have chosen to move there from Cairo, Alexandria etc, and lots of diving and yoga enthusiasts from all around the world. This diverse and friendly community gives a very warm welcome to its holiday-going visitors. The pace of life is very relaxed, and before too long you will probably find yourself riding on the back of a pick-up truck "taxi" (which most vehicles in Dahab operate as) with the wind in your hair, watching the goats in the street running about, making friends with someone else who has hitched a lift. It is a terrific place to go as a solo traveller, someone wanting a laid-back beach-type holiday, a free-diving or scuba diving holiday, or one of many other pursuits which happen there like wind-surfing, kite-surfing, yoga..... It's origins as a hippy...I have just returned from my second stay in Dahab at the excellent Bedouin Moon Hotel.
Dahab the place
==============
Dahab itself is a small village on the Sinai peninsula, about an 1 hour drive north of Sharm El-Sheik. Dahab is a very special place, and I cannot stress enough that - contrary to the UK Government's foreign office guidance - it is as peaceful, friendly and safe as I found it to be on my first trip in 2012. It is quite a 'bohemian' and simple place, thankfully free of tons of luxury hotels, and instead populated by a diverse mix of local Bedouin people, Egyptians who have chosen to move there from Cairo, Alexandria etc, and lots of diving and yoga enthusiasts from all around the world. This diverse and friendly community gives a very warm welcome to its holiday-going visitors. The pace of life is very relaxed, and before too long you will probably find yourself riding on the back of a pick-up truck "taxi" (which most vehicles in Dahab operate as) with the wind in your hair, watching the goats in the street running about, making friends with someone else who has hitched a lift. It is a terrific place to go as a solo traveller, someone wanting a laid-back beach-type holiday, a free-diving or scuba diving holiday, or one of many other pursuits which happen there like wind-surfing, kite-surfing, yoga..... It's origins as a hippy back-packing destination still show through, so if you're more into 5* luxury and manicured lawns, Dahab may not be for you.....but that's fine, as you'll leave it to the rest of us! ;-)
The Bedouin Moon Hotel
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The Bedouin Moon Hotel is located slightly North of the centre of Dahab on the Blue Hole Road - it's probably a 20 minute walk, or a 10 minute "taxi" ride for which you pay 20 Egyptian Pounds (i.e. £2!). The hotel itself is simple, clean and exceptionally friendly. It is run by Gilly, who goes out of her way to welcome you and introduce you to other travellers - particularly if you are a solo traveller, of which there are always quite a few at the Bedouin Moon.
The rooms are either "sea view" or "mountain view" - the latter probably being a little bit quieter as they do not face onto the sea and road at the front. But I do love the sea view rooms so you wake up to the sound of the sea :-) I have rated "sleep quality" 4 out of 5 only because I am a light sleeper and the sea-view rooms are a little bit noisier as you can hear the call to prayer, and sometimes the hotel's dogs barking in the night. The bathroom is simple, sort of "wet room" style with a shower but no bath. The rooms are attractively decorated, with art and photography from around Dahab. There is a TV in a communal area should you not be able to survive without it, and a collection of books which other guests have left.
There is an extensive, terraced garden, with lots of peaceful corners to hide away in, and a beautiful swimming pool which is very peaceful and relaxing. The hotel has a collection of cats and a few dogs who live there - all of them are very well cared for and keep themselves to themselves if you are not so keen on animals: the staff all keep an eye out for guests who are not so keen on animals.
The hotel's chef is superb, with the restaurant providing a range of simple food such as lentil soup, falafel, hummus, along with bigger dishes such as tagines, fish, and lamb. There is also food like baked potatoes and pizza. The quality and presentation of the food was terrific - I had one of the best tuna steaks I've ever eaten, and it is all exceptional value. The breakfasts are buffet-style, with a selection of toast and cereals, and some more traditional Egyptian option such as falafel, flat bread and "fuul" (a short of bean stew, delicious). The chef will also cook omlettes or pancakes to order - the latter in particular are addictive!
This was my second visit to the Bedouin Moon after a 2 year gap. I found all that was good about the hotel unchanged or improved, and most of the staff were still working there - which I take as a sign the hotel manages its people as well as its guests. I will certainly return, and I can see why the hotel inspires such a loyal following of returning visitors. Thank you to Gilly and all the staff for making my stay such an enjoyable and friendly one.
The Dive School
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I dived everyday with the Reef 2000 Dive School which is attached to the Bedouin Moon. The Dive School is of a high-standard, and the dive guides - Moh and Akram - were both superb: patient, able to accommodate divers of varying levels within the group, and very knowledgeable about the local marine life. Reef 2000 is run by Becky, who clearly runs a tight ship which means that everything is very well organised. She will help you with any requests you have, both before and during your visit, and her warm and bubbly manner makes for a very enjoyable diving experience. Reef 2000 has a small group of drivers and helpers, including Ibrahim who drove, loaded and unloaded our equipment all week, and was extremely friendly and helpful.More
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