R. K.2012年11月

We spent 3 lovely autumn/winter weeks at this European style modern home and its expansive grounds on the outskirts of Siwa, and we can confirm that the Villa Ganina motto ("Come as a stranger, leave as a friend.") is true. In addition to being a sweet, intelligent, creative, well-traveled individual, Connie is a wonderful hostess, a skilled chef, and has worked as a professional travel attendant in Egypt. We came more for work than play (i.e. not as tourists), but her knowledge and experience were nevertheless a most helpful asset. She and her husband Adel warmly welcomed us into their spotless, self-designed home, and although our primary reason for seeking out this remote spot was to get some peace and privacy (which they respected and accommodated graciously), there were also lively conversations and pleasant dinners together. The house (7km from 'downtown') is an immaculately kept, airy haven, but actually most of our time was spent outside, writing and star-gazing on one of the 3 rooftop patios. There's fantastic views of the adjoining garden plot of land where dates, olives, oranges, and pomegranates grow, and the very close Gebel Dakrur, the palm groves, a glimpse of the Aghurmi ruins, the northern mountains and lakes, and even the dunes of the Great Sand Sea off in the southern distance. We were visited by many birds, a baby lizard, and honey and carpenter bees galore. Unfortunately the weather cooled within a few days of our arrival, so we could only take a couple of dips in the large spring-fed swimming pool, but nevertheless it was most rejuvenating. However, just down the road from the house is a wonderful locals-favourite hot spring pool with a small cafe and camp. After an evening soak there, you will sleep like a baby. In addition to the listed amenities, Connie provides assorted extras for very reasonable additional fees. These include internet (via USB stick), beverages (including real espresso which is pretty much impossible to get in Siwa), homemade snacks, 3-course gourmet dinners, and laundry. In the guest room, there's a book that lists everything that is available at Villa Ganina. After a thorough but futile search in town for Off! spray (Siwa mosquitoes are ferocious, and all of the shops were sold out!), a phone call was promptly made to have some sent by bus from Marsa Matruh. FYI: Because there is really no postal service to/from the oasis, the MM bus is your main way to get things that are unavailable in Siwa. All said, Villa Ganina is one of the best options in Siwa, as it only has 2 rent-able bedrooms and has everything you could want. Staying here is like staying at a fantastic hotel that you have all to yourself- except it is a private home! Very unique experience, as staying in homes is quite hard to come by here. There are many hotels to choose from, of course. Bottom line? Clean, spacious, beautiful, inexpensive, better than in the photos: A+!