Pamper Thyself

You can pop out of the city and revisit tranquility by trying one of the following beach camps. Few things recharge batteries like an evening by a campfire under the stars, your senses caressed by the breezes off the Gulf of Aqaba and the sound of the waves caressing the sand just meters away.

Where hotels tout luxurious facilities and loads of amenities, beach camps offer an often environmentally friendly sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of cities and the more commercial tourist areas. With their focus on a simple lifestyle, the camps dotting the Sinai coast between Taba and Nuweiba will make you feel like a devout monk or Yogi who has found that perfect meditative space or a hippy wanderer with a craving for silence and self-discovery. Most camps are moderately priced, with some offering communal kitchens where you can cook your own food.

Directly located on the Red Sea shore, Ras Shitan literally means the Head of the Devil, a name inspired by a rock formation on the tip of the bay, which Bedouins believe looks like the horns of the devil. The name may be ominous, but this is a soothing location that draws musicians from around the world for spontaneous jam sessions, singing to the tunes of guitars throughout the day. Over 50 artists contributed to the making of the camp’s first album, recorded in an acoustic room carved out of the side of the mountain. At night, Ras Shitan is mostly candlelit, accentuating its inspirational atmosphere of harmony and simplicity.

You can also enjoy activities like hiking and snorkeling along some of the world’s most admired coral reefs. Spiritual activities are another vital part of this unique retreat. There are personal yoga sessions conducted with a professional instructor right on the beach and different holistic treatments to choose from. At the end of the day, just swinging in a hammock and reading a nice book might be enough at this beautiful beach. Located 12 kilometers north of Nuweiba, Ras Shitan Camp is inexpensive, with a night in a bamboo hut without electricity costs LE 30–40, depending on the season. And the meals, freshly made by the camp chefs, cost around LE 90 a day. Tel: +2 (010) 444-2147 • www.ras-sinai.com

Nearly 490 kilometers from Cairo’s chaotic life and about 12 kilometers north of Nuweiba, Castle Beach offers the rare commodity of privacy, with bamboo cabins that have small secluded gardens and spectacular beach views. The camp also features a few more creature comforts for those not ready to completely au natural — the cabins have electricity from sunset to sunrise, and the camp has hot and cold freshwater showers. If you want to have a more social night, you can arrange your own private party or even a wedding. Water activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving are available as well. Tel: + 2 (012) 739-8495 •www.castlebeachsinai.net