Boutique charter Nubia Dahabeya offers a luxurious new way to explore the Nile

There are probably faster ways to travel, but the Nubia Dahabeya makes a strong case for slowing down, to better take in Egypt’s ancient landscapes as you journey between Luxor and Aswan.

Newly refurbished and available exclusively as a four-night private charter for up to 12 people, Nubia Dahabeya was originally conceived not as a commercial venture, but as a floating family home. 

Co-owners Hedayat ‘Heddy’ Taymour and her husband, Elwy Taymour, designed and built the vessel from the hull up, working with a marine engineer to create a contemporary interpretation of the traditional dahabeya sailing boat. 

The result remains faithful to the graceful proportions of these classic Nile vessels while introducing generous indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Every voyage is privately chartered and owner-curated, allowing guests to explore the Nile on their own terms. Ancient temples, local artisans, contemporary Egyptian culture and riverside communities can all be woven into the itinerary.

Every voyage is privately chartered and owner-curated, allowing guests to explore the Nile on their own terms…

Nile cruise gets a design-led makeover

A defining chapter in Nubia Dahabeya’s story came in 2025, when the interiors underwent a complete redesign by Jam by Hedayat, the multidisciplinary studio founded by Hedayat Taymour. Based between London and Cairo, Taymour has spent more than 25 years creating interiors that blend contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship.

Custom-made furnishings, hand-crafted lighting and carefully selected fabrics were chosen to celebrate Egypt’s artistic heritage; carefully chosen antiques sit alongside contemporary furniture.

Upholstery was produced by craftspeople in Esna, while decorative details take inspiration from the capitals of the temples at Edfu and Khnum.

Following its completion in October 2025 and first commercial sailing earlier this year, Nubia Dahabeya has been shortlisted in the International Commercial category of the BIID Interior Design Awards 2026, with the winners due to be announced in London this October.

For Taymour, the project has always been about sharing a deeply personal connection with the river.

“Nubia began as a deeply personal project for Elwy and me, a family dream to create a home on the Nile where we could travel at our own pace and feel close to the places, people and stories we love,” says Taymour.

“Every detail was considered slowly and with care, because we believe true luxury lies in calm, space and a sense of connection. Over time, we realised that what we had created was worth sharing. Today, Nubia gives guests the chance to experience the Nile through our eyes and entirely on their own terms.”

Nubia Dahabeya will operate a special private sailing centred on the total solar eclipse of August 2 2027. The entire journey will be curated around the celestial event, with plans for a specially selected mooring offering uninterrupted views, individual eclipse-viewing kits and a celebratory champagne breakfast.

Four-night, five-day private charters aboard Nubia Dahabeya start from £17,000 for up to 12 guests. The price includes accommodation, full board, airport transfers, local transport, guided excursions and temple visits. The one-off August 2027 solar eclipse sailing is priced at £22,000.

For more visit Nubia Dahabeya.