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Habiba Village
Nuweiba on the Sinai, Egypt
By Jimmy Dunn
Sitting on the beach at Nuweiba, gazing across
the Gulf of Aqaba at the silent splendor of the distant hazy
mountains of Saudi Arabia, I am having my lunch of fresh fish,
including Red Snapper and Lobster, along with other more exotic
dishes. I feel as relaxed as the two camels lying on the beach a
few meters away. After lunch I move to a  shaded area laid with
rugs and lined with pillows, and in the cool sea breeze, sleep is
not far away. This is the experience of Habiba Village.
Habiba Village is not for everyone. It is not
five star accommodations, and the rooms have fans, but no air
conditioning. There is no swimming pool, just a great big sea at
your feet. There is no television, only grand landscapes of sea
and mountains. This assortment of clean hotel style rooms with
private baths, thatched bungalows and campsites very literally
drips with atmosphere, and at prices that can't be beat.
Sitting on its own really beautiful beachfront
real estate, Habiba usually caters to a young to middle age
assortment of adventurers who are looking for a relaxed Red Sea
vacation. And just because the rooms may not have every amenity of
a five star hotel does not mean that the service is lacking. To
the contrary, the manager is also the owner, and it would seem
that he not only makes sure everyone about is happy, but seems
also to make friends with each guest in turn.
 Habiba is an attitude created from the
atmosphere. I could have stayed there for a few days, or a month,
and perhaps lost track of dates and time. Their motto is,
"Leave your worries at the door". I've seen similar
slogans elsewhere, at other hotels, and indeed felt relaxed and
comfortable. But at Habiba, I strangely began to wonder what it
would be like to simply quit my job, take up residence on the
beach and fish for my food. Perhaps I could learn enough to pick
up a few spare bucks teaching at their Camel Riding School. Did I
mention that they have a Camel Riding School?
Habiba Village
P.O. Box 1
Nuweiba, Egypt
Phone: 0020 62 500770
Email
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