Fantastic view, delicious food, morish cocktails, friendly staff, fascinating architecture and details, groovy music... and I can just keep going! Egypt/Sinai is one of my favourite destinations... and I always end up staying in the area around Castle Zaman (I prefer this area much better than what is now commercial Sharm and Dahab -- but you just need to know where to go/stay ;-)... and now no trip is complete without going at least once to the Castle (but do not confuse it with the historic castle that is on an island 5 miles or so from the Israeli border!). The place hasn't been around for long (probably officially opened in 2003), but built with middle ages designs and techniques... and manages to combine style with comfort, while primarily using natrual elements. It is set on top of a hill (hence the panaramic view), has a lovely bar and restaurant, a swimming pool that blends in with the hill and of course showers if you need to freshen up from the pool or sea (they have a "private" beach across the road from the hill... nice corals, and nice to swim and laze about, but nothing is built on the beach so far and it's quite close to the road... but there's potential there if they decide to do somethign with it!). In the "dungeon" of the castle there's a shop that actually sells good stuff for souvenirs and gifts (it's not the usual touristy stuff that you usually find). The place opens in the morning till late (12pm or so... depending on customers). They have a slow food menu and some of the dishes can take 3 hours to prepare -- so either book by phone, or preferably go early enough and enjoy the view, pool and bar. And if you're not vegeterian, don't miss the lamb (although the seafood orgy is delicious too). Well, there are few magazine review clippings about the place on their website... so have a look if you want to find out more. Very highly recommended!!

I had just arrived the previous day from NZ when I though I would start to explore, as I was walking from my camp (Antica) I came across a sign for Castle Zaman looking up I see what looks to be a ruin of some sort. Indulging my curiosity I continue my walk to the gate where a friendly local greets me and shows me the path up to the Castle. I hadn’t heard of any such ruins in the area so I didn’t know what to expect. When I reached the top and follow the sign which reads to Za Bar (lol) I reached a fountain, which lead me to the main room of the castle that was full of hand carved wooden tables and wonderful stone arches. Lets just say I needed a minute to absorb it all. I continue walking though a large set of wooden doors where I came to halt I’m overlooking a pool which in turn overlooks the ocean. I can see Saudi Arabia in the distance, truly mindblowing. I order a beer from a lovely Czech woman and spend the next few hours conversing about all subjects imaginable and then see the moon rise and illuminate the vast sea. I decide to call it a night and I make my way back to the camp but I will not forget my wonderful experience at the castle any time soon. I did not try the food but I watched others enjoy it and I kicked myself for eating before I came but if I am ever back again I will surely stop in and have a feast for a king which I most certainly am not but I can sure eat like one lol
Zaman gets an A in my book
Cheers

Mark Hudson