A typical day at the family-retreat in Ain Al Sokhna comprises of, “Jumping from house to house in our pajamas, eating and talking, talking, talking,” explains our host. “We are a really big family, and we are a united family Alhamdulilah,” she confesses, as we discuss their latest sprawling development located just an hour’s drive from Cairo, Egypt. She continues to paint the picture of a typical morning adding that no one has yet taken a shower, everyone’s hair is unkempt yet they’re still chattering away. They do ultimately take a short break from conversing in order to put on their bathing suits and head down to their private stretch of beach only to relax on the grass with their best friends and continue talking, probably at the point in which they left off.
Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “Most of the time in married life is taken up by talk,” and while this may ring true for our generous host, Nietzsche does not explain how this talk can be gentle, kindly and charming. She is a wonderfully animated person, full of life, letting out whole-hearted laughs as often as the situation permits.
Given that none of her family members are from Egypt, I inquired as to why they chose Ain Al Sokhna as the location on which to build another family compound. The answer I received was a simple and obvious one, because of its beauty. Then she began bringing to life this home, one of many the family own. “It’s beautiful,” she repeats, with perhaps a sense of longing to return in her voice. “We only visit on weekends and on long holidays, usually in winter,” she says rather longingly.
I sense there is as much originality and eccentricity in this particular house as there is in the owners. Amazingly, the most distinct characteristic of the housing site in Ain Al Sokhna is not the décor or surrounding scenic landscapes, but the fact that the world’s regular ways are reversed here. Confused? I was too. But it seems the sun rises from the sea and sets over the mountains. An inimitable location indeed.
I inquired about this rather unnatural phenomenon; our host giggled, and invited me to come see this for myself. “It’s the most amazing thing. You need to visit the site to understand this feeling. Every time my family and I go back, we appreciate every little detail,” she confides while letting out a little sigh, and reiterating just how breathtaking the location is.
Another unparalleled feature at this family getaway is the school of dolphins that congregate near the dock. It seems they have been made honorary members of the family and every day just as other members receive their nourishing, so too do the dolphins. “We run back to the house, get fish and feed them,” she says excitedly.
This awe-inspiring family-sanctuary that has taken a couple of years to build thus far, was designed by our host’s brother, it was in fact his first architectural project after graduating from design school. “It’s spectacular design-wise,” explains our host joyfully.
But the credit for the interior design goes to our lady host. She created a “very traditional Egyptian” interior in most of the eleven villas that comprise the complex. Each villa was built for a member of their outsized family, who seem to know more than a thing or two about recreation. Apparently they were constrained to spend modestly on the interiors as the exterior architectural plans and landscaping came with a hefty price tag. “We designed the houses before modern interiors came into existence here. Perhaps it’s time to change it now.”
With eleven villas, each with its own distinguishable character, the setting very much mirrors the family that owns it. Though evidently relaxed by nature this family clearly yearn to live life to the fullest. Besides the dishevelled hair and pyjamas that are clear staples to their ‘typical’ day, the sea, or more precisely the Red Sea plays a key role in their routines. “We take boat trips and have all kinds of kid’s toys, from donuts and bananas to jet skis,” she enthuses. Playtime is something taken very seriously here. The kids often play soccer with the fathers; there is also baby-foot, snooker, a cinema room and plenty of other audio-visual gadgetry. In many ways they bear the resemblance of a conventional household, but there is one thing missing – newspapers. “No newpapers are allowed. We need a break, khalas,” our host shares, seemingly frustrated from the world’s unsettling events.
The escapist theme is a prevalent one, but the one consistent source of pleasure for this particular family is food. “We eat a lot,” she confesses. A fanatical cook, our host loves to serve up meals for all, which are usually derived from international cuisines, but more often than not she will come up with her own unorthodox concoctions.
But back to the décor. Our host’s love for the colour schemes very much depends on her mood. Her brother’s design trademark is red. When asked why most of their haven was decorated in red, she had no clue, candidly adding that she never actually asked. Red French glass cut by hand adorns various elements on the outside of the house. The pools are even red. “People like it, others don’t. Sometimes I hate them, sometimes I don’t,” she states nonchalantly.
Gaze beyond this private retreat, and vast deserts meet your gaze. “It’s not a green desert, it’s red and it’s very romantic,” our host describes.
“You have to come and spend some real time at Al Sokhna.”
