The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Let’s bypass all the hubbub and hot air that surrounds Mother’s Day and its sort.  But let’s also bypass the whole commercialisation argument. It is what it is – a reminder to be nice to your mother. She does deserve it, after all.

We all know the gift game and suffered its wrath of indecisiveness, but some of the city’s hotels, restaurants and spas have some special offers, packages and promotions that will go a little way to making up all the years of agony you cause her.

The Gift of Food

There are few greater gifts than the gift of food and there are plenty of top-notch options, starting at Downtown Cairo’s Nile Ritz-Carlton starting with Oriental paradise, Bab El Sharq. Bringing together some of the best Oriental dishes, two special set menus (375LE++ or 495LE++) are on offer, in the lap of a wholesome family get-together.

Alternatively, Culina is inviting one and all to take a culinary trip around the world with a lavish buffet (375LE++) that will feature local and international dishes, meat and chicken BBQ, carving stations seafood and much more. In addition, mothers eat for free with bookings of four or more people.

Nearby at the Ramses Hilton, one of Downtown’s most enduring hotels has its own Mother’s Day specials. We begin at one of the best Indian restaurants in town, Maharaja, where vegetarian (270LE all inclusive) and non-vegetarian (350LE) set menus of classic Indian cuisine await.

Elsewhere in the hotel, Breezes is offering an Oriental set menu (280LE) of Lebanese and Egyptian classics.

Down the Nile Corniche a little way, Fairmont Nile City are marking the day in style at stunning Asian-fusion restaurant, Saigon. For 380LE per person, diners can enjoy a special chef’s selection menu to the background of live entertainment. If your mama happens to be a foodie, this is the one for her.

One of the city’s newest hotels, Steigenberger, is marking its first Mothers’ Day in Cairo, meanwhile, with a special poolside dinner (390LE) with live entertainment – and they mentioned something about a red velvet cake.

Away from hotels, Italian bistro, Eish & Malh, is offering Mother’s Day brunch and dinner – you could probably go to both, actually. Would that be weird?

The Gift of Relaxation

Seriously, guys – you drove her crazy. In fact, you probably still do. This is why a day of pampering is an ideal – or essential – gift this Mother’s Day.

Said pampering can be found at the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski’s Resense Spa. In fact, it’s Mother’s Month and throughout the whole of March, a special package of manicure/ pedicure, an anti-ageing facial and a full body massage, as well as a healthy lunch and access to the indoor pools is on offer for 3,300LE.

Alternatively, for 2,200LE can get her a 60 minute body scrub and wrap, as well as pool day-use. There’s also a special room rate on offer; rates start as low as 495LE per night (with breakfast and a stunning Nile view) and there are actually two offers. Book a double room and pay for a single room rate or book a triple and only pay a double room rate. With service and charges included in the rate and a host of lavish amenities also part of the package, It sounds great, but the worry is that she never comes back home.

Over in Garden City, sister-hotel, Kempinski Nile, is offering a relaxing aromatherapy massage and a mini facial treatment for 90 minutes.

Back in Downtown, The Nile Ritz Carlton is going all out; the hotel’s Mother’s Day package (2700LE for two guests) includes a 60 minute relaxation treatment of your choice, access to the swimming pool, sauna and steam room and a lunch meat at The Patio pool bar. Nice.

We’ve given you the info, now it’s up to you.