For body scrubs, not cocktails.
Photo: Oberoizahra.com

Every May, Conde Nast Traveler releases its Hot List, a collection of the best new hotels, spas, restaurants, and nightspots. Check the Daily Traveler every day for a new post from this year's list.

The first Nile cruise ship spa, the Oberoi Zahra's, offers succor from the heat of temple trekking. Four treatment rooms have steam baths, incense menus, and picture windows. Thai, Balinese, Ayurvedic, Shiro Abhyangam, and yoga massages relax, as do the ever-changing views of the ancient river, pink striated cliffs, and ruins. Thai staff offer facials with Guerlain products ($74) and whip up body scrubs using banana, oatmeal, orange, honey, turmeric, and coffee beans. Book ahead, and specify a starboard room when in Aswan or Luxor to avoid views of the dock (massages, $95).

Tel: 20-2-3377-3222

Further reading:
* The Cairo guide
* Hot List 2008