Image copyright PA Image caption A 360 degree view of the Zaytouna resort in the Sinai Desert
More than half a million people per year who visit this isolated Egyptian desert resort would love to stay in the Royal Marhaba.
This 3.4-metre (11ft) building is one of the world’s tallest hotel hotels, soaring above the desert floor to a staggering height of 21 metres, or 66ft.
Designed by architect Rem Koolhaas, the resort was opened last summer as part of a first phase at Zaytouna, an oasis in Egypt’s Sinai Desert.
Eager holidaymakers come from across the world to get an eyeful of the hotel’s “balcony” or “Grand Hall”.
Image copyright PA Image caption Room with a view
Overlooking the desert landscape of the Sinai Peninsula, the hotel, which measures 593 square metres (6,700 sq ft), has 32 suites, suites with kitchenettes, and two pair of duplex suites.
Royal Marhaba is also home to the Garf-Tech hotel for medical professionals.
The Royal Marhaba sits at the edge of the Nohadra mountains, so it is easy to see the Milky Way.
Image copyright PA Image caption There is an area just 100 meters wide between the blue sea and the desert
There is an area just 100 meters wide between the blue sea and the desert.
Image copyright PA Image caption A luxury bathroom
Almost everyone leaves with a photograph.
Image copyright PA Image caption There are seven restaurants at the resort
“We were shooting a moonlight cruise and the entire crew were hoping to capture the Milky Way,” hotel patron Julie Batterelli said.
Zaytouna is part of a resort development. The Ministry of Tourism predicts over 800,000 tourists to visit the region each year by 2021.
Image copyright PA Image caption Staying on the eighth floor includes a gallery
Despite its lofty height, the Royal Marhaba does not stay away from its location.
Image copyright PA Image caption Stays cost between EGP18,000 and EGP25,000, depending on the room
Four restaurants, a spa, its art gallery and two swimming pools are also housed at the foot of the hotel, making it impossible to miss.
Stay on the sixth or eighth floor and you are treated to a truly luxurious balcony.
The weekend rate, which includes breakfast for two, costs between EGP18,000 and EGP25,000, depending on the room.
Royal Marhaba is situated at the summit of Zaytouna – a point where the sun, its rays, and sunlight can travel across the solar system
Image copyright PA Image caption Stays are arranged by reservations and bookings