Moored in Luxor, Nile Azur has long sailed the storied waters of the Nile. Built two decades ago, the vessel has now undergone a transformation by Tuguy Studios, led by Creative Directors Mariam Abboud and Yasmina Abbas, who approached the renovation as an architectural dialogue between past and present.

The design draws on Egypt’s mythological and craft traditions, guided by the celestial cycle of Ra, the sun god, and Nut, the goddess of the sky. This narrative of renewal shaped the reworking of spatial flow, materiality and detail, anchoring the project in the rhythms of the river. The reception is conceived as a pylon, echoing ancient temple gateways. Columns inspired by Karnak’s lotiform structures frame the space, while sun motifs spread across the floor and a ceiling mural of Nut creates a protective canopy above.

The lounge, described as the Hypostyle Hall, embraces its long, narrow plan punctuated by structural pillars. Rather than conceal them, the design celebrates their presence, recalling colonnaded halls where rhythm and repetition define the atmosphere. A panoramic mural by Art Lab depicts palm-lined riverbanks and subtly interwoven mythological references.

Above, the panorama deck extends this narrative with a ceiling inspired by the Dendera Zodiac. The mapping of the heavens is reinterpreted as a star-filled canopy, its constellations referencing the ancient Egyptian decans. Handrails curve in response to Nut’s flowing form, while carved patterns adapt temple reliefs into a contemporary language.

On the sunroof, symbolism becomes more restrained. Egyptian Blue, a pigment believed to be the world’s first synthetic colour, sets a chromatic tone. Lotus-shaped umbrellas rise as signs of rebirth, the bar recalls the geometry of Edfu Temple, and sunbeds sculpted like Horus’ wings carry a quiet gesture of protection.

The restaurant, known as the Chamber of Offerings, addresses the challenges of limited natural light on the lower deck. A stretched ceiling creates the illusion of skylight, with antique mirrors amplifying space. Light wood surfaces brighten the room, while carved walnut details add depth. At the far end, a mural narrates Ra’s nightly passage through Nut’s body, with oar-shaped light fixtures reinforcing the motif of voyage.

The design is grounded in the work of Egyptian artisans. Every piece - from furniture to textiles, lighting to artwork - was designed and fabricated locally. “Sustainability, to us, is not only about environmentally responsible design, but also about sustaining the communities around a project,” says Yasmina Abbas. “By working exclusively with Egyptian artisans, we ensured that Nile Azur strengthens local craftsmanship while remaining deeply rooted in its context.” Fabrics from Seda, relief carvings inspired by Hatshepsut’s temple, and works by artist Alaa Abdul Hamd reinforce this approach.

The studio also sought to create a narrative framework rather than simply decorate interiors. “With Nile Azur, our vision was to create more than interiors. We wanted each space to feel like a chapter in Egypt’s eternal story,” explains Mariam Abboud. “From the Hypostyle Halls of Karnak to Ra’s passage across the sky and the zodiac constellations above, we designed an experience where travellers don’t just sail the Nile, they journey through its mythology.”