Where Life Returns to Its Purest Form

In the heart of Egypt’s Western Desert, far from the chaos of the city and the constant hum of modern life, lies a place where time slows down. Marcelia Eco Village in Siwa is not just a destination—it is the story of two friends who transformed a dream into reality, creating a sanctuary of calm, clarity, and connection.

A Friendship That Became a Mission

Marwa and Marcel first met in 2009, forming a friendship rooted in curiosity and shared values. For years they spoke about sustainability, community, and how human beings could live in harmony with nature. In November 2021, after years of dreaming, they traveled together to Siwa for the very first time. Standing before the vast quiet of the desert and its hidden wealth of natural resources, they felt an unmistakable pull. By January 2022, they had begun their journey—reclaiming land, tree by tree and path by path—laying the foundations of a village that could breathe life back into the desert .

Those early days were not easy. They faced challenges, resistance, and setbacks, yet what kept them moving was their resilience—and the support of the local community. Through honesty and persistence, they began to earn trust, offering meaningful work that helped families grow stronger. Every dome, every tree, every corner of Marcelia has been built with love, patience, and the belief that even the harshest landscapes can be reborn.

The People Behind the Place

Marcel, founder of Foresteer and based in Europe, comes from a background in IT and systems design. He is the visionary behind the greening concept and remains the sole financial investor, guiding the project’s long-term direction.

Marwa, a Mass Communications graduate and former journalist, leads on-the-ground execution in Siwa. She is the bridge between vision and reality—working closely with the local community, ensuring cultural alignment, and overseeing daily operations. Together, their friendship has become a force for change: one that blends global expertise with local roots, and vision with action.

A Haven in the Desert

 Marcelia is part of the broader Foresteer movement to regenerate desert land through sustainable living . The Eco Village offers a chance to step away from the rush of modern life and immerse yourself in stillness. Its lodgings are spread across the desert, each space set apart to preserve privacy and framed by breathtaking open skies and serene lake views.

Guests can choose from:

• Unique Domes for Couples – special sanctuaries with a king bed, mini-bar, sitting area, and private bathroom.
• Two-Level Family Dome – a spacious, double-floor retreat with beds, a mini-bar, sitting area, and private shower, with an amazing open lake view.
• Chalets – warm and welcoming, complete with bedrooms, a sitting area, and a kitchen, perfect for those who want to share the experience with family or friends.
• Tents – simple yet elegant spaces with comfortable beds and open horizons, designed for those who long to feel the desert breeze up close.

Living the Experience 

Marcelia is not only about where you stay, but how you live while you are there. Here, days begin with sunrise yoga, as the first rays wash over the dunes. Afternoons can be filled with buggy rides across the sand or kayaking over the mirror-like salt lakes. Visitors can wander through farm tours, join handcraft workshops that carry Siwa’s traditions, or gather around fireplaces as the stars take their places above.

Every guest also plants a tree, a small act that becomes part of the larger Foresteer vision—helping to restore soil, create shade, and ensure that life continues to bloom long after you leave. And for those who crave exploration, customized safari trips and guided tours across Siwa open doors to its hidden springs, ancient ruins, and unforgettable sunsets .

Why It Matters

Marcelia is built on a promise: that hospitality can heal, and that the desert can be green again. The Eco Village is moving steadily toward self-sufficiency in energy, water, and food, and it aims—and is working tirelessly—to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Every stay becomes part of this mission: empowering local communities, restoring ecosystems, and cultivating sustainable ways of living .

The Edge of Elsewhere

Deep in Egypt’s Western Desert, Marcelia is one of the most remote eco-villages of its kind. Beyond Siwa lies only the horizon, the silence, and the starlit sky. Here, remoteness is not isolation but luxury. It is the freedom to breathe without rush, to hear yourself again, and to rediscover life in its purest form.

Back to Basics, Back to Yourself

In a world that often demands more—more noise, more speed, more distraction—Marcelia offers less. Less rush, less stress, less clutter. And in that “less,” you find so much more: peace of mind, clarity of thought, and a renewed connection to your own essence.

This is the story Marwa and Marcel live every day. What began as a friendship and a shared vision has become a living oasis that welcomes others into its rhythm. At Marcelia, you don’t just visit. You live the story—calm, human, and whole again.