The article 'Siwa: An Egyptian oasis' was published in partnership with Lonely Planet.

BBC: Siwa: An Egyptian oasis

Siwa's very isolation helped protect a unique society that until today stands apart from mainstream Egyptian culture.

BBC: Siwa: An Egyptian oasis

Alexander the Great made a special trip to Siwa in the fourth century B.

WSJ: Staying at Adr��re Amellal in Siwa, Egypt

Originally settled by Berbers (roaming North African tribes), Siwa was still practically independent only a few hundred years ago.

BBC: Siwa: An Egyptian oasis

There is no shortage of active, bubbling springs hidden among Siwa's palm groves.

BBC: Siwa: An Egyptian oasis

History has always found its way to Siwa, even in eras when it took weeks to reach instead of hours.

WSJ: Staying at Adr��re Amellal in Siwa, Egypt

Nicknamed "Fantasy Island" for its idyllic setting, the pool is about 6km from Siwa Town, and surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery.

BBC: Siwa: An Egyptian oasis

There is a similar but slightly more secluded pool at Fatnas Spring, the small island in the salty Birket Siwa (Lake Siwa) accessible across a narrow causeway.

BBC: Siwa: An Egyptian oasis

Siwa is less about rushing around any major sights than it is about sitting back with a cup of tea or a sheesha and letting the halcyon days wash over you.

BBC: Siwa: An Egyptian oasis

It became immediately apparent how fragile ecosystems like Siwa are.

WSJ: Staying at Adr��re Amellal in Siwa, Egypt