A remote desert haven in North Africa is emerging as a dream escape for travellers craving warmth, culture and calm - yet it remains largely undiscovered by British tourists. Siwa Oasis, tucked deep in Egypt's Western Desert near the Libyan border, offers balmy temperatures of around 22C in February and a world away from crowded winter sun hotspots.

While millions of Brits flock to Spain, the Canary Islands and Dubai during the colder months, Siwa continues to fly under the radar. The oasis welcomed only a small fraction of Egypt's overall tourist numbers last year, with most visitors coming from within the region rather than the UK or western Europe.

Siwa's appeal lies in its striking natural beauty and sense of isolation. Surrounded by rolling sand dunes and salt lakes that shimmer turquoise under the desert sun, the oasis is home to lush palm groves, freshwater springs and ancient mud-brick architecture.

Unlike Egypt's more famous destinations, such as Cairo or Sharm el-Sheikh, Siwa feels slow-paced and deeply traditional. The salt lakes offer a surreal floating experience due to their high mineral content, and now is the perfect time to visit.

February is considered prime time as daytime temperatures hover around a comfortable 22C, making it ideal for exploring without the intense heat of summer, when temperatures can soar well above 40C.

Evenings are cooler, adding to the appeal for those who want warmth without oppressive conditions. At the heart of the oasis lies the ruins of the Temple of the Oracle, an ancient site once visited by Alexander the Great.

Legend has it that he travelled to Siwa in 331 BC to consult the oracle, cementing the oasis's place in history. Nearby, the medieval Shali Fortress rises dramatically from the landscape, offering panoramic views over the palms and salt flats.

Tourism in Siwa is deliberately understated. Eco-lodges built from traditional materials blend into the environment, and many visitors choose to travel with local guides to explore the desert by 4x4 or on foot.

Highlights include floating effortlessly in the salt lakes, swimming in Cleopatra's Spring and watching the sun set over the Great Sand Sea. The lack of mass tourism is part of the attraction, but it also explains why Siwa remains off the radar for many British holidaymakers.

The journey is longer than a typical city break, involving travel from Cairo and permits for desert areas, which has helped keep visitor numbers down.

For Brits willing to venture beyond the usual winter sun routes, Siwa Oasis could be one of North Africa's most beautiful and overlooked escapes.