Egypt’s Red Sea resorts – from the big and brash Sharm el-Sheikh to smaller, sleepier options such as El Gouna and Taba Heights – have long been a draw for UK tourists looking for good value fly-and-flop breaks, or a mix of relaxation with diving and other water sports.
In the case of Taba Heights, what the resort lacks in nightlife and activities, it more than makes up for in opportunities for multi-centre breaks incorporating the nearby resorts of Aqaba, Jordan and Eilat, Israel, or even Saudi Arabia.
Alternatively, for clients who want a slice of culture and history with their in-resort watersports and sunbathing, agents can suggest a wide range of pre-bookable excursions to big-draw destinations such as Cairo, Petra and Jerusalem, all reachable on day excursions from Taba Heights.
I travelled on a twin-centre break with Libra Holidays combining three nights at Taba Heights Marriott (reviewed here) with a four-night tour of Jordan, staying in Marriott hotels in Amman, Petra and on the Dead Sea.
As part of its latest brochure, Libra has introduced a range of package options to Jordan, from stand-alone packages to a 14-night twin-centre break with seven nights in Taba Heights and seven in Aqaba.
Taba Heights
Taba Heights is essentially a compact collection of four recently built five-star resort hotels – a Hyatt Regency, a Marriott, an InterContinental and a Sofitel – and a four-star, all-inclusive property, the Three Corners, arranged cheek by jowl along the Red Sea coast near the Israeli border.
In addition, there is a golf course, a water sports centre, Waterworld, a marina, and a small ‘uptown’ area, served by a free shuttle bus service, that is home to a few shops and restaurants. A Club Med property is under construction.
At night you can see the lights of Eilat, Aqaba and Saudi Arabia twinkling across the Gulf of Aqaba.
What to see and do
Taba Heights is about relaxation and excursions; there’s very little in the way of nightlife (when I arrived at the Marriott hotel at 11.30pm it was like a ghost town). Typical entertainment at the hotels includes local music performances and belly dancing shows.
Essentially all the hotels share the same beach and boast a range of pool facilities. For those who can drag themselves off their sunloungers, there is a golf course, and Waterworld has branches in the different resorts. For snorkelling, the best coral is near the Hyatt end of the strip. And of course, the Red Sea is famous for its diving.
Outside the resorts, there’s little to do in the immediate area. Options include jeep safaris in nearby Coloured Canyon, boat trips and exploring Pharaoh’s Island. But there are lots of excursions on offer further afield (see Excursions box).
- On the web: tabaheights.com
Aqaba
Jordan’s Red Sea resort, Aqaba, less than a 40-minute boat ride from Taba Heights marina, is a city of about 150,000 people.
Aqaba is currently the subject of a massive government-backed tourism drive, and its hotel stock will rise from about 3,000 rooms to more than 8,000 over the next three or four years, most in the four- and five-star category.
A Kempinski, Mövenpick and Radisson SAS have opened in the last few months. The massive Saraya development will include hotels from Nikki Beach, Jumeirah and Starwood, as well as the country’s first golf course, a marina, a 2,000-person conference centre and a water park. A new cruise ship terminal will open in about four years’ time.
What to see and do
Aqaba offers great diving and water sports. Visitors can also indulge in duty free shopping, and there is a range of historical sites to explore. Aqaba also makes a great base for exploring Jordan, with Wadi Rum and the Rose City of Petra less than two hours away.
Moreover, the small size of the country and good roads mean that other sights such as the Dead Sea, Jerash and the capital Amman are also readily accessible. Excursions are pre-bookable by agents.
- On the web: aqaba.jo
Excursions
The following options from Taba Heights can all be pre-booked through Libra Holidays:
Egypt
In Sinai, head to Dahab (about two hours by bus) to explore the lively local markets, or visit St Catherine’s Monastery or take the (long) day trip by coach to Cairo. Alternatively, fly to Cairo from Taba, or take a charter from Aqaba with Al-Jawad Tours, and stay overnight.
Israel
Head to Eilat to swim with the inhabitants of Dolphin Reef, or take a day excursion to the Dead Sea or even Jerusalem.
Jordan
The Rose City of Petra really is a must-see, and it’s just a few hours from Aqaba and easily reached from Taba Heights, too. The stunning desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, the former stomping ground of Lawrence of Arabia, is even closer, and the country’s Dead Sea resorts, including a Kempinski and Marriott, are also easily accessible.
Getting there
Taba Heights is well served by charter flights from the likes of First Choice, Thomson and Thomas Cook, which fly from various regional UK airports to the ex-military airport at Taba, a 45-minute transfer from the resort.
Monarch flies to Aqaba from September 29 to January 5 2010 and between February 23 and April 27 next year. Alternatively, Royal Jordanian flies to Aqaba via the capital, Amman.
The two resorts are linked by a slick tourist boat service operated by Sindbad.
Sample product
Libra Holidays has a twin-centre Marriott Connection trip from £1,329 per person, including Gatwick-Taba flights with Thomsonfly on September 8 and resort transfers.
The trip offers a chance to see the highlights of Jordan, and includes five nights at the Marriott Taba Heights, two nights at the Marriott Petra, two nights at the Jordan Valley Marriott Resort and Spa, two nights at the Marriott Amman and three nights at the Marriott Taba Heights. libraholidays.co.uk, 0871 222 8181
