Egypt’s Red Sea coast and Gulf of Aqaba need little introduction with year-round high temperatures and exceptional value for money, complemented by hundreds of miles of shoreline and stunning mountain backdrops.
The region extends from Nuweiba on the borders of Israel and Jordan, to Marsa Alam in the south, encompassing the well known resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada.
Traditional fishing villages such as Quseir and Dahab have been transformed into fully-fledged holiday resorts with newer developments now established on previously isolated stretches of coast, such as Taba Heights, Madinat Makadi and Madinat Coraya. A few decades ago, there was little outside the larger resort centres but now scores of hotels extend along the coastline with many incorporating authentic shopping streets and restaurants within their grounds.
With such a relatively modern resort and hotel infrastructure, properties have been designed to appeal across the different markets. Here is our guide to matching your clients with the right property.
Perfect for… a family beach holiday
Jaz Mirabel Beach Resort, Nabq Bay, Sharm el-Sheikh
Nabq Bay is in the northern part of Sharm el-Sheikh, 30 minutes from lively Na’ama Bay by car. It boasts a good choice of local restaurants and some lively bazaars in a more relaxed environment. Outside the large hotel complexes, there is a variety of family-friendly activities including boat trips, snorkelling, camel rides, quad biking and an aqua park.
This five-star family hotel has 645 rooms and borders an exceptional beach with shallow wading waters. There is myriad facilities for adults including four swimming pools, tennis courts and a spa. Children between four and 12 are well entertained with two pools, a water adventure park with slides and a kids’ club. There are four à la carte restaurants.
Sample product: Thomson offers seven nights on an all-inclusive basis departing in July starting at £791 per adult and £541 per child, based on a family room. Price includes flights from Gatwick and transfers. Thomson also offers flights from Bournemouth, East Midlands, Edinburgh and Glasgow on the same date. thomson.co.uk, 0871 231 3234
Perfect for… a group of young people
Sonesta Club, Na’ama Bay, Sharm el-Sheikh
Na’ama Bay is the liveliest spot on the Red Sea attracting an eclectic crowd with the restaurants, bars and late night clubs in the centre contrasting with the traditional bazaars and shisha lounges in the surrounding streets. The beachfront is crowded, but that adds to the ambiance, and there are a host of activities and attractions on and off the water.
This four-star hotel is on the land side of the main road cutting through Na’ama. There are more centrally located hotels but this one offers a high level of comfort and facilities that are only 20 minutes’ walk from the centre. With 409 rooms and two main pool areas, including water slides, it has beach facilities at its sister hotel across the road.
Sample product: Olympic Holidays is offering a seven-night all-inclusive break at the resort in October from £579 per person, based on two adults sharing. This price includes flights from Gatwick and return transfers. olympicholidays.com, 0800 093 3322
Perfect for… young couples
Mövenpick Resort & Spa, El Gouna
El Gouna is a purpose-built holiday village offering nine distinct and individual hotels spread across a large estate bordering spectacular beaches. Guests benefit from a dine-around programme, a lively town square with variety of entertainment and shopping, a championship golf course and a range of sporting activities.
The 554-room hotel stands on a prominent beachside location surrounded by attractive gardens. It offers excellent facilities including two large pools and an Angsana Spa. Although also popular with families, the lagoon and second pool offer quiet relaxation areas and there is a good range of dining with different accommodation options.
Sample product: A seven-night stay in September on a bed and breakfast basis with First Choice costs from £639 per person, based on two adults sharing. The price includes flights from Gatwick and transfers. First Choice also offers flights from Manchester. firstchoice.co.uk, 0871 200 4455
Perfect for… watersports enthusiasts
The Iberotel Dahabeya, Dahab, north of Sharm el-Sheikh
Every resort on the Red Sea offers excellent diving facilities but Dahab is special because of its bohemian-like ambiance and chilled-out bar scene. The internationally famous Blue Hole and Canyon dive sites can be easily explored and the Harry Nass Windsurf School is situated at the hotel.
With a backdrop of the Sinai Mountains and views across the glistening turquoise waters of the Gulf of Aqaba, this modern four-star hotel borders the beach. The 144 stylishly appointed rooms surround the large swimming pool with the fitness room, sauna and massage facilities complimenting a variety of other sporting facilities and a choice of half board and all-inclusive packages.
Sample product: A seven-night stay at the resort with Classic Collection in October starts at £791 per person half board, based on twin-share, including easyJet flights from Gatwick and private transfers. classic-collection.co.uk, 0800 008 7299
Perfect for… empty nesters
Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada
Sahl Hasheesh is a developing resort area with new, large hotels emerging beyond the headland occupied by this property. Hurghada is 20 minutes drive to the north The secluded location is a perfect retreat, particularly, perhaps, after a heavy touring schedule associated with a Nile cruise with a transfer from Luxor taking approximately three hours.
The luxury five-star hotel stands in extensive landscaped grounds with tidy lawns merging with the white sands. The 102 suites are located in traditionally-styled, dome-topped buildings with sunken marble baths overlooking individual walled garden courtyards. A choice of dining and a large spa facility compliment the idyllic surroundings.
Sample product: Longwood Holidays offers a seven-night stay in July from £785 per person, based on twin-share on a bed and breakfast basis. The price includes flights from Gatwick and transfers. Longwood Holidays also offers a Nile Cruise on Sonesta Goddess, with flights from Manchester. longwoodholidays.co.uk, 020 8418 2516
