Fun in the sun keeps resort ahead of pack

Fun in the sun keeps resort ahead of pack

Range of activities on offer

Situated on the Red Sea coast between Egypt and Jordan, Eilat enjoys warm winters and hot, dry summers.

The feel of the resort is European rather than Middle Eastern. Activities are numerous, from scuba and snuba diving – an Israeli invention where divers descend into the sea attached by a breathing tube to a tank in a boat on the surface – to desert safaris and swimming with dolphins.

Dozens of quality restaurants line the seafront and the nightlife is lively and varied.

The Dead Sea, Masada and Jerusalem, as well as Petra in Jordan and St Catherine's Monastery in the Sinai are easily reached and are perfect for one or two-day excursions.

Eilat appeals to a wide variety of clients: keen divers, senior citizens seeking winter sun, couples in their 30s and 40s wanting a romantic break, and families with children of all ages to entertain.

Hotels range from two-star to deluxe but most are geared to the upper end of the market and most visitors are from high-income brackets.

Most Eilat brochures hit the shelves in early summer, and outside Christmas, New Year and Easter there are often competitive deals to be had.