DESTINATIONS — NORTH AFRICA
holidaymakers. Some are drawn by the diving, some by the year-round sun and others by the chance to combine beach-time with a trip to see the icons of Ancient Egypt. But for all, the great value for money on offer is a key motivator too. The majority of Red Sea resorts
T
are in Egypt. Those strung along the east coast of the mainland include Hurghada, which is the busiest town and the airport hub, but there are also the purpose-built resorts of El Gouna, which is built around islands, lagoons and canals, and Soma Bay, which has a bent towards luxury hotels, and Marsa Alam, which is rapidly growing, with its own airport and a reputation for excellent diving.
East of the mainland, the
Sinai Peninsula is home to the most famous resort of all, Sharm El Sheikh, on its southern tip. Nearby alternatives include the more traditionally Egyptian
l SAVE: CHECK THE SPEC When it comes to bagging a bargain in the Red Sea, at the three-star end of the market, there is plenty of choice – provided
he Red Sea holds many different attractions for
THREE WAYS save, spend, splurge
RED SEA
Emily Ashwell checks out Red Sea hotels for different price points
Dahab, renowned for windsurfing, and Taba Heights, another purpose-built resort conveniently located for trips to the sights of the Sinai and Jordan. The abolition of APD from
May 1 for children under 12 gives a financial boost to families booking holidays to the Red Sea. Both Thomas Cook and Classic Collection say they see consumer confidence returning after the country’s political instability. All prices quoted here are per person, on a twin-share basis, for a week’s travel in May or June, including flights and transfers.
clients know exactly what they are and aren’t getting for their money. If hotels aren’t on the beach or within walking distance, check they offer a free shuttle service. All-inclusive packages will be limited, won’t offer branded drinks and the resort spec is likely to be less contemporary. Clients wanting more beach
bang for their buck should look at The Grand Hotel, Hurghada. For a hotel with a beach it’s a steal at £362 with breakfast through Red Sea Holidays; however, this busy hotel is a bit dated. It’s 15 minutes from the centre of Hurghada but there is a free shuttlebus. Cosmos recommends the
beachfront Mercure Hurghada, which receives good feedback for service and, though 10 minutes from downtown, has plenty to
Ghazala Beach Hotel
23 April 2015 —
travelweekly.co.uk • 67
offer on site, from dining options and after-dinner entertainment to activities. Packages start from £419. For divers seeking convenience
and value, Red Sea Holidays recommends the Ghazala Beach Hotel, in Sharm El Sheikh. Close to the restaurants and shops of Naama Bay, this property has a Padi centre as well as a choice of five on-site restaurants. Stays start from £358 with breakfast. Also in Sharm, the Xperience Kiroseiz Premier is a great sell to
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84