Oooohhhm!!! ….. (___) Speaking about All-Inclusive Resorts in Hurghada !!!!
(___) Look, I’m going to level with you. I’ve lived in Hurghada since… well, since before half these hotels were even built. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the resorts where the “juice” tastes suspiciously like colored sugar water.
If you’re sitting in Manchester or Berlin right now, scrolling through Booking.com with 50 tabs open, probably tearing your hair out because they all look exactly the same… stop. Breathe. Drink some tea.
Because here’s the thing about the Red Sea coast — “Hurghada” isn’t just one place anymore. It’s a massive stretch of coast including Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, El Gouna, and Sahl Hasheesh. Choosing the wrong area is the rookie mistake everyone makes.
You want a romantic honeymoon? Don’t book in the middle of the city noise. You want hardcore diving? Sahl Hasheesh might bore you tears. You want pristine luxury? Skip the old Sheraton road.
Getting to places like Soma Bay or El Gouna from the airport is a bit of a trek (45+ mins). Don’t haggle with the airport taxi sharks at 2 AM — you will lose.
Book a transfer here beforehand. Driver holds a sign with your name. Zero stress. Trust me on this.
1. The “Luxury Bubble” Candidates (Sahl Hasheesh)
If you want to pretend the rest of the world doesn’t exist… come here. Sahl Hasheesh is gated, manicured, and smells like money.
Runner Up: Premier Le Reve. Smaller, quieter, zero kids allowed. If you want absolute silence and stellar service, go there.
2. The “Coral Reef” Kings (Makadi Bay)
Makadi is for people who care more about fish than gold taps. The bay is protected, meaning endless calm snorkeling right off the beach.
3. The “El Gouna” State of Mind
El Gouna isn’t really Egypt. It’s like if Venice and Dubai had a baby and put it on the Red Sea. Lagoons, tuk-tuks, wine bars, and kite surfers everywhere.
4. The “End of the World” Chil (Soma Bay)
Soma Bay is far. Like, 45km south of the airport far. But that’s the point. It’s a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides. It’s windy (kite surfers heaven) and exclusive.
Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay
This is arguably the best service in the entire Red Sea. They have a “Lazy River” that flows through the whole hotel. You can literally float to the pool bar. I’ve done it. It was the peak of my existence.
So, Which One Is For You? (The Honest Breakdown)
| Region | Vibe | Best For… | Beach/Reef Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sahl Hasheesh | Quiet Luxury | Couples, Honeymoons | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Man-made but nice) |
| Makadi Bay | Family Fun | Snorkeling, Kids | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Natural reef) |
| El Gouna | Social & Chic | Dining out, Kitesurfing | ⭐⭐⭐ (Lagoon swimming) |
| Soma Bay | Exclusive | Golf, Spa, Wind | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Pristine) |
| Hurghada City | Busy & Convenient | Nightlife, Budget | ⭐⭐⭐ (Variable) |
Hurghada FAQ: The Stuff You Actually Google
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: It’s probably safer than London or Paris right now. The tourist police are everywhere (in a good way), and the resorts are secure bubbles. Just use common sense in the markets.
Look, it’s the ocean. Sharks live there. But attacks are statistically incredibly rare. Stick to the designated swimming areas, don’t swim at dawn/dusk, and you’ll be fine. I’ve been diving here 15 years and I wish I saw more sharks.
NO. Hard no. Do not brush your teeth with it. Do not open your mouth in the shower. Use the bottled water. Trust me, “Pharaoh’s Revenge” (stomach bug) is not how you want to spend your holiday.
October/November and April/May are the “Goldilocks” months. Not too hot, not too cold. August is for people who like being broiled. January is surprisingly chilly at night — bring a hoodie!
Ultimately, the “best” resort depends on you. If you want a party, don’t go to Soma Bay. If you want peace, avoid the Jungle Aqua Park.
Whatever you choose, just get yourself here. The Red Sea cures everything. I should know, I came for a week and stayed for 15 years.
See you on the beach, habibi.
— Salem