As a seasoned traveller, sometimes you feel the need to grab your GPS, pull on your boots and head for the nearest mountain with a point to prove.
And then sometimes you feel the need to lie in the sun, motionless and surrounded by luxury, for a week. Possibly two. And possibly with even more of a point to prove.
If it’s the latter then the Red Sea, or more specifically, Makadi Bay is for you.
About 30 kilometres south of the very bustling and slightly rundown Hurghada city, this man-made holiday playground is fast becoming the jewel in the Red Sea Riviera’s crown.
Admittedly, there’s not much in the way of 5000-year-old Egyptian culture, in fact most of the hotels have barely been around for 5,000 days, but that’s not the point. It’s self-contained, pedestrianized, and fringed by soft pearly sands, twinkling azure waters and in the background, the fiery crimson hues of the Red Sea Mountains. It’s basically paradise found for sunbathers, serenity-seekers and watersports addicts.
And of course this being the Red Sea, the diving is spectacular.
Even if you have never pulled on Scuba gear before, you really have to here.
Most of the hotels are of a similar standard — modern, air-conditioned and generally quiet.
Consider the Domina Makadi Bay Hotel & Resort which is great for families, the Makadi Palace with its faux Moorish architecture and four excellent pools, or the Grand Makadi for great value all inclusives.
