Hurgharda, Egypt

Hurghada is an exciting and vibrant holiday destination suitable for all ages and can be found on the western side of Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera. Transformed in recent years from a small fishing village, the town of Hurghada has managed to retain its natural and historic charm.

Hurghada is perfect for those seeking total relaxation with fantastic weather and warm sea temperatures throughout the year.It is fast growing into a major holiday resort, packed full of attractions, and a growing reputation as an international destination for visitors from all corners of the globe.

Getting there: At just 5 hours flight time from the UK, holidays in Hurghada are just one short flight away.You can head to Hurghada with numerous charter flights and low cost airlines from a wide range of regional airports throughout the UK. Flights to Hurghada all land at the international airport which is located just a short transfer from the majority of the popular hotels.

Weather: Experience year round sunshine on Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera. The sun always shines in this part of the world and makes the area popular with beach lovers.Average temperatures throughout the year are well into the 30’s and even at night it is very warm. Make sure you protect yourself with a high factor sunscreen as the suns rays can be damaging to exposed skin.

Hurghada has a range of hotels that will suit all tastes and pockets. Should you desire a 5 star hotel there is one for you, but if you want a guesthouse then there are options for you to consider. Most hotels tend to be on an all inclusive basis.

My Hotel: I had the pleasure of staying at the 5 star Sunrise Grand Select Crystal Bay. The hotel is an expansive 3 storey building that is set on its own private lagoon so a calm sea always awaits you. It provides it’s guests with a wide choice of facilities from a library, gym, football court, tennis courts to a great spa centre where you can indulge and treat yourselves from a wide selection of treatments. As well as the main buffet restaurant there are 3 a la carte restaurants to dine in. The hotel has large free form swimming pools with plenty of loungers and if you need shade cover as well. When you wander down to the beach again there is plenty of sun loungers as well as having the option to treat yourselves to a cabana with your own butler for just $30 a day.

I had the pleasure of staying in a junior suite that overlooked the beach area, but should you opt for the standard rooms these are of a very good size and tend to be located at the top end of the hotel so closer to the main hotels facilities but further away from the beach area. I say further away, it’s just a 3-5 minute walk, so no need to bring your hiking boots. The rooms are very well facilitated with everything that you require and all of a good standard.

The entertainment team here go out of their way to enlighten your day and evening and they are very good. They don’t try to do to much so that it impacts on your relaxation , but they do just enough so that you know you are away. Yes you do get people come around and offer you scuba diving trips, boat trips and special prices for the spa treatments but they don’t become a pain and obtrusive.

Overall I enjoyed my holiday to Hurghada and at no point did I encounter any issues with reference to the on going situation in Egypt. Yes it is safe and would I go back…….most certainly but this time I will remember to take my scuba diving card to enjoy the sea life as well as the land!