The summer holiday resort just 5 hours from the UK with heated pools and private beach
FOR an alarming moment I thought I had lost my bikini, along with my dignity, on the waterslide’s hairpin bend as I hurtled down a dark tube.
But thankfully, as I splashed ungraciously backwards and upside down into the pool, I was relieved to find everything was still intact.
Prior to that, I’d been relaxing on a plush sunlounger gazing out at Egypt’s dazzling Red Sea and contemplating another all- inclusive cocktail when I rashly decided we should “do something”.
“You could go to the aquapark,” my husband joked. “It’ll be fun.”
And while many others were loving the flumes and slides at the Grand Waterworld, I decided that was more than enough excitement for one day and headed back to the safety of my sunbed.
We spent the week soaking up glorious winter sun at the magnificent five-star Makadi Spa Hotel.
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Just south of Hurghada and a five-hour flight from the UK, it is one of four hotels in a vast complex on Makadi Bay. Surrounded by endless desert on one side and clear blue waters on the other, the complex is an extravagant oasis.
Each of the resort’s four hotels has a whole different vibe. The Makadi Spa is adults-only and feels more elegant and tranquil than its family-friendly neighbours.
There are two large freeform pools which are surrounded by palm trees — one of them is heated in winter — as well as a lovely infinity pool overlooking the ocean and the resort’s own private beach and its easily- accessible reef.
You could easily spend your days here snoozing by the pool on the luxurious day beds or snorkelling in the warm waters of the Red Sea.
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And after a long, hard day of sleeping by the pool, you can refuel at one of the hotel’s many restaurants.
The Makadi offers a range of all-inclusive dining including two buffets and six a-la- carte restaurants, which are perfect for keeping costs under control and avoiding those unwelcome extras.
Of course the risk with all-inclusive is the temptation to over-indulge, particularly when so many great restaurants are on hand.
And talk about spoilt for choice — staying at the Makadi Spa also entitles you to dine from all the restaurants the other three hotels have to offer.
But do not fret as a day out diving or snorkelling on the coral reef is a stunning way to burn some calories.
The coral gardens and colourful fish are breathtaking and the experienced guides will ensure nervous novices are well looked after.
This vibrant underwater world is a mesmerising escape and it’s impossible not to fall in love with the friendly butterflyfish.
If you have an appetite for a bit more adventure, there are some brilliant excursions to choose from and the knowledgeable guides from Red Sea Resorts will help you decide.
We opted for the Super Safari which started with a Mad Max-style quad bike trek across the desert.
Beneath the peaks of the Eastern Desert mountain range, this dramatic landscape provides a movie-set backdrop for an adrenaline-fuelled drive.
As we moved further into the parched land, we were welcomed to a Bedouin settlement and given a fascinating insight into their remarkable lives.
The desert dwellers arrived in Egypt in 641 AD and continue to live simple lives.
They were proud to show us their village and took delight in taking us on a camel ride across the desert — another first for me.
Full of surprises
While these majestic animals are the lifeline of the Bedouins, this bone-shaking experience is not something I’ll rush to repeat — particularly tricky when it comes to getting off!
After a hot, dusty day in the desert we were happy to return to our plush hotel room.
At the Makadi Spa, rooms are extremely spacious with a kingsize bed, large lounge area and balcony or terrace.
There’s air conditioning — a must even in winter — as well as a mini bar and satellite TV.
After washing the sand off, we head to dinner in one of their restaurants. With the sheer number of choices for a week-long break, you can eat in a different restaurant (and country) every night.
Our particular favourites were the steak and seafood restaurants by the beach where their brilliant chef worked magic at the grill.
Casa Romana Italian restaurant was another highlight.
Just be mindful to book in advance and be prepared to pay for an upgrade to the wine if the all-inclusive offering is not to your taste.
We splashed out on the local Jardin du Nil and were pleased it tasted much better than the name might suggest!
While the UK winter temperatures plummeted, we enjoyed our last few hours soaking up the glorious Egyptian sunshine.
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Hurghada was full of surprises and with a bit of effort — and if you are happy to spend a little extra — there is plenty to explore.
But with such great all-inclusive packages on offer, swimming from the beach to see the coral reefs and fishes may be all the extra you need.
GO: EGYPT
GETTING / STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 5H Makadi Spa Hotel in Hurgadah is from £846pp including flights from Gatwick on May 12 with 20kg luggage.
To book visit redseaholidays.co.uk or call 020 7332 2670.
OUT & ABOUT: Excursions from £45pp, booked through Red Sea Holidays. Call 020 7332 2670 or visit redseaholidays.co.uk.