Hurghada, Egypt

Hurghada is a city by the Red Sea, it stretches for about 22 miles along the coast. Adjacent to this there are numerous shops & bars, nightclubs etc. Along with the usual array of street sellers & camel rides, there is also a new marina with more upmarket shops & boutiques. It also has its own international airport, so transfers are a breeze.

First impressions of the 4* Siva Grand Beach is how elegant the hotel looks as we drive up through tall marble pillars, to be greeted by waiting bellboys & door staff.

The hotel has 2 main dining rooms both are buffet style with a very good selection. There is also another restaurant in the grounds which is a part of the all inclusive that does themed buffets 3 times a week, you need to reserve a few days before to get a table but its worth remembering.

For about £20 each you can have a waiter service 3 or 4 course meal on the Pier, which is wonderful for that special occasion, overlooking the Red Sea.

There is also a coffee bar and pool swim-up bar surrounding the huge swimming pool.

At around 3p.m. it is worth mentioning the pancake/waffles & ice-cream that the chefs prepare in the gazebo between the pool and the beach these are a must!

The rooms are all well appointed either situated in the main building or in the gardens. Upgrade to a junior suite for that extra comfort & space.

Daytime & evening entertainment is varied daily every night. From talent shows to bingo & various local artists & dancers.

The private beach is crescent shaped with a beautiful long sandy bank that keeps the sea safe & warm, with its own natural whirlpool hot and bubbling in the sea as well.

On the beach you can have your own private seagrass cabana and seagrass parasol, plentiful sun beds all come with comfy mattresses again furnished by the beach staff. There is also a beach bar and watersports shed with expert guides to help you try something new.

Outside of the hotel there are numerous trips that you can do including visiting Luxor & Cairo by land or air, and perhaps combining a stay at the hotel with a Nile cruise.

Other day trips include Badawya – not for the faint hearted as you are driven through the dessert in a Jeep, drive spider cars, ride horses and drive your own quad bikes after all this you then eat a buffet meal at a Bedouin camp and watch a cultural show.

Jump on a boat and head for the deserted island just off Hurghada called al-Mahmeya it is a wonderful haven for fish and sunbathers alike, beautiful soft white sand, and crystal clear turquoise sea. It does have a restaurant & bar for that lunch break.

If Hurghada is somewhere you are considering for your next holiday destination I will be more than happy to help!