Hotels in Hurghada are about so much more than a place to rest your head for a night or ten. Yes, most come with a diving school attached. It would be foolish not to in this Red Sea centric region. But you’ll also find waterparks, onsite golf courses, theatres and, of course, luxury spas. From luxury, chic boutique hotels with DJ set lists and beach club vibes to altogether more relaxed resorts – where it’s not unusual to go to dinner in your best – or worst, pair of flip flops. Each resort, of course, wants to stay and enjoy their facilities. And really, even the Valley of the Kings appeal almost starts to wane, when there’s so much to do in resort…
For families
Rixos Premium Magawish Suites and Villas
One of our favourite hotels in Hurghada, the Rixos Premium Magawish Suites and Villas would slot easily into any of our categories. It’s a luxury, family-orientated, all-inclusive resort that comfortably treads the tricky line of being something for everyone. The beach location instantly opens up access to the Red Sea’s glorious underwater world. And swimming and snorkelling straight from your sun lounger could see you knocking on the door of their Surf and Diving club to upgrade your sea skills. If you’re in Hurghada to relax, the Anjana Spa draws on a global menu of holistic treatments to ease away the stresses of everyday life. The international theme continues in the five on-site restaurants, where Asian, Brazilian and Turkish menus compliment the continental dishes in the main restaurant.
Wondering what the little ones might get up to? The Rixos kids club provides 4-12 year olds with their own mini resort. A restaurant, swimming pools, activities and playground ensure al the family enjoys their stay. And for toddlers? They have their own dedicated areas where parents can help them explore.
The Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge
The name of this family resort in Soma Bay clues you in to the kind of holiday you can expect, straight out the gate. Which is, essentially, the chilled out vibes from the surf scene, with a luxe spin. Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge delivers the ultimate watersports holidays for backpackers, surfers and divers who’ve grown up a little. And the rooms, pool and restaurants are a world away from the cramped confines of VW camper as you can get. Yes, you’ll find outsized bean bags to laze on by the sea, but you’ll also find Bedouin dinners, perfectly poured cappuccinos and a spa, sauna and massage area. Families love the relaxed approach that covers every aspect of the hotel.
Want to rock up to dinner in your boardies? Go ahead. Handy when little ones just don’t want to get changed for dinner – or you just want to keep those zen vibes rocking past sunset. Here, you can easily grab a spot at a shared table to talk over you day on the water kitesurfing, diving or SUPing or enjoy a six course seafood showstopper. And, there’s always a vegan option too. Best of all? There’s no need to expend any energy diving and surfing your way through a stay in Soma Bay. The Breakers biggest message? Relax.
Orbzii tip: Looking for some eco-credentials attached to the best hotels in Hurghada? The Breakers go the extra mile with beach cleans, sustainability rules in the kitchens and manages the biodiversity of their surroundings biologically to attract geckos and bats. Impressive stuff.
All-inclusive resorts
Steigenberger Pure Lifestyle Adults only
Hurghada’s first adults only boutique hotel is probably the first in the region to list ‘hip vibes’ in its promo material too. Thankfully, the DJ sets and morning chill out sessions more than back up the vibe claims from Steigenberger Pure Lifestyle (adults only). Add in the level of beach club luxe and sunset sounds you’d expect to find in the Balearics and this hotel’s chart rankings really start to level up. Perched right on the beach front, this hotel gives you the option to mingle at the pool parties or stroll over to the sands and snorkel into the Red Sea’s wonders. And, when you’ve worked up an appetite, the gourmet meals served across the resort’s restaurants are all part of your board package. Cooking stations add a frisson of flame-grilled excitement in the 24 hour Gourmet Market restaurant.
Here, the buffet goes above and beyond with farm to table, artisan and international delicacies. Elsewhere, the beach club and chill bars are the ideal place for alfresco snacks and fusion cuisine. Looking for things to do in Hurghada during your stay? Steigenberger Pure Lifestyle is within putting distance of one of the area’s top golf courses.
Jaz Aquamarine Resort – All Inclusive
Palatial would be one way to describe the Jaz Aquamarine Resort. The interiors of the hotel’s lobby bar certainly make an impact. But beyond the all-inclusive cocktails in the glitzy bar, Jaz Aquamarine’s attributes keep on racking up. They certainly didn’t hold back on the swimming pools. So much so that you do have to ask the question, why stop at 17? Well, it seems the resort wanted to leave room for a water park, a splash of beachfront jacuzzis, luxury spa facilities and a theatre. Thankfully the glitz and glamour line was drawn when it came to the room interiors. Havens of neutral decor, the luxurious rooms don’t need any additional sparkle. The balconies and list of usual room extras are impressive enough.
The hotel’s water park will no doubt attract families – but there are onsite activities for all ages to try their hand at. A dedicated watersports centre can kit you up with scuba gear, lead you through a diving course or just book you an excursion. Tennis, beach volleyball, water polo, boccia and a fitness studio round out the activities.
Luxury resorts
Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay (about an hour from Hurghada)
Staying an hour south of Hurghada does put you that little bit closer to one of the region’s biggest draws – Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. But, it also lands you on the doorstep of the glorious Abu Soma Red Sea coral garden. Mixed emotions on the ‘what to do first’ front then. And that’s without the added pull of the relaxing spa at the Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay. Surrounded by the sea, this resort is first and foremost a diver’s paradise. And, of course, the ultimate in luxe relaxation for those that would rather sunbathe than scuba. Swaying palms and 400 metres of beach are always going to be irresistible. But it’s hard to pass up a round on the nearby championship golf course, a canter across the beach or a sunset boat trip.
And, if you do manage to ignore the unrelenting FOMO, in resort, there are plenty of options. Drift along the lazy river that winds its way effortlessly around the pool and jacuzzi, practice your forehand on the tennis and squash courts or browse the menus of the five restaurants.
Steigenberger ALDAU Beach Hotel (also all inclusive)
The ambient notes from the grand piano in the Steigenberger ALDAU Beach Hotel’s lobby sets the tone for the entire stay. Peace and tranquility. Luxury and zen. 5 star and all-inclusive. What immediately stands out are the hotel’s landscaped gardens. It’s not easy cultivating this many lush green plants on the edge of the Sahara. Not that you’ll have time to dwell on the botanicals, there’s much to do elsewhere. Steigenberger’s dive centre gives you access to the area’s undersea coral gardens. Or, if you do want to up the tempo a little, head to the beach for banana boats, flying ringos and speed boat rides. Water skiing, wakeboarding and windsurfing are perhaps the ideal compromise between all-out adrenaline rushes and a watersport you can continue back home.
For slower-paced thrills, the onsite, 9-hole, 24 hour pitch and putt course shouldn’t be taken lightly. A serious links-style challenge, it’ll test even the most experienced players. But to really unwind, try a Rhassoul bath ritual or full body Egyptian massage in the hotel’s luxury spa. And, as you’d expect from a hotel of this standard, the dining options are divine. Six restaurants serve delicate sushi, artistic patisserie, and flavour-filled terrace lunches, as well as international themed buffets.
Picked out the perfect hotel? Download the Orbzii app today to plan and book the rest of your stay in Hurghahda.
