"We had the most amazing time at Serenity Alma Heights over the Easter Holidays. It’s a short transfer from Hurgada airport, we had great weather and it’s a lovely hotel.
Entertainment- We went as a family of 4 and there was lots of things for the children to do. We enjoyed the water slides, pools, darts, pool table, ping pong, splash pool and night entertainment. A particular highlight was the fire show and party on the beach. Some of the other dance shows were a bit mediocre but there was always something on to watch either at the amphitheatre or by the bar outside on the terrace (live singer, saxophonist etc).
The animation team were great. Really engaging and lovely to chat to around the pool etc. They were fantastic with my children and got them involved in the games, dancing etc. Particular shout out to Julia who was the loveliest person. She was so easy to chat to and is full of enthusiasm and love for her job.
Room- The room was the best we’ve ever stayed in! We had a family room and it was the perfect layout, clean, modern and VERY spacious.
Hospitality- The hospitality overall was great. Reception staff very helpful and it felt personalised. The waiters were all very accommodating and smiley. They couldn’t do enough for you. The lifeguards were brilliant too- bringing my little girl flowers, and generally having a laugh with us around the pool. They were so attentive and fab at their job too. It felt very safe.
Food- the food was really lovely overall with lots of choice. The buffet restaurant was clean, well staffed and food was continuously being topped up fresh. Sometimes we had to wait a little for drinks but it wasn’t a problem. The meat was cooked so well and a particular favourite was the barbecued food they made outside each night. So succulent! We only ate at the snack bar at lunch but it was all prepared fresh and there was options of salads, sandwiches, pasta, burgers, hotdogs, chicken strips, chips etc. Meals came out as and when, not always at the same time as others on your table. We ate at 4 of the Al a cartes and enjoyed them all. Our favourite was the Brazilian (which is €20 per adult and €10 per child extra)- it was so worth the money. The meat was incredible. We also ate at the Italian (least favourite of them all but it was ok), oriental and the Mexican which was really great with a sizzler and really lovely cheese and spinach nachos! Our friends also had the Indian which they said was fantastic.
Drinks- the drink selection was as you’d expect at an AI, and the cocktails were ok. The white wine was passable. I bought a bottle of Prosecco one night but that was not great. Overall drinks were fine.
Beach- the beach was a 5/10 min walk or shuttle bus via the sister hotel across the way. We went down one day and there were plenty of sun beds and a bar at the beach. The sand is like shingle. People said snorkelling off the jetty was great but we didn’t get round to it.
Pools/slides- one of the main pools was heated and one wasn’t. We didn’t brave the non heated one. Whilst we were there they had to shut the pool 5 times as someone poo’d in it!! They dealt with it very professionally and cleaned with extra chemicals but it meant it was shut for 3 hours each episode 🤦♀️ The slides were great and my two enjoyed them. You need to be able to swim as the pools at the end are 140cm. There is a splash pad type thing for smaller kids which is also lots of fun and has loads of little slides.
Subbed- we never had a problem getting beds and there never seemed to be a big rush by people to get them.
Fairground- there is a fairground within the grounds which you get some tokens for when you arrive. These give you free rides but must be used between 7-8pm. We only went once and had fun on the bumper cars. You can get popcorn and candy floss for an extra charge. Rides are about £1 each if you choose to buy extra tickets.
Spa/gym- I had a Turkish Hamam and an Egyptian massage and a hot stone massage whilst I was there (total cost £130). It was average and the staff were friendly. My husband enjoyed the gym daily. They officially opened about 8/9am but they came and opened it early for him every morning! There was no air con.
Kids club- it was very basic. Good if you have a toddler that you want to get out of the sun for a bit. It had air con. It was some games, colouring and some toddler toys. Sometimes they did extras like paint a tshirt but it was €15 for a plain white tshirt basically. They did some Easter activities outside one day but it was too busy for us. The kids disco in the evening was as you’d expect. My two enjoyed dancing on stage.
Quad biking- my son went quad biking and had a great time (£100 for 4 people for 2 hours). It operates just outside the hotel entrance and they provide helmets. It’s €3 for a face covering (which you need).
The only downside to this holiday is the amount of sellers you get coming to you by the pool. And they come everyday until you either buy something or say no a million times. It’s handy if you want to go on a boat trip or to the spa, or buy oils or slush/milkshakes.
Overall would definitely recommend."
