"Currently Writing This From a Sunbed…
We’re still here, mid-holiday, and overall — we’re having a genuinely lovely time. This is a good resort that could very easily be a great one with just a little more attention to detail (and perhaps a small rethink of one particular department… but more on that later).
Location-wise, it’s spot on. A short taxi ride from the airport and Naama Bay, so you’re close enough for an evening out but far enough away to enjoy some peace. It’s not beachfront, but there’s a regular courtesy bus. “Regular” in the sense that it does exist and does run. Booking it, however, can feel like applying for a mortgage. Once you’re on it, it’s a short trip — occasionally enhanced by a fellow guest who believes queues are merely suggestions.
The resort itself is expanding, with a newer section and an older one. Some areas look slightly tired, but nothing dramatic — more “well-loved” than worn out. It is a little maze-like. We were told about a pool we have yet to discover. At this point, we assume it only reveals itself to guests who complete three quests and answer a riddle. Reception will give you a map if you prefer less mystery in your swimming arrangements.
The food is genuinely excellent. The buffet restaurants are varied, fresh, and generous. Unless you exist solely on chicken nuggets and suspicion, you’ll eat very well here. Top tip: just stick to one buffet — the themes rotate anyway, so you’re not missing out by staying put and saving your step count.
The pools are great. There’s a lively one if you want music and atmosphere, a quiet one if you don’t, two water parks (one for adrenaline seekers, one for smaller humans), and of course the mythical hidden pool. Plenty of choice and all well maintained.
Service overall is very good. Some staff are clearly enthusiastic about the concept of tipping; others are simply excellent at their jobs. Years of coming to Egypt have taught us the golden rule: don’t tip for the first couple of days. See who still serves you with a genuine smile. Tip those people quietly — ideally out of sight of the tip enthusiasts, or you may find yourself suddenly very popular. Special mentions to Karim by the pool and Geogus in the Atrium restaurant — consistently brilliant service without the feeling that every “hello” comes with an invoice attached.
Drinks are brought to you by the pool and in the bars, which makes relaxing dangerously easy. The entertainment is good (for Egypt) — fun shows in the outdoor amphitheatre. Just recalibrate expectations slightly: think enthusiastic holiday vibes rather than West End transfer, and you’ll have a great evening.
Now. Guest Services.
Booking the specialty restaurants has been… an experience. An unexpected subplot. A minor social experiment.
There are set booking hours, which — in a bold and innovative scheduling strategy — fall directly in the middle of peak relaxation time. You know, that awkward window when you’re finally horizontal, sun-warmed, possibly damp from a pool, and least inclined to go and stand at a desk discussing risotto availability.
On the occasions we’ve gone during the advertised times, one member of the team has been genuinely lovely and helpful. The other appears to experience each booking request as a deeply personal inconvenience. There’s a certain theatrical sigh, followed by a reminder of “the hours,” followed by the eventual admission that she can in fact do it now… delivered in the tone of someone being asked to manually rebuild the resort brick by brick.
There’s also an interesting insistence that bookings must be made at her desk, at her times, ideally aligned with her internal clock. Turning up outside those hours results in a performance that could probably qualify for the entertainment programme — “Victim: The Musical.”
After a couple of attempts, we’ve decided the buffet is excellent and we don’t wish to cause anyone emotional strain by requesting dinner.
And that’s the thing — it’s such a small, fixable friction point. Smooth that out, make booking easy and flexible, and this place would jump up a level instantly.
But genuinely — we’re having a great time. We’re relaxed, well-fed, and happily sun-soaked. The pools are lovely, most of the staff are brilliant, and the overall vibe is exactly what you want from a break.
With just a tiny tweak to the Guest Services drama department, this would be exceptional.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go and see if I can finally find that mysterious extra pool."
