n u S , SeaandSand Exploring
HURGHADA By: Shereen Shabnam
D
uring one of the Eid Holidays, I ventured into Egypt starting my adventure with a Nile Cruise and ending it in Hurghada which has since then gone on to become the foremost tourist resort of the Red Sea coast and an international center for aquatic sport. Being the first Fijian to enter Hurghada Airport, I absolutely loved the attention received from the immigration right to the staff at the Resorts during my stay. While my family enjoyed the sun, sand and sea, I enjoyed the retail therapy and the spa at the many different resorts that has sprouted in the last few years in Hurghada. Being an islander, I love water sports and while I only did a bit of swimming, I was impressed with the windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and diving activities offered at the resorts in Hurghada. Visitors can also paraglide, parasky, bannana ride or go to hot-air-balooning. If you have not lived in the Middle East before, try out the desert either in a jeep, 4-wheel quads, camels or horses. On the most trips, you will get a chance to visit a Bedouin camp and feel the life in desert. Hurghada is famous for its diving with numerous PADI certified centers where visitors can learn how to dive. The unique underwater gardens offshore are some of the finest in the world, justifiably famous amongst divers. The warm waters are ideal for many varieties of rare fish and coral reefs, which may also be observed through
glass bottom boats. Visitors who want to experience life in the sea without getting wet can enjoy the a ride underwater in a submarine 22 meters deep and see an amazing variety of fish, beautiful corals and sunken ships. When you are not in the sea, you can shop in the boutiques, relax in the luxury holiday villages, visit the Museum or the Aquarium with their complete collections of flora and fauna of the Red Sea or get to see the Roman remains nearby Gebel Abu Dukhan. Larger resorts have playgrounds, zoos, bars, discos, pools, and even mini theaters. In addition, if you wish to dine out, you can find a variety of restaurants serving local and International cuisine. Most resorts in Hurghada have spas offering facials, body treatments and massages that are at par with professional salons. Most resorts require visitors to book ahead as the spas are becoming as popular as the watersports in Hurghada. Most resorts in Hurghada have planned activities for children. My daughter
hot-air-balooning
enjoyed the kid’s club activities. A number of times we were able to take on activities we love while she enjoyed the company of other kids with professional caretakers who had a lineup of fun activities for the children according to their age groups. There is plenty to do in Hurghada, although many prefer just sunning in perfect sunshine on the beautiful beaches. Dry weather, nice temperature even in December makes complete pleasure. If you love the sea and you love to party, Hurghada is the perfect destination to unwind.
October - December 2014 En’Route Middle East. 107