My Five Fave Things About Somabay (A Beautiful Sandy Destination Overlooking The Red Sea)

Located on the most eastern shores of Egypt, overlooking the Red Sea, Somabay is a unique and beautiful self-contained resort that really gives European holiday destinations a run for their money. Only a four hour flight from London (and only a one hour time difference, so no jetlag!) and twenty minutes from Hurghada airport, the ten million square meters of land on the peninsula is surrounded by beautiful beaches and sea views. With five individual hotel resorts to choose from (all of which are owned by the same person and therefore interconnected,) there's something for everyone: from a world class spa and diving school, to a golf course and marina, with endless pools and beach locations to choose from too, Somabay really is a touch of relaxing paradise. Completely private and inaccessible for anyone other than guests, you can wander along the beach or chillax aside one of their many pools before treating yourself to any number of activities or excursions. Although we were only there for a few days, those days were filled with smiles and ample photo opportunities. Here are the five things I loved the most, plus why you need to skip Marbella and consider it as your next holiday destination...

THE ENDLESS BEACHES 

If you've ever been to Bournemouth beach and faught over the last sunbed, or attempted to hop over the endless half eaten portions of chips, then you'll be pleased to know the Somabay beaches are vast, clean and offer up more sunbeds than you could ever need. With beautifully white sand and individual pods from which to catch some rays, you can look into the endless ocean while sipping on a cocktail made to order. Unlike many resorts that share beaches with the whole town, these are private and therefore so much quieter than anywhere I've been in Europe. The sea was beautifully calm and perfect for swimming, plus it's shallow enough for those that prefer just to paddle!  

THE WATER SPORTS ON OFFER

Thanks to the Orca Diving School you can experience the local coral reef and get up close and personal with some of the most beautiful fishes I've ever seen. We jumped into the ocean of the endless jetty and snorkelled amongst some incredible surroundings, spotting fish and following swarms like we were in Finding Nemo. I'm such a water baby that any location that offers such opportunities is a winner in my book, but the bonus of a jetty that allows you to wander out to sea and feel like you're in the middle of nowhere is simply stunning.

THE INSTAGRAMMABLE LOCATIONS

What more could a blogger want than some incredible instagrammable locations and palm trees every which way? Somabay offers some fabulous architecture and beautiful surroundings throughout, including waterfall pyramids and giant stone pharoahs that overlook you having the time of your life. From the pink walls and staircases that made me feel like I was in the middle of Aladdin, to the beach huts and poolside hideaways, there was always something to please the eyes - and Instagram. Don't let the sand dunes and vastness of the landscape fool you, because Somabay really is a buzzing and lively holiday destination with so much you'll want to snap.

THE INTER-CONNECTIVITY

Something that's very unique to the Somabay resort is the fact that all of the hotels located on the peninsula are owned and managed by the same company, meaning you can enjoy the benefits of all even if you're not staying there. Each of the five hotels have their own main features and elements to enjoy (from being exceptionally family friendly, offering ultimate luxury, providing a spa like experience or simply being closest to the beach,) but you can easily get a transfer from the reception of each and be taken across the resort within moments. It makes you feel like you're in a town not a hotel resort, with even a marina and shopping hub to enjoy if you feel the need. 

THE LUXURY SPA

Need a few days to chill out and do little else? Then the WestIn definitely needs to be on your wishlist. The spa has been named as the most extensive and luxurious in Egypt, providing the largest floor space I've ever seen as part of a stand-alone spa. I was lucky enough to enjoy a couple of massages and a session of Thalassotherapy (more on that here if you want to find out more!) but they specialise in detoxing and slimming body treatments for those of you that want to return feeling and looking your best. The staff are incredibly friendly, helpful and accommodating, making you feel welcome enough to wander around even when you don't have an appointment. It's worth the four hour flight just to spend the day chillaxing in the spa, trust me!

Will you be frantically googling Somabay and considering it as a future holibobs destination?

We were a guest of the Somabay resort for the duration of our stay. Find out more about holidays to the five hotels that are part of the complex here: www.somabay.com

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