Switch The Maldives for Marsa Alam
July 2, 2010 Featured Destination
The Maldives. We’ve all seen the aerial photographs and gazed longlingly at the impossibly blue sea and sugary-white sands. The islands in the Indian Ocean boast some of the best snorkelling in the world, but they’re a long way away and increasingly expensive to visit. Savvy travellers looking for first-class sub aqua sights a little closer to home should try Marsa Alam, one of Egypt’s best-kept secrets. The Red Sea coast began life as a specialist diving Mecca, but tourists quickly cottoned on to the all-year sunshine, great beaches and value for money and it has become a mainstream holiday destination. Flagship resorts like Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh are unrecognisable, but luckily there are still some stretches of coastline that remain unspoilt.
Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada are fantastic holiday resorts with nightlife, eateries, shopping and entertainment to suit all ages, but the vibrant atmosphere isn’t for everyone. Some travellers crave the ‘back-to-basics’ beach holiday and Marsa Alam offers this, all with the great climate and value-for-money you’d expect from a Red Sea holiday. Located on the west coast of the Red Sea and surrounded by miles of undisturbed desert, Marsa Alam is a true getaway-from-it-all destination.
The beaches at Marsa Alam are pristine and most of the few hotels in the resort occupy fantastic beach side locations – guests are never more than a few steps away from the clear, warm Red Sea. With the swaying palm trees and fine white sands, you could be in the Caribbean. Just a few quality hotels line the beautiful coastline, which was previously made up of small fishing villages. The coral reefs are stunning, with world-class diving and snorkelling trips on offer. Marsa Alam’s proximity to wild, untouched Egypt also makes it a great base for a desert safari.
Unlike Sharm el Sheikh, with its central hub Naama Bay, Marsa Alam has no resort centre and all entertainment is hotel-based, making it perfect for those looking for a true getaway from the stresses and strains of every day life. There are less facilities in the resort for children, meaning you’re more likely to find couples at the hotels. The seclusion of Marsa Alam makes it an ideal spot for a romantic holiday, especially a honeymoon. This is the closest honeymooners will get to the Maldives experience, for a fraction of the cost and much closer to home.
For a barefoot beach break away from the big-resort hoards, head to Marsa Alam.
Hays Travel have 14 nights all-inclusive at the 4 star Brayka Beach resort, departing Manchester on 31st August from £879 each, including transfers and in-flight meals. Click here for more information, or call 0800 408 4131.
Stunning Marsa Alam
All prices correct at time of blogging but subject to availability and change.
