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While a quintessential Egyptian holiday might conjure images of Giza’s towering pyramids or a lazy cruise down the Nile, growing up with a Middle Eastern mother, Egypt was also always deemed the go-to for some winter sun and snorkelling that could rival that of the Maldives.
And when it comes to the best spot in Egypt for such R&R, Hurghada is the obvious choice. Set across the bay from other popular diving hub Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada is a beach resort town spanning 40km of Egypt’s Red Sea coast. It’s here that you’ll find The Oberoi Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh, a stunning luxury 48-acre resort boasting its own diving centre, tennis court, spa, pool and stretch of sandy beach.
Beyond its impressive grounds, beautiful landscaping and extensive facilities, however, it’s the thoughtful service and fine details that set The Oberoi apart. It was the fresh mango and strawberry juice we were served on arrival, it was the bookmark left on my book, it was the incredibly creative towel sculptures I would find waiting in my room after turndown service. Each day the team would find something special to brighten up our stay that little bit more.
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A welcome spread of baklava and fruit was waiting for us when we got into our room, along with a thoughtful, personalised note. Suites at The Oberoi sit within grand domes and feature arched windows that showcase the impressive sea vistas, while interiors are bright and beachy, with yellow accents working in harmony to echo the tones that appear throughout the resort.
Our garden view deluxe suite put us in easy walking distance of both the beachfront and lobby, while the private courtyard that connected to our room via the living space made for the perfect spot to unwind with a book in hand on balmy evenings. Oh, and did I mention the sunken marble tub I spent the best part of the holiday soaking in? That definitely didn't hurt.
While the resort features an impressive central pool, we often found ourselves favouring the beach – where the snorkelling point was a short walk away. From the jetty, guests are able to access the best of the reef right on the hotel’s doorstep, while snorkelling and diving equipment is available to rent at the dive centre for beginners and old hands alike.
Though we didn’t quite make it to the gym during our trip, as we passed it on our way to the sauna (delightful, by the way) we were impressed with the ultra-modern equipment. In fact, new machines were even being fitted during our stay. Above all, however, The Oberoi Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh is the ultimate spot for some winter sun and snorkel.
When it comes to food at The Oberoi, you have an endless list of options – all of the highest quality. Pizza on the beach kind of day? No problem. Surf and turf dinner? You got it. Some of our favourite dishes of the holiday, however, came from their Indian menu at Zaafran, something the team have perfected and take great pride in given The Oberoi's head office is in New Delhi. Of this offeringm the expertly cooked tandoori chaap lamb chops should sit at the top of your list to try, while the rich Malabar fish curry makes for the ultimate main to follow.
The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh's kitchen is headed up by Chef Pappu, whose 25 years of experience with the brand is apparent on first bite. If there was something we wanted that wasn’t on the menu, it was as simple as asking. Fresh seafood spaghetti, grapefruit and prawn salad, mixed grill and beyond – you only have to dream it up. Being in Egypt, they even had knafeh, my favourite traditional Arabic dessert – made of delicately spun pastry and cheese and the ultimate nostalgic treat in my books.
The Oberoi Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh is very much a destination resort. Though less than a 30-minute drive from Hurghada airport, if you’re staying at the hotel you’re likely planning on being there to enjoy the grounds and its facilities to the fullest rather than embark on any excursions. Nearby hubs aren’t accessible by foot, so those wanting to explore further afield will need to book a taxi – easy enough given Uber is also available in the area. Hurghada town sits 40 minutes away by car, while other popular tourist spots Luxor and Cairo are four and six hours respectively (give or take), so be mindful that you’re in for a day of travel should you wish to commit to a trip.
Given our shorter visit, we were perfectly content staying put in the hotel and taking advantage of all it had to offer. One of our favourite days saw us indulging in a hearty breakfast spread as we overlooked the sea, before lounging in hammocks and eventually graduating to some snorkelling – where we saw angelfish, butterflyfish and triggerfish just off the edge of the resort’s own jetty. Later in the day we admired the hazy pink sunset through the palms as we took on a sweaty, satisfying tennis lesson with coach Ashraf. The memory of us laughing and bounding across the clay court in the warm evening air is one I already find myself reminiscing over.
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