A vacation in Egypt is one that you’ll always remember. This rich and diverse country links the Middle East with the Northeast of Africa, meaning that the culture, the food, the fashion, everything is influenced by the collision of two worlds. If you want to experience a place that is unlike any other, then Egypt might just be the place. Whilst it’s possible to book a relatively inexpensive holiday here, we’ve scouted out the most luxurious options available for those who don’t mind stretching the budget a little. If you want to experience the very best that Egypt has to offer, then you’ve got to do it on a pharaoh’s budget.
Stay at the Maritim Jolie Ville Resort
Decisions don’t come any more important than where to make your base on a luxury holiday. Your hotel sets the tone for the rest of the adventure, so it’s really important to get it right. The Maritim Jolie Ville Resort & Casino is a cut above the standard resort, offering spacious rooms, a choice of top-quality restaurants, a popular casino, and even a private beach. If you’re planning on spending a little time in the casino then make sure to brush up on your poker hand rankings beforehand. This glitzy resort attracts some of the best players in the area thanks to its sleek, modern design and wide choice of games. Once you’ve had your fun at the casino you can retire to your own private cottage. They’re all laid out with huge beds, Egyptian cotton sheets and most have views over the pool or the gardens. If you can’t quite drift off to sleep, then this 5-star resort also offers a Thai massage parlor, which could relax even the most stressed of guests.
Snorkel at Ras Mohammed Marine Park
After your first night at the resort, you might not feel the urge to ever leave. However, Sharm el Sheikh is known as one of the most incredible snorkelling spots in the world. Because of Egypt’s hot, dry climate, there is very little rainfall or river run-off to cast silt and dirt into the sea. This means that the waters around Sharm el Sheikh have incredible visibility, in some spots up to 70 meters below. In fact, you might be amazed at the abundance of life you can see without even needing a snorkel!
The Ras Mohammed Marine Park is one of the most famous snorkelling sites, where you’re likely to see plenty of reef sharks, as well as barracudas, parrotfish and, if you’re lucky, turtles. A small section of the park is known by locals as Anemone City and boasts a huge carpet of these brightly colored residents. Amongst the anemones you’ll find numerous clownfish, showing off their famous orange and white coloring in their wobbly home. This spot is ideal for beginners to snorkelling, as the reef is very close to shore, meaning that you don’t have to be a very strong swimmer to enjoy all of the incredible marine life that lives in these warm, clear waters.
Eat at Fairuz
If you’re going to holiday like an Egyptian king, then it doesn’t hurt to eat like one too. Fairuz is actually a Lebanese restaurant, rather than an Egyptian one, but it has played host to actual kings in its time, as well as ministers, presidents, and other royals. So, if you’re looking for top-quality food in an atmosphere that is literally fit for a king, then you can’t go far wrong here. The chefs here regularly rotate the menu, but if you want to get a taste of some of the most delicious dishes then opt for a set mezze. You’ll be treated to all kinds of delicious small plates, from chicken livers with pomegranate molasses to fresh bread with traditional spicy makinek sausage. Arrive hungry and prepare for an explosion of Lebanese flavors.
