Bora Bora hotels have many things in common. Water bungalows, mouth-watering cuisine and romantic nooks to while away a honeymoon in. But there are exclusive and unusual features that set them apart. From the marine life experts at the Four Seasons Bora Bora to the tattoo parlour at Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts, prepare to be delighted and a little surprised at the ways Bora Bora resorts stand out from the overwater villa crowd.
Holidays in Hurghada put you at the centre of a desert oasis. One that also happens to be perched on the shores of one of the world’s best diving spots. The rich colours of the Red Sea’s corals and creatures are a stark contrast to the barren dunes of the Sahara beyond. But that’s not to say you should skip Hurghada’s desert entirely. 4X4 adventures await – along with tea-bearing Bedouins. Swap your quad for a minibus seat and you’re just a few hours away from the Valley of the Kings. Pharaoh tombs, the Karnak Temple and Colossi of Memnon are more than worth the journey.
Though, Hurghada does a grand job of convincing you to do little but flit from pool to sun lounger to jacuzzi for a solid 8 hours of Vitamin D and relaxation. It’s the irresistible combo of year round sunshine and stellar in-resort service. But, do prepare for a little bit of FOMO to creep in. Hurghada’s got a cracking set of golf courses to play on between mooching around the mosques and bazaars. The perfect compromise comes in the form of a gaudy yellow submarine. Where you can see the Red Sea’s wonders without donning so much as a flipper.
Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh? We know, it’s a tough call, right? On paper, these two purpose built resort towns couldn’t be more similar if they tried. Sandy beaches, stellar diving, desert skies that twinkle with stars to smitten by – and proximity to one of the seven wonders of the world. Let’s not forget the near-year-round sunshine too. We’ve gone deep into some essential Egypt holiday categories to sort the sands of Hurghada from the sea life of Sharm to help you decide where to book your next stay.
Hurghada excursions are THE way to see the best of Egypt, without lifting so much as a finger to tap into Google. Hop on a bus for a day long trip to Cairo or Luxor. Straddle a quad to explore the Sahara. Or slink onto a semi-submersible to be shown the best of the Red Sea’s marine life. Options are varied and will tax your seat bones in all manner of ways. But, the rewards? One of the world’s seven wonders should be enough to tempt you away from the siren call of your resort’s spa, surely?
Hotels in Hurghada are about so much more than a place to rest your head for a night or ten. Yes, most come with a diving school attached. It would be foolish not to in this Red Sea centric region. But you’ll also find waterparks, onsite golf courses, theatres and, of course, luxury spas. From luxury, chic boutique hotels with DJ set lists and beach club vibes to altogether more relaxed resorts – where it’s not unusual to go to dinner in your best – or worst, pair of flip flops. Each resort, of course, wants to stay and enjoy their facilities. And really, even the Valley of the Kings appeal almost starts to wane, when there’s so much to do in resort…
Perched on the Red Sea coast, Hurghada diving spots are world class. Clear waters and coral gardens are the backdrop to sea life encounters newbie divers can only dream of. Scuba diving in Hurghada could see you peer into the hull of a stricken minesweeper, drift along a coral-packed reef or snap shots of curious behaviour at a cleaning station. Encounters with turtles and dolphins are almost guaranteed and smaller sights – think seahorses and shrimps, are just as impressive. There’s also the chance to swim alongside whale sharks… if you time your trip just right.
There’s much we’ve missed from our run down of things to do in Hurghada. Not because the old town isn’t browsable, or the island hopping isn’t worth the price of the boat fare. But because you’re far too travel savvy not to already have those on your Hurghada must sees. So, instead, we’ve racked up a list of options that might not be immediately obvious. Contemplate the fragility of life in a decaying art installation, whizz down adrenaline-boosting waterslides or sip a soft drink with a Bedouin. A very mixed, but bountiful, bag of things to do …
Would you believe us if we told you Ayia Napa is a zen-filled Cypriot haven of 5 star luxury, calf-testing cycle routes and turquoise lagoons? Probably not. The area’s well-deserved reputation as a legendary spot for a summer of clubbing, beach parties and shot-filled mayhem has blocked out Ayia Napa’s best bits. But, if you know where to stay, hike, eat and dive – you’re in for a blissful, sun-kissed fortnight of Greek hospitality. Expect your itinerary to include a hike of the Cape Greco park, for a forest bathing few hours of botanical rejuvenation. And perhaps a hop into a welcoming booth at one of Ayia Napa’s upscale eateries for shisha, sushi or chill out music. Maybe you’ll pop your wetsuit on to dive down to a frankly phenomenal underwater museum – or a whopping wreck, depending on your interpretation of man-made, sea-based beauty. You’ll definitely explore the old town, dig out the archaeological treasures and generally mooch your time in Ayia Napa away.
Of course, Ayia Napa’s square of garage, techno, dance and cheesy-pop filled clubs is temptingly close. But, there’s more to Napa than DJ sets and dancing. It’d be a shame to miss it.
Prepare your very best beach wardrobe, because when it comes to prepping a list of things to do in Ayia Napa, coastal adventures take the top spots time and again. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We’re not talking a fortnight flumping on a sun lounger here. No, Ayia Napa’s roster of sea, sun and sand comes with underwater adventures that go beyond spotting a couple of small crabs on the sea bed. Sculptures, cargo-filled wrecks and sea caves tick the adventure boxes, while peaceful strolls through pine woods, rock-carved buildings and carefully curated museums take care of the “I wasn’t expecting that” factor.
Ayia Napa restaurants straddle a strange divide. At one end of the scale, huge verandas seek to feed the carb hungry partygoers dropping in at all hours. At the other, a clutch of exclusive, fine dining spots cater to A-listers dropping in to spin a set list. Of course, the best restaurants are rare outposts that sit somewhere in between. We’ve shared the intel on Ayia Napa’s gourmet burger and sunset scene, theatrical dining and some laid back lunch spots that all keep you at the heart of Ayia Napa without succumbing to familiar chains and cheap eats that you can get back home.
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