Steigenberger Makadi ★★★★★

If when you picture Egypt all that comes to mind is pyramids, pharaohs, sphinxes and thousands of years of history cutting through the heart of the desert along the banks of the Nile, the Steigenberger Makadi will come as quite a shock. This is not Ancient Egypt, not a break filled with sightseeing and history, walking in the footsteps of famous pharaohs and riding a camel amongst crumbling old temples. Rather, this is the 21st century, modern and luxurious side to Egypt – a high end boutique hotel on the upmarket and exclusive Red Sea coast. Just 30 km or so south of the popular tourist town of Hurghada, which besides its own airport boasts some of the world’s best diving, the exotic location provides the perfect setting for a relaxing, indulgent break in the sun.

The hotels scattered around Makadi Bay all provide plenty of splendour and extravagance to their sun-seeking guests. They all gaze adoringly out towards the bay itself, where bathers bask in the warm, clear turquoise waters beneath bright blue skies. Well, all apart from one. The Steigenberger Makadi feels rather more quiet and secluded, set a kilometre or two back from the coastline itself and away from the cluster of fancy hotels which jostle for space along the water. In this location, you still enjoy some gorgeous views out towards the sea, and you are only ever a twenty minute walk or a quick car ride (a beach shuttle service is provided free of charge) away from the hotel’s own private stretch of the beach.

You do not even need to go as far as that for a spot of sunbathing, however – the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool is an enticing spot to snooze under the sun for a few hours. Bordered by palm trees and sun loungers, some of which are partially submerged in the water, and providing lovely views towards the Red Sea, this is just as idyllic a spot to unwind as the private beach! On the inside, the Steigenberger Makadi continues to treat its guests to luxurious facilities, including a spa with a Jacuzzi and sauna and a fitness centre with yet more sea views. Meanwhile, the bedrooms are suitably grand, with a spacious layout, superb modern bathrooms, cosy bedding and private balconies which all provide brilliant views over the sea or golf course. The décor adds to the atmosphere of calm, blending contemporary style and sophistication with a more traditional, sultry Arabian nights-style vibe.

The facilities may be five-star, but the service is, if anything, even better. Nothing helps you relax quite like knowing you have a dedicated team there to make sure you never have to lift a finger. Approachable and extremely friendly, every member of staff seems to have a permanent smile on their face and treats you like an honoured guest, helping you feel right at home.

When it comes to cuisine, the Makadi keeps up its high standards, offering guests a choice between two excellent restaurants, as well as a bar which is a lovely spot to enjoy a snack. The Eagle restaurant is where the day begins with an exquisite breakfast spread, a great selection of hot and cold options including a superb selection of irresistible pastries. This is also where you can enjoy a buffet dinner every evening, with a mouth-watering array of international classics for you use to choose from. How much you want to eat at the buffet dinners really depends on how much you make the most of the hotel’s other restaurant, The Nineteen, at lunch time. Every day a tempting à la carte menu is prepared and served in a spectacular poolside setting, meaning you do not even have far to go afterwards to lounge in the sun and sleep off your lunch! All this means that the all-inclusive option is definitely worth going for, even without considering that it also includes the chance to test out any of six other restaurants in the nearby Madinat Makadi resort.

This is all sounding pretty good so far, but if you are a keen golfer then things get even better thanks to the magnificent golf club which surrounds the hotel! A 9-hole short course lies between the hotel and the Red Sea, while the other side of the building overlooks the beautiful 18-hole championship course. The fertile fairways provide a splash of green surrounded by the golden sands of the desert, making for a unique and unforgettable setting. In that respect the golf course is just like the rest of the Steigenberger Makadi: whether you are teeing off on the golf course, paddling in the warm shallows on the beach or simply sitting on your bedroom’s balcony, you are always aware that you are in a truly special, unique location, in an undoubtedly unforgettable hotel.