Steigenberger Coraya Beach (Adults only)

We visited for the first time in October and were very impressed. Daytime temperatures topped out at 33C, the pool was 29C, and the sea 28C. A major reason to pick this hotel was the snorkelling. Entry to the sea is via a gently sloping walkway into knee-deep water with sand beneath your feet, could not be easier, even for less agile swimmers. To get to the best coral takes a swim of 1-200 metres along the marked-off reef. Starting very clear in the mornings, the water tends to get cloudier as the day progresses (I assume all the feet stirring up the sand), so a longer swim is needed to reach the best visibility. You can also enter straight into deep, clear water using the pier at the next hotel North, or walk around the sandy bay to the hotel to the South. We saw a fantastic array of fish; including a massive Lion fish a couple of metres from the walkway, plus crocodile fish, all the usual butterfly fish, parrot fish, etc. A first for us in the Red Sea was an amazing shoal of Indian Mackerel. Many fish here seemed larger than usual, especially the Puffers and Surgeon fish. We saw some huge Trevallies (I mean huge, over 1m long!). Even in the shallows you could see shrimps in their hollows, each one additionally inhabited by a goby. There’s also a resident Osprey who regularly roosts at the top of the flagpole by the lifeguard. Plenty of beach sunbeds and shades, though a little close-packed for our liking. Pools were very good, nice and quiet apart from daily work-outs at the top pool (no biggie). The bottom pool is very quiet. Poolside workers were very helpful in bringing sunbed cushions, and kept us hydrated throughout the day. The beach towel service here is excellent; they bring fresh towels to your room each night at 7pm, so no messing about with vouchers/tickets, nor waiting for the towel shack to open in the morning. Best we’ve experienced (and we’ve been to a lot of all-inclusives!). Almost every little detail has been thought of here, from noodles at all of the pools and at the beach, a rack for shoes and even a little rack for the sunglasses, if you forgot you were wearing them before getting into the sea. All of the bars & restaurants were excellent (first ever visit to Egypt without getting a stomach upset!). Food was hot, fresh, with plenty of quality ingredients (e.g. prawns, seafood). The staff were simply amazing – friendly and efficient. We ventured to Rocca (Asian restaurant in the hotel next door, included in our all-inclusive), which was excellent and authentic. The room was very comfortable and well cleaned every day, with interesting towel sculptures! The hotel is very well-designed, with individual “blocks” looking more like buildings in an old town. Lovely planting and landscaping throughout, with beautiful bougainvillea in bloom everywhere. We would have appreciated better signposting to be able to find our room more easily. Evening entertainment in the “amphitheatre” was of a good standard (though the sound system

Excellent hotel & staff 10/10 Helpfull and friendly personnel 10/10 Atmosphere & taste full environment 10/10 All personal service, attendance, exquise &large variety of restaurants & food, luxurious, beach lodges, guards, artists, creativity 10/10