Resorts of Egypt. Sahl Hasheesh
If anyone doubts that Egyptian tourism is striving to reach a new level of development, then he should visit the young resort of Sahl Hasheesh.
Impressions from the resort range from "a fairytale city, a dream city" to "this is a completely different Egypt."
It seems that the creators of the project were inspired from the very history and the name of the place where they will have to translate their plans into reality.
Sahl Hasheesh means Green Valley, and a group of architects led by world-renowned architect Norman Foster set out to achieve a seamless blend of modern architecture and natural environment.
The sea, coastline, architecture, palm trees and even mountains, which simply form a backdrop on the horizon, have come together to form a unique phenomenon.
Construction was carried out, and still continues on a large scale, mainly five-star hotels and villas are being built, counting on a wealthy respectable public.
From the international airport of Hurghada to the young resort is only 18 kilometers. In 30-40 minutes after landing, even if you go by bus, tourists will already be there.
Only 14% of the territory allocated for the resort with a coastline of 10 kilometers and a total area of 4,100 square kilometers was allocated for construction, but the rest of the land freely accommodates gardens, canals, lagoons, fountains, palm alleys.
Converting kilometers to meters, it turns out that the resort covers an area of about 41 million square meters, which is about two-thirds of the size of Manhattan Island in New York.
Ancient Egyptian motives are easy to read in the project, but they do not give the impression of a cheap imitation. Even the copies of the two columns of the Karnak temple, which greet guests at the entrance, are not annoying.
In the evening, the columns, illuminated by searchlights, and the figures of the priests, frozen on both sides of the alley, seem to be about to leave their pedestals and begin a ritual procession.
Along the entire coast there is an alley with rows of palm trees. They say that there are 10 thousand of them here, hardly anyone undertook to count how many palm trees there really are on the promenade, so you have to take the guidebooks at their word.
The territory allows hotels to be located at a decent distance from each other. Their possessions are not limited and not fenced; you can walk throughout the resort.
But the whole territory is under round-the-clock security, and unauthorized entry to Sahl Hasheesh is prohibited.
For the first acquaintance with the entire resort and its attractions, it is best to choose the option of a trip in a rented electric car in a retro style.
On the square of fountains - Arrivals Piazza - in the evening, multi-colored lights are lit, jets of water soar upward, slender rows of golden domes sparkle.
An impression of true oriental splendor and luxury. This part of the resort does not belong to any of the hotels and is open for free walks, which tourists enjoy with pleasure, arranging bright photo sessions.
Directly from the square of fountains you can go to the observation deck with an openwork open belvedere, from where an amazing view of the bay opens.
The architectural ensemble of different hotels differs in style, although in general oriental accents prevail. Open galleries, arches, domes and columns of different sizes and in different combinations create a space that will not tire the eyes.
The diversity of the architectural appearance is also created due to the fact that each area of the resort was created in accordance with its own concept and has an original spirit and character.
As a result, it is difficult to give some general description of the entire resort of Sahl Hasheesh.
Here, some hotels are quiet and respectable, others are whole towns with exquisite entertainment under the sign of 18+, and in the third, conditions have been created for accepting parents with small children.
One thing remains unchanged - all the hotels are organically included in the magnificent landscape of Sahl Hasheesh Bay, which shines with light turquoise closer to the coast and becomes brighter further on - in the open sea.
In addition to hotels in Sahl Hasheesh, there are several residential complexes, apartments in which belong to private owners.
A very profitable investment is convenient and very convenient: at any time, without thinking about accommodation, you can come to the resort and relax for a couple of days.
At the resort, famous people, oil sheikhs, who are always striving for luxurious novelties, were noticed among vacationers.
They say that Hollywood star Tom Cruise was once seen in Sahl Hasheesh.
Construction in Sahl Hasheesh is still ongoing, and some of the newly built hotels have yet to prove themselves well. Here you can become a pioneer
Each resort strives to have its own feature, comes up with advertising moves. Tourists then ardently prove to each other: our hotel has the best coral reef, others say that they have two whole reefs and one sunken ship.
But hardly any other resort can boast, like Sahl Hasheesh, that it has an entire sunken city.
During the construction of the resort, the story was used that once there was an ancient and prosperous city of Isis, named after the goddess who patronizes witchcraft and magic.
As a result of the earthquake, the city sank into the bay, but the tops of the columns can still be seen above the water.
They can be seen from the pontoon on the beach of the Pyramisa Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh, which stretches into the sea for 250 meters.
The clear water allows you to see the ruins well. But in all its glory, the picture opens up to divers.
In addition, the architects did their best: modern sculptures stylized as antiquity make a huge impression under water.
The idea to supplement the story turned out to be very effective, tourists eagerly tell that they saw the sunken Egyptian Atlantis with their own eyes, not all of them, of course, but they saw one city for sure.
The resort offers excellent diving conditions.
Divers can rest assured that they will see all the diversity of the underwater kingdom. Still, Sahl Hasheesh is not as crowded as, for example, in Hurghada, and people have not yet had time to scare away the underwater inhabitants.
The fish swim close to the beaches, so here you can do only with a snorkel mask not far from the coast, and the richness and brightness of the underwater inhabitants will be guaranteed.
Two hotels closest to Hurghada, The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh and Citadel Azur Resort, boast the richest coral reef.
Among the entertainment in Sahl Hasheesh - the whole set of traditional Egyptian excursions: Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, cruises and walks along the Nile.
Without a distant departure from the resort - motorcycle safaris in the desert, boat trips to the reefs and islands with diving, swimming stops and lunch on a pleasure boat.
Directly on the beaches - jet skis, kiting, windsurfing, snorkeling and diving. Lovers of quieter entertainment are welcome in the yachting club, from where they can go out to sea on a luxury sailing yacht.
The network of canals connecting the islands allows guests to feel like in Italian Venice: real gondolas move along the water. Openwork bridges and floating hotels enhance the experience.
Want to test your travel skills? Then back to the beach, take a canoe and go to the nearest islands.
Nowadays, Egypt is no longer a surprise. Moreover, one may encounter a disdainful attitude towards this country and a lack of understanding of others: “Again to Egypt? What did you find there ?! " But there is a resort that not all tourists know about yet ...
Sahl Hasheesh - "green valley" - a young and actively developing resort, located 18 km from Hurghada airport on the shores of the bay of the same name. There is no bustle of dusty streets of Hurghada with lively merchants and residential areas of the local population. Exclusively 5 * and deluxe hotels, as well as luxury apartments. The entire territory is guarded around the clock, which, combined with the relative remoteness and isolation from Hurghada, creates a sense of security (especially relevant against the backdrop of political unrest in Egypt).
The uniqueness of the Sahl Hasheesh resort is made up of two main aspects: the sea and the architecture.
SEA. Traditionally, it is believed that you can admire corals in Egypt in Sharm el-Sheikh, and not in the Hurghada region. And since Sahl Hasheesh hotels are sometimes "attributed" to Hurghada, few people know that the underwater world here is radically different from the famous neighboring resort. The two closest hotels to Hurghada - The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh 5 * and Citadel Azur Resort 5 * - have the richest reef. Right off the coast, you can go snorkeling or diving, and the splendor of corals and the variety of marine life here are so impressive that tourists from these hotels who have returned from excursions "Paradise Island" or "Utopia Island", for the most part say: "Our hotel has a better reef ! "
There is also a living reef near the Premier Le Reve 5 * and Baron Palace Resort Sahl Hasheesh 5 *, but it is inferior to the corals of the above hotels.
It is important to note that the sea with rich reefs in these Sahl Hasheesh hotels is open not only to underwater inhabitants, but also to winds, and therefore waves. It is sometimes difficult and even dangerous for those who unsurely swims with a mask and a snorkel to be near the reefs. However, there are no strong undercurrents like in some of Sharm el-Sheikh's bays.
The rest of the hotels (Dessole Pyramisa Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh 5 *, Premier Romance Boutique Hotel & Spa 5 * and Old Palace Resort Sahl Hashesh 5 *), whose beaches are located directly in Sahl Hasheesh Bay, cannot boast of an abundance of coral reefs. They have only a few "islands" of corals at their disposal, although a variety of fish are found everywhere. In addition, entry into the sea is more convenient here: gentle, sandy (or sand + "slab" of cut corals), and even in windy weather the sea is calm, without strong waves. It is in such conditions that it is especially convenient to learn snorkeling, as well as just swim in the sea without a mask and snorkel.
Unlike Hurghada, the coast of Sahl Hasheesh does not have a large number of yachts and boats (accordingly, there are no residues of fuel and debris in the water).
The "highlight" of Sahl Hasheesh - "The Sunken City" - is located near the beach of the Dessole Pyramisa Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh 5 *. The architects took into account and played in a wonderful way the history of the once flooded port of Sahl Hasheesh: the tops of the columns can be seen above the sea near the coast. In their full glory, they can only be appreciated under water. Stylization to the work of ancient masters makes an extremely vivid impression, which is confirmed by the following example from life: one middle-aged tourist, swimming with a mask and a snorkel, seeing images on a column under water, almost choking with emotions, shouted to his friend: “Look! ! You've seen?! Here on the column ... I saw such in the Temple on the excursion !!! " He sincerely believed that these columns have stood there since ancient times.
You don't have to be an experienced swimmer to admire the Sunken City. There are large concrete blocks in places right next to the columns. They are located at such a depth that they do not interfere with swimming at all, but even a teenager can stand on them so that even a teenager can rest. Moreover, in small crevices between the blocks, schools of nocturnal fish constantly huddle, which are very interesting to watch when you stand on the block or swim over it.
ARCHITECTURE. In addition to the "Sunken City", there is something to admire in Sahl Hasheesh and above the water.
Sahl Hasheesh Pier: Located directly next to the Sunken City and extending 250 meters into the sea. In the ground part of the pier (under it) you can walk along the “gallery of arches” (one of the favorite places for photographing tourists). And the upper part is wide enough and comfortable not only for walking, but also for cycling. In the farthest part there are benches, on which you can admire the sea or the colorful lights of the coast after sunset.
Arrivals Piazza - "square of colored fountains" - a delightful, beautiful complex! Overflows and cascades of fountains and an elegant "palace" around them create an atmosphere of refined oriental luxury. It should be noted that the backlight turns on after sunset, nevertheless, in the daytime there is a wonderful view in its own way. This area does not belong to any hotel; all tourists can freely (and free of charge) visit it. It is closest to the hotels Old Palace Resort Sahl Hashesh 5 * and Premier Romance Boutique Hotel & Spa 5 *. In about 20 minutes a calm step to the fountains can be reached from Dessole Pyramisa Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh 5 *. It is quite possible (although longer) to walk from the Baron Palace Resort Sahl Hasheesh 5 * and Premier Le Reve 5 * hotels.
It is especially pleasant that along the entire coastline (from Dessole Pyramisa Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh 5 * to Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh 5 *) there is a path in hotels, as well as in some shops you can rent bicycles and electric scooters. It's a pity, until the road between Citadel Azur Resort 5 * and Dessole Pyramisa Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh 5 * is completed, so guests of The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh 5 * and Citadel Azur Resort 5 * can only get to the fountain square by taxi.
The entrance to the territory of Sahl Hasheesh is also very original: two majestic columns and many statues in the style of the times of the pharaohs create a flavor that will be appreciated by all lovers of the heritage of Ancient Egypt.
In general, the Sahl Hasheesh embankment is a well-groomed, clean, beautiful area. Green lawns, palms, flowers remind once again that you are in the "Green Valley". Excellent lighting and many guards allow you to safely walk along the coast at any time of the day.
All apartments and hotels are distinguished by their special architecture, but they invariably blend harmoniously into the magnificent landscape of the bay. Luxury, sophistication, style for different tastes and various financial opportunities await tourists in Sahl Hasheesh.
First of all, this resort can be recommended to those who do not like the bustle of the city, dust and noise. Of course, Sahl Hasheesh will remain a dream trip for aesthetes who can enjoy beauty. The water in the bay is distinguished by an amazing turquoise color (turning into a deep blue where it turns into the open sea). Against the background of a pale lilac sky at sunset hours, the relief outlines of mountains appear on the horizon, almost invisible in daylight ...
On the contrary, you should not choose Sahl Hasheesh for recreation for those who want to actively spend time outside the hotel (getting to shops, discos, bars in Hurghada is possible from here, but difficult). There are own shops and restaurants in each hotel and in the general area of the resort, but not in such quantity and with slightly higher prices than in Hurghada.
You should especially carefully study the information when choosing a hotel. In Sahl Hasheesh there are both already well-known, proven, and just built, not yet 100% functioning hotels. Here you can find both a quiet hotel with a compact territory for relaxation in the style of "relaxation", and a city hotel with various forms of leisure and entertainment. As a hotel for a respectable holiday in seclusion with a rich interior, and a hotel for a youth trip at an affordable price with discos and noisy parties.
Speaking about the resort Sahl Hasheesh, epithets involuntarily suggest themselves:
Sahl Hasheesh is "Something Other" ...
Sahl Hasheesh is a fairytale city, a dream city ...
Sahl Hasheesh - "Anti-Hurghada" ...
Sahl Hasheesh - this is probably my paradise ...
Sahl Hasheesh or Green Valley is a young, only newly built international resort on the coast of the Red Sea. The main goal of this modern holiday destination is to combine nature and infrastructure, so that every vacationer feels comfortable and safe without being separated from nature. We will tell you about the sights, entertainment and prices for holidays in Sahl Hasheesh in this article.
Sahl Hasheesh is located very well - on the way to the seaside resorts of Makadi Bay and, 18 km from Hurgarda airport. There will be no shortage of the industry for tourists, since noisy Hurghada can be reached by taxi or minibus (the cost is about 1 Egyptian pound), and the resort itself provides many services and entertainment. Also, to get to or from the airport, you can use the shuttle service.
Once on the territory of the modern resort there was a city in honor of the goddess Isis. The city existed for about 2000 years, developed thanks to port traffic and active trade, but once it sank under water as the legendary city of Atlantis.
It has recently begun to actively rebuild the resort town along the 12 km coastline. The recreation area was designed by renowned British architect Norman Foster. About 14% of the city's territory along the coast is allotted for resort construction. The rest of Sahl Hasheesh is occupied by gardens, golf courses, artificial lagoons and canals.
In addition to resort buildings, residential buildings and complexes are being built here, which are eagerly bought by both oil sheikhs and Hollywood stars.
Weather conditions and climatic features of Sahl Hasheesh
Sahl Hasheesh is one of the paradises on our Earth. There is never bad weather here. The warmth of the sun and the shine of the beach beckons to plunge into the clean and pleasant sea, forgetting about all the problems.
This place is warm all year round, like in Hurghada, which is located just 18 km from the city of Sahl Hasheesh. Therefore, a visit will leave only positive impressions.
Sahl Hasheesh on the map:
Who doesn't love to swim in the sea? You can swim here for a whole year! In 2019, the rest in this place will be very comfortable and pleasant, especially for those who come here with their families. Also, this place is perfect for elderly people, because it is difficult for such a contingent to stay in extreme heat.
In the cold season, the temperature regime of the air can reach +23 degrees. In winter, the sea water is quite cool, the thermometer is about +20 degrees - ideal for those who cannot stand the heat. But in the summer during the day the air warms up to +36, and the sea temperature reaches +30.
The most optimal time to visit Sahl Hasheesh is considered to be the autumn and spring months. At this time, it is not very stuffy here, the temperature does not exceed +27 degrees. The sea warms up its waters to a comfortable bathing temperature of +24 - +25 degrees.
For the sophisticated tourist, the beaches of Sahl Hasheesh can become a discovery for a vacation in 2019.
When is the best time to go to Sahl Hasheesh?
The weather conditions allow travelers to plan their holidays all year round. The climate is quite sunny and hot and does not change for 365 days.
It will be unusual to spend New Year's holidays here, to celebrate Christmas in various ways - not traditional and fresh.
In winter, at the end of January, the country celebrates the Christmas of Muhammad, and they arrange a grandiose holiday in honor of this.
Entertainment
The entertainment industry is different. For example, with children, you can go to the water park in Hurghada. The most popular are Sindbad Aqua Park, Jungle Aqua Park or Aqua Planet. They have everything you need for a fun-filled holiday. Diverse pools and slides for both children and adults. There are many areas for a comfortable stay: showers, cafes.
For gourmets who travel to Sahl Hasheesh, we recommend visiting a couple of restaurants, they will diversify the evenings. Restaurants "Star Fish" and "Fish House" will delight in their menus with seafood dishes, which are prepared only from fresh produce. If you want to try Egyptian cuisine, then welcome to the Barracuda restaurant. In order not to travel far, in the restaurant "Che Guevara" it is worth trying Argentinean cuisine.
Despite the construction site, many hotels are fully functioning and provide their guests with various entertainment for every taste.
An active holiday worth visiting Sahl Hasheesh includes:
- diving;
- riding atvs;
- various types of water sports (surfing, windsurfing, body surfing, etc.);
- golf;
- horse riding;
- shopping.
Diving should be mentioned separately. Almost every hotel has its own diving area, as Sahl Hasheesh is surrounded by reefs. Many hotels provide instructors and equipment for the sport.
Shopping
Necessary goods for a vacation, which have been forgotten, or souvenirs for loved ones as a gift, can be bought in local shops, which are located right in hotels or in nearby resorts.
Markets and shops in Hurghada will delight with an assortment of shopping lovers. Such places are recommended for visiting travelers and fellow travelers.
The Dahab region offers to visit the market, where it will not be difficult to buy souvenirs, food, clothes and shoes. Tourists love to buy exotic fruits here.
For the guests of Sahl Hasheesh, two huge shopping centers have been built in the city. The first is called Cleopatra and the second is Senzo Mall. They have everything you need: cafes, cinema, currency exchangers and shops selling well-known brands.
The Ramses Perfume Palace store gives you the opportunity to buy a good perfume or essential oil as a gift, the souvenir will be exquisite and expensive.
Where to stay and prices for holidays in 2019
Since Sahl Hasheesh is a modern resort, it is dominated by 5-star hotels and apartments. The most popular hotels for different wallets are Citadel Azur Resort and Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh. The price for a double room in them varies from 2,500 thousand rubles to 11,000 rubles per day.
However, there are also democratic options: Premier Le Reve Hotel & Spa Adult Only - it is comfortable and attractive for the price. Rates:
Hotel room type - price per night
Single room -189 rub.
Double room - 684 rubles.
Triple room - 901 rubles.
Modern Sahl Hasheesh has a wide range of accommodations where you can comfortably rest and relax. When resting with children, be sure to go to parks, visit attractions, various excursions and other equally interesting places.
When traveling to Sahl Hasheesh there will be no problems, as the visa is issued immediately at the airport.
Holidays with Sahl Hasheesh are considered luxurious here. All hotels differ from each other not only by the external facade, but also by the territory surrounding it. Some hotels are small towns that have everything you need. There are also smaller cozy hotels with cheap and comfortable rooms.
Basically, all hotels are located by the sea and have their own access to the beach. On the territory of the hotels there are bars, restaurants of national and international cuisine (Japanese, Italian, Chinese, Lebanese), cafes. Some hotels provide spa services, swimming pools and gyms. As a rule, most hotels operate on an “all inclusive” program. The staff are extremely polite, most of them speak English and Arabic.
Read more about Sahl Hasheesh and other resorts in Egypt - in the video:
Pyramisa Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh, Egypt, Hurghada, September 2015
- Overall rating - 9/10
- Service - 9
- Meals - 8
- Accommodation - 10
At the Piramis Sahl Hasheesh hotel we are resting with our husband and daughter for the third time. Arriving at the hotel, we were kindly greeted and offered refreshing drinks. We checked in very quickly, offering a room with a sea view at no extra charge. As the regular guests were presented with a present - a plate of fruit, such attention was very pleasant. The room has recently been renovated. New furniture, appliances and plumbing. Large double bed and a single bed for the daughter. Cleaning is done every day. On the bed, the maid made interesting figures out of towels. Towels were changed daily, bed linen every three days. Refilled shampoos, soaps, shower gels. The hotel grounds are amazing. There is a huge pool with water slides. The beach is sandy, clean. Lots of free sun loungers. The sea is always calm, without waves. The entrance to the sea is shallow, but just in case we wore slippers for swimming. During the day, animation is carried out: darts, table tennis, volleyball, gymnastics. Show programs in the evening: dances, folklore performances, children's disco. The food in the restaurant is excellent. Eyes run up from such an abundance of dishes and desserts. The chef somehow asked us if we liked everything, to which my daughter said that she loves sushi. The next day we saw sushi and rolls on the buffet. We were amazed at such care! Special thanks to the staff for the service. By the way, the hotel also has Russian-speaking employees.
Svetlana
Piramisa Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Egypt, August 2015
- Overall rating - 7/10
- Service - 7
- Meals - 7
- Accommodation - 7
Restaurants A la carte - 7 pcs. This is amazing. You can taste all the cuisines of the world.
Pyramisa Sahl Hasheesh hotel, Hurghada, Egypt, June 2015, With friends
- Overall rating - 9/10
- Service - 8
- Meals - 10
- Accommodation - 9
We went to Egypt to rest with a friend and two children, seven and ten years old. Arrived at the Pyramisa Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh at night, so they settled us immediately. The rooms were very spacious. Air conditioners cooled well, which is very important in the heat of the day. New plumbing. Solid furniture. The only thing is that the cleaning was carried out, even though it was daily, but at an inconvenient afternoon, when the children were being put to bed. The territory is large and beautiful, everywhere there are palms and flowers. Very incendiary animation, many children's entertainment programs. Meals in the restaurant are simply "lick your fingers." The pastries melt in your mouth, always in abundance. For lunch and dinner, there are two types of soups, several meat and fish dishes, a lot of side dishes, salads, and cuts. The drinks are delicious, high quality. Juices, water and coffee can be drunk at any time. Between main meals we had a snack with pizza and pancakes. The beach is luxurious, sandy. New sun loungers with soft mattresses. There are always free sun loungers whenever you come to the beach. The entrance to the sea is convenient for children, there is a clear sandy entrance. We walked along the promenade. The multi-colored fountains are impressive, especially a vivid show in the evening.
Hotel Piramisa Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Egypt, May 2015
- Overall rating - 4.3 / 10
- Service - 4
- Meals - 5
- Accommodation - 4
Visiting a Turkish restaurant and serving Pegas Turistik representatives, i.e. work with visitors. The appeal of the staff, both in the administration and in restaurants, is for THREE with a minus.
July 2014, With family
- Overall rating - 10/10
- Service - 10
- Meals - 10
- Accommodation - 10
Pros: Transfer from the airport, check-in is fast.The beach is always clean, the water is clear, the underwater world is diverse.Attentive staff, funny animators.Well-groomed area of the hotel, a lot of greenery.A varied menu, delicious meals.
Minuses: The furniture in the room is old.You can only use bottled water, it is not suitable for drinking from the tap, you cannot even wash your teeth. The wine is not tasty.
July 2014, With friends
- Overall rating - 10/10
- Service - 10
- Meals - 10
- Accommodation - 10
Pros: Pyramisa Beach Hotel is suitable for a beach holiday.The hotel has a friendly atmosphere.The cuisine is quite varied, there is a 24-hour restaurant.The sea water is warm and clear.The animation team is very fun.There is a children's club.Various events are held both day and night.Fun beach parties, foam discos.
