Traveller's notes

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A sunset view of Le Meridien's unique swimming pool; beach pleasures; innovative desert-inspired architecture; unforgettable horse-back riding on the rugged coastline; every water sport there is; beach volleyball, like they did in the Olympics

How to get there

By air: You have to fly to Hurghada then you would take a taxi or a Limousine to Makadi Bay. There are two fligths a day from Cairo to Hurghada, at 8.30am and 8pm. Round trip ticket is LE594 for Egyptians; LE944 for foreigners for one day and LE1,163 for one week. For more information contact: EgyptAir office (+202) 265 7222.

By bus: East Delta Bus Company buses leave Turgoman station in Cairo every hour and half to Hurghada starting from 7.30am till 1am. Ticket fee is LE45 for Egyptians; foreigners, LE55, one way trip.

For more information contact East Delta Bus Company (+202) 576 0261.

Breaking the waves

Traditional Red Sea water sports abound in Makadi, through the vastly competent agency of two independently-operated centres, the Sub Aqua Diving Centre and Tiger Marine. The area may not be quite so stunning as Ras Mohamed, but scuba divers will find plenty of opportunities to plumb the depths of one of the world's richest and most colourful seas. Trolling trips can be arranged, as can snorkelling forays into the deep. The Tiger Marine also offers jet-ski, pedal boat, banana boat and canoe trips, sundry equipment for hire and no end of advice and training opportunities. And for the land mammals among us, besides overnight camping trips featuring "Bedouin" entertainment, beach buggies are available, as is a mini golf course on the premises, and real golfing opportunities outside. Table tennis, baby-foot, billiards and video games are all within walking distance of reception. And limousines will take you virtually anywhere around Makadi if you give the relevant staff a day's notice.

The mystic masseur

The spa dimension of resorts south of Hurghada is fast becoming one of the area's principal attractions, and Le Meridien Makadi offers a full range of herbal "treatments" from "sea salt glow" to "Egyptian coffee". "Classic massage" is the cheapest of three options, the other two being "Egyptian herbal massage" and an "aromatherapy" session. There is also a sauna, a Jacuzzi and a steam bath, as well as a fully equipped gym. Certainly, the area's naturally dry climate, the clarity of the air and the abundance of natural salts in underground water sources will contribute to a healthy experience, despite the attendant perils of air conditioning and ice cream.

The masseurs are professional and accommodating, and they can give you a simple back and shoulder rub, a face and hand massage, or a foot massage for approximately half the full price.