I actually wasn’t certain what to anticipate in Egypt.
Having travelled the world for over 17 years as a mannequin, I have been lucky to go to some wonderful international locations for shoots. However Egypt is a rustic I had by no means been to earlier than and, sure, there have been nerves contemplating all of the unfavorable publicity Egypt has been getting for the reason that revolution.
Even my grandmother requested me did I actually suppose it was a good suggestion to take my son James!
Hand in hand: Alison and toddler son James take a stroll on the sand subsequent to the Kempinski resort
We flew from London Gatwick and the flight was a straightforward 5 hours. We flew on easyJet, and they’re incredible. A bit just like the outdated Ryanair, although, as you’re solely allowed one piece of carry-on baggage – so we needed to verify in James’s case.
However apart from that I actually loved the flight.
I really like their on-board menu as they’ve nice wholesome choices and coconut water, which is my journey important, particularly for flying, because it’s nice for rehydration.
Once we arrived on the airport it was somewhat chaotic with plenty of males holding boards with folks’s names on them.
That is the place flying with an organization like Vacation Designers makes a distinction. Our driver picked us up and put our visas in our passports and instantly made me really feel protected and effectively sorted.
You must be sure to have in money for every visa. James was somewhat drained and fell asleep within the automobile on the way in which to the resort. Soma Bay is about 45 minutes from Hurghada airport.
It was darkish once we arrived, however the entrance to the Sheraton was very spectacular and fantastically lit. We settled into our room and headed straight for dinner, as we had been ravenous.
We ate within the Italian restaurant and I had the set menu.
In case you are staying full board you needn’t fear about additional payments on the finish of your journey, and I do all the time suggest this feature as prices can creep up in any other case.
An oasis on the sting of the water: Alison and James spent a part of their break on the Kempinski resort
James was so excited.
When he noticed the pool he was speechless, and wished to go swimming immediately (sure in the dead of night). The following morning at breakfast he did not even actually eat due to the thrill.
He went to the children’ membership within the Sheraton on the second day and I headed over to the spa. It didn’t disappoint. The Cascades Spa & Thalasso Soma Bay is recognised as the very best in Egypt, and one of many largest on the earth.
The Thalasso Tonic Hydrotherapy Pool incorporates 830 cubic metres of sea water sub-divided into plenty of distinct zones – with water jets, currents, counter-currents, showers and effervescent baths.
Each is designed to supply consolation and to regenerate and tone a selected a part of your physique.
It is wonderful for breaking down cellulite and fats – so, evidently, as a substitute of the really helpful 20 seconds when the jets had been at my legs and backside, I took significantly longer.
The person who was working there shortly understood what I used to be doing. We each burst out laughing.
In one of many areas I attempted, he advised me to swim with the present. It was a tremendous expertise, as the present strikes you round actually quick. However then he requested me to stroll in opposition to the present, and that was robust. However he mentioned it is wonderful in your legs. I want we had a Thalasso in Eire.
Prepared for a fast dip: James prepares for a snorkelling journey – and a gathering with Nemo
Once I acquired again, James was smiling from ear to ear, consuming pizza and chips within the youngsters’ membership.
James liked Ahmed who ran the membership. They performed soccer and constructed sandcastles whereas I relaxed. The seaside on the Sheraton was out of this world. I could not cease pinching myself as I stared into the crystal clear blue waters.
James and I went on adventures, crab looking – and discovering dinosaur bones and tooth (coral, actually). We even discovered dinosaur tracks (birds, actually) as James mentioned they’ve three toes.
He was so excited and could not imagine how fortunate he was.
We discovered a crab and a jellyfish. I completely love discovering issues by means of a baby’s eyes. Youngsters actually make you respect the sweetness in the whole lot.
We did a mix of seaside and pool for the remainder of our keep on the Sheraton. We liked each. James had his new swim-fin, which gave him nice confidence within the water.
There have been numerous Europeans there, however I used to be amazed that the British and Irish have but to actually uncover Soma Bay. It is so shut and so stunning, and it ticks so many containers.
If you need a household vacation the place you possibly can chill out and really feel assured that your youngsters are protected and having enjoyable, Soma Bay is right.
We transferred to the Kempinski for the final three days. Wow, what a welcome. The hospitality was unbelievable. We stayed in a resort inside a resort!
Okay, so let me clarify. There’s a membership throughout the Kempinski resort known as the Laguna Membership. It has its personal restaurant for breakfast and dinner. We had an ocean view, which allowed us to see extremely breathtaking sunsets. If you need luxurious, you have to keep right here.
Fantastically designed: Alison additionally stayed at Soma Bay’s Sheraton Resort, with its intensive swathe of house
They even supply a collection of pillows, scented baths and nice youngsters’s facilities.
Once more, we favoured the seaside, because it was merely gorgeous. James made buddies with plenty of different youngsters, and he had a ball whereas I relaxed watching him.
James had the largest bubble baths ever. The bathtub seems to be out to the ocean and James mentioned to me ‘mum I can see how stunning the sky seems to be from right here’.
He handed out most evenings very early, so I used to take a seat on the balcony studying a guide.
The children’ membership within the Kempinski was incredible. They provide a full day by day schedule, and you’ll drop the children off and choose them up at your leisure.
After they had been down on the seaside James joined in, or joined them for a film within the afternoon. However as he is my buddy and I am additionally a baby we performed on the seaside and constructed sandcastles many of the day.
Our remaining couple of days had been stuffed with adventures. James went snorkelling proper out within the ocean.
I could not imagine it. It was fairly windy however the teacher was wonderful. At one stage I believed James was panicking, however he was attempting to get his snorkel out of his mouth to tell me he had seen Nemo and in addition Dory… however she in all probability would not keep in mind.
Water options: There are many swimming pools for splashing, and sunloungers for just a few hours’ leisure
We additionally rode on camels and went on a glass-bottomed boat. It was a lot enjoyable. There are additionally plenty of day journeys you possibly can take to Luxor and even Cairo, however we stayed put as I wanted a relaxation.
For a winter solar break Soma Bay actually is ideal. A five-hour flight and you’re in paradise. The water is crystal clear and the seashores have probably the most stunning white sand I’ve ever seen.
The one factor I observed is that, though these are large resorts, they do not really feel overcrowded.
Every thing may be very effectively designed, and even on the seaside you could have nice house between the seats.
In all places may be very family-friendly, and it doesn’t matter what your curiosity, as a household, everybody shall be glad. In case you are sporty, a diver, a golfer – or if you wish to go to one of many main spas on the earth or just relax and chill out, you are able to do all of it in Soma Bay.
