Hot, Hot, Hurghada: Why Egypt in Winter is a Dream Escape
Geopolitics is one of my favourite topics. I know—perhaps not what you’d expect from a woman who makes a living discussing lipstick and the latest trends. But here’s the thing about women: we contain multitudes.
That said, I tend to be cautious about holidaying anywhere with even a hint of instability. Recent upheavals? Tensions simmering at the borders? I’d usually think twice. But January was long and miserable, and Egypt promised sun, warmth, and a direct six-hour flight from Edinburgh or Glasgow. With little time to overanalyse the political landscape, we booked. And let me tell you—we’re so glad we did.
I’ve felt somewhat disillusioned with European holiday destinations in recent years. Everything is so expensive, staff are underpaid and disengaged, and even the best hotels seem tired and in need of TLC.
But none of the usual travel frustrations apply at The Serry Beach Resort/BvR47UNvgPq. Here, hospitality is an art—elevated to perfection. Known as the most aesthetic hotel in Hurghada, we had to check it out, along with many of the world’s most dedicated TikTok stars and Instagram influencers.
This is five-star luxury at its finest. Polished concrete, mile-high ceilings, wafting linen curtains—it’s like the stage is set for a new season of The White Lotus. A legion of staff—robed in white by day, black by night—move seamlessly through the space, sandalwood lingering in their wake. Nothing is too much trouble.
It takes a couple of days to become accustomed to being treated like Nefertiti, but before I knew it, I was accepting the offer of having my Jimmy Fairly sunglasses cleaned. A sesame-sprinkled sweet potato snack delivered to your lounger? Don’t mind if I do. Perhaps an iced coffee with almond milk and a shot of hazelnut? Gladly. And all with impeccable service and a smile.
There’s something about these hospitality ninjas who sweep in to deliver, clear, and clean so deftly that their presence is barely felt. As your glass nears empty, they’re there to offer another drink. They know what you want before you do. That’s what real luxury is.
The rooms? Spotless. The design? Flawless. And the true markers of a luxury resort? Solid wood sun loungers with thick, plush mattresses and the most wonderful rainfall showers. Around the pool, champagne buckets brimming with ice-cold bottles of water keep you refreshed, while baskets of fresh towels are always at hand.
Meanwhile, while Scotland shivers in stormy greys and relentless drizzle, here, the sky is a cloudless blue, the Red Sea a shimmering turquoise, and the days a perfect 26°C.
Dining, Elevated
Forget the usual all-inclusive buffet. The Serry Beach Resort’s dining experience is on another level. Five live cooking stations sizzle with action, a salad-and-dip selection will ruin you for all others, and the grilled prawns? The size of your fist. The dessert station is so exquisite, I’m convinced there’s a world-class Parisian pastry maestro secretly orchestrating the magic behind the scenes.
On the beach, a restaurant bar serves up Mexican delights on king-sized daybeds—because nothing quite says holiday like fish tacos and mojitos with Red Sea views.
Luxury here extends beyond the loungers and the lobster. The resort delivers entertainment with style—think a rooftop terrace bar swathed in sails, keeping the chilly night air at bay, and a hidden speakeasy nightclub, all red velvet and belly dancers. Try your hand at pottery, master Egyptian bread-making, or learn about Arabic herbs in the hotel’s kitchen garden. There’s even a singles’ sunset mixer for those open to a little holiday romance.
For those who need an adrenaline fix, the Sindbad Aqua Park sits just across the street, offering heart-racing flumes that will leave you breathless.
The beach—while not pure white sand—is pristine, peaceful, and kissed by the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. Loungers line the shore, just waiting for you to sink in and stay a while.
Already Planning the Return
This is the kind of place that lingers in your mind long after you leave. In fact, we’re already plotting our return—something we never do. Next time, we’ll stay longer and make time for The Nile, Luxor, and the Valley of the Kings.
A winter sun escape that ticks all the boxes? Consider me converted.
Why Egypt, Why Now?
If you’ve been deterred from Egypt, you might feel reassured that security is taken seriously but handled with a light touch. The entrance to The Serry Beach Resort—like most high-end hotels here—has a metal detector and discreet security presence, both at the front and along the beachfront. You clock them at first, but after a while, they fade into the background—there if needed, but never intrusive.
If you’re flying in, I’d recommend booking a transfer directly with the hotel (€30). WiFi and mobile networks can be patchy at the airport, and after a long flight, the last thing you want is to haggle over taxis or struggle with poor connections.
You’ll also need a visa to enter Egypt. We applied online in advance (£25), which was seamless, but you can also get one on arrival in Hurghada—just make sure you have cash ready.
We booked with EasyJet: seven nights, all-inclusive, around £1,200 per person.