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When we first heard of the Belfast Hurghada easyJet flight we were kind of excited to explore a new Middle Eastern destination with majestic mosques, bustling souks, and, well, not so much. Other than El Dahar Old Town and the Al Mina Mosque there’s really not a whole lot to Hurghada itself. Otherwise Hurghada is famous for its Red Sea location, as a resort city, with year-round sun, pristine beaches, luxury all inclusive resorts, and lively, modern nightlife.
For this reason we were forced to find our own adventure, and, following a stay at Hurghada marina, we embarked on a road trip across the Eastern Desert, from the Red Sea to the Nile, to the ancient city of Luxor, and then back again. However we did take out time to check out some of the fancier Hurghada Red Sea resorts in between, a couple of nights in each, and surprisingly we really enjoyed them.
Independent Travel in Hurghada
As independent travellers we’ve never been fussed for all-inclusive holidays, and the idea of being stuck on the same resort for weeks seems almost unbearable. So EasyJet holidays are a big no. Instead we found it is possible to book Hurghada all inclusive resorts independently, for one, two, three night stays etc. making for a more diverse and adventurous stay in the Red Sea Resorts. Hire a car even and save on the extortionate resort taxi services (the tend to block Uber).
Anyway, more recently, with our newborn Beansie, Independent travel is no longer an easy option, and for once we actually need a holiday. A respite from the stress of parenthood (or at least a change of scenery). Ideally a beachfront location, with the convenience of all-inclusive bars and restaurants, and this brought us back to Hurghada and the Red Sea Resorts in Egypt. Thanks again to EasyJet
Best All Inclusive Resorts in Hurghada
We’ve obviously not stayed in all the resorts of Hurghada but when it comes to booking we always handpick the best resorts for us. Deciding factors typically include the aesthetic of the resort itself (instaworthy), the nearby beach and snorkelling, food reviews, and whatever is necessary for our stay at that time. So it has been a varied bunch so far.
Again, while we always fly with easyJet (Belfast to Hurghada) we prefer to book resorts independently, 3 or so days on each, before transferring to the next. We do plan to add to these but, for now, here are some of the best all inclusive hotels in Hurghada and Makadi Bay and beyond that we’ve experienced so far. We’ll keep adding to this list as we go.
Al Kasr Sahl (Sahl Hasheesh)
Al Kasr Sahl Hasheesh is easily one of the most visually impressive all inclusive resorts in Hurghada, with a stunning beachfront setting, beautiful design throughout, and consistently good food. While the resort has its own private beachfront for swimming, snorkelling, or just sipping all inclusive cocktails, it’s also a short promenade walk to the nearby Old Town Sahl Hasheesh (designed to look historic, built in the 2000s), which makes it feel less secluded.
The resort itself leans heavily into an Arabian palace style, with courtyards, arches, detailed interiors, and full-on luxury Aladdin vibes. The pool area is dotted with snack bar pavilions, and there’s a solid range of à la carte restaurants including pan-Asian (mostly Japanese), Italian, and Lebanese cuisine. Worth noting, the beachfront here is more lagoon-style and shallow in parts — great for swimming, but less ideal if you’re chasing deeper coral reefs without heading further out.
Makadi Spa (Makadi Bay)
Makadi Spa Hurghada is an adults-only option and one of the better picks if you’re searching for a quiet all inclusive resort in Hurghada for couples. It’s super polished and geared towards a more relaxed Red Sea escape. Set right on the beachfront in Makadi Bay, the resort shares access to a long stretch of coral reef — better for snorkelling than casual paddling — with wooden jetties making access much easier.
The whole place leans more boutique compared to some of the larger Hurghada resorts, with spacious suite-style rooms, multiple chilled pool areas, and a central courtyard that works well for evening drinks and shisha. Food-wise, there’s a good mix of buffet and à la carte options (book ahead where you can), and you also get access to neighbouring Red Sea Hotels properties, which adds more variety for longer stays. Snippets of our stay on Instagram here
JAZ Makadani (Makadi Bay)
JAZ Makadani Makadi Bay is a strong all-rounder and one of the more reliable family-friendly all inclusive resorts in Hurghada. It has a relaxed beachfront setting, well-kept grounds, and a generally easy-going vibe. The resort sits on a sandy stretch of beach with easier access into the water than some reef-heavy areas, making it better suited for casual swims as well as snorkelling.
The layout is compact but well thought out, centred around a large pool area with swim-up bars, shaded loungers, and a steady rotation of daytime activities. Food is solid rather than flashy, with a mix of buffet and à la carte dining covering international staples and themed nights. It’s definitely family-friendly, but still manages to feel more laid-back than some of the bigger, busier Hurghada resorts.
Pickalbatros White Beach Resort (Hurghada)
Pickalbatros White Beach Resort Hurghada is one of the more modern and lively options if you’re looking for a luxury all inclusive resort in Hurghada with pools and entertainment. It has a clean, contemporary design and a big focus on pool areas and activities. Set on a sandy beachfront, it’s more about easy swimming and relaxing than coral reef snorkelling, but the trade-off is a much more accessible beach experience.
The resort feels newer and more polished than many in Hurghada, with bright, modern rooms and plenty of space throughout. There are multiple pool zones, including quieter adults-only sections and busier family areas. Food-wise, there’s a wide selection of buffet and à la carte options, from international dishes to Italian and Asian-style cuisine. It’s definitely on the livelier side, especially with families, but works really well if you’re after a fun, all-inclusive atmosphere rather than something more low-key or boutique. Snippets of our stay on Instagram here.
