This was a trip of firsts. Not only was it our inaugural visit to Egypt, but it was also the first time any of us had set foot on the African continent. We travelled as two families: myself, my wife, and our two sons (13 and 17), alongside our friends, their son also 17. A full crew, ready for adventure!

The Vitals: Sun, Value, and a Brand-New Base

We chose Hurghada for its guaranteed sun and value, opting for a brand-new base: the Rewaya Majestic Resort. The journey began with the paperwork—the visa process is a hassle—but the real culture shock hit during the shuttle ride: we were introduced to Egyptian traffic, a terrifying, exhilarating chaos of four cars on a two-lane road, disco-ball trucks, and constant mobile phone use.

The New-Hotel Syndrome: 10 Degrees of Mirror Tilt

While the public areas of the resort were undeniably majestic, our rooms told a story of a rushed construction deadline. The most glaring example? The bathroom mirror in our room was mounted at a solid, obvious 10-degree tilt. It screamed "rush job," yet the Red Sea was steps away, so we decided to focus on the positives.

Dining: Buffet Bliss and the Midnight Scramble

The dining scene was split: a massive buffet that was consistently satisfactory, and a host of specialty à la carte restaurants. Booking the latter required a midnight scramble for the lobby touchscreen computer! While we booked three, we often found the specialty dining hurried (appetizer, main, and dessert in an hour!) and the food often fell short of the relaxed, abundant buffet.

The Leisure Zones: 18 Pools and a Purple Toe

The resort boasts an incredible 18 swimming pools, though they were unheated, making for a brisk entry in the 30 degrees celsius weather. My youngest son and I made the pools our home, spending hours playing catch.

However, the Red Sea proved less welcoming. My first and only dip resulted in a blue-purple, badly bruised, possibly broken, toe courtesy of the rocky, shallow seabed. That was the end of beach swimming for me!

The Red Flag Protocol and Action Items

Around the pool, persistent vendors try to sell everything from spa treatments to excursions. Thankfully, the staff provided the Red Flag Protocol: hang a red flag on your parasol, and you are guaranteed peace and quiet.Despite seeking peace, we did book parasailing. The trip out was thrilling, but the highlight was the journey back when the crew let our youngest son steer the rubber speedboat! A true "day of firsts" for him.

People: Kindness, Baksheesh, and Nightlife

One of the most enduring positive takeaways was the staff. I have rarely encountered such consistently friendly and obliging personnel. This exceptional service is a blend of two factors: the tipping culture (Baksheesh), which is essential for their low wages, and genuine Egyptian hospitality.

The kindness extended to the older boys: the animation team took them out to the B2 Club & Lounge in Hurghada, a secured spot popular with both tourists and locals—a vibrant, unforgettable experience for them.

Final Verdict: The Majesty of Egypt

Despite the initial culture shock and the minor construction flaws, our first trip to Egypt was an unforgettable family adventure. The exceptional friendliness of the staff was the key ingredient that smoothed over any rough edges.
And This is Just the Beginning!

While this was our first taste of Egypt, it certainly won't be our last. The hunger for more history and culture is strong. Our next travels will be dedicated to the country’s thousands of years of heritage: Luxor, the Pyramids of Giza, and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).

Egypt, we will be back soon!

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