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 adverse publicity Egypt has been getting for the reason that revolution.
Even my grandmother requested me did I actually assume 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 lodge
We flew from London Gatwick and the flight was a simple 5 hours. We flew on easyJet, and they’re incredible. A bit just like the outdated Ryanair, although, as you might be solely allowed one piece of carry-on baggage – so we needed to verify in James’s case.
However aside 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 slightly chaotic with a lot of males holding boards with individuals’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 secure and properly sorted.
That you must be sure to have in money for every visa. James was slightly drained and fell asleep within the automotive on the way in which to the lodge. 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 have been ravenous.
We ate within the Italian restaurant and I had the set menu.
If you’re staying full board you needn’t fear about further payments on the finish of your journey, and I do all the time suggest this selection 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 lodge
James was so excited.
When he noticed the pool he was speechless, and needed 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 youngsters’ 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 most effective in Egypt, and one of many largest on the planet.
The Thalasso Tonic Hydrotherapy Pool accommodates 830 cubic metres of sea water sub-divided into quite a lot 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 particular a part of your physique.
It is wonderful for breaking down cellulite and fats – so, evidently, as an alternative of the beneficial 20 seconds when the jets have 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 informed 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 towards the present, and that was robust. However he stated it is wonderful on 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
After 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 seashore 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 stated they’ve three toes.
He was so excited and could not consider how fortunate he was.
We discovered a crab and a jellyfish. I completely love discovering issues by means of a toddler’s eyes. Kids actually make you recognize the wonder in every part.
We did a combination of seashore 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 lots of 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 bins.
In order for you a household vacation the place you may calm down and really feel assured that your youngsters are secure and having enjoyable, Soma Bay is good.
We transferred to the Kempinski for the final three days. Wow, what a welcome. The hospitality was unbelievable. We stayed in a lodge inside a lodge!
Okay, so let me clarify. There’s a membership inside the Kempinski lodge referred to 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. In order for you luxurious, you will need to keep right here.
Fantastically designed: Alison additionally stayed at Soma Bay’s Sheraton Resort, with its in depth swathe of area
They even provide a collection of pillows, scented baths and nice kids’s facilities.
Once more, we favoured the seashore, because it was merely beautiful. James made pals with a lot of different youngsters, and he had a ball whereas I relaxed watching him.
James had the most important bubble baths ever. The tub seems out to the ocean and James stated to me ‘mum I can see how stunning the sky seems from right here’.
He handed out most evenings very early, so I used to take a seat on the balcony studying a guide.
The youngsters’ membership within the Kempinski was incredible. They provide a full every day schedule, and you may drop the youngsters off and choose them up at your leisure.
After they have been down on the seashore James joined in, or joined them for a film within the afternoon. However as he is my buddy and I am additionally a toddler we performed on the seashore and constructed sandcastles many of the day.
Our closing couple of days have been stuffed with adventures. James went snorkelling proper out within the ocean.
I could not consider it. It was fairly windy however the teacher was wonderful. At one stage I believed James was panicking, however he was making an attempt to get his snorkel out of his mouth to tell me he had seen Nemo and likewise Dory… however she in all probability would not keep in mind.
Water options: There are many swimming pools for splashing, and sunloungers for a couple of hours’ leisure
We additionally rode on camels and went on a glass-bottomed boat. It was a lot enjoyable. There are additionally a lot of day journeys you may 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 might be in paradise. The water is crystal clear and the seashores have essentially 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 properly designed, and even on the seashore you may have nice area between the seats.
In all places may be very family-friendly, and it doesn’t matter what your curiosity, as a household, everybody can be completely satisfied. If you’re sporty, a diver, a golfer – or if you wish to go to one of many main spas on the planet or just sit back and calm down, you are able to do all of it in Soma Bay.
