Escape to Paradise: Steigenberger Makadi (Adults Only) - Your Egyptian Oasis Awaits
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the "adults only" paradise that is the Steigenberger Makadi in Egypt. Forget perfectly polished reviews – this is the raw, the real, the occasionally-slightly-hungover me offering you the lowdown on this Egyptian oasis. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because honestly, that's what a vacation should be!
First Impressions: Arrival and the "Oh My God, Look at That Pool!" Moment (and the slightly less glamorous bits)
Okay, let's be real. Landing in Hurghada, Egypt, is an experience. Hot, dusty, and a glorious sensory overload of vibrant chaos. The airport transfer was… well, it got us there. The airport transfer is available, which is a godsend after a long flight but not a luxurious stretch limo experience. It was efficient, blessedly air-conditioned, and brought us to the gates of bliss.
Then boom. The Steigenberger Makadi hits you. The architecture is stunning. Think cool, clean lines, with a touch of Egyptian grandeur. It's an adults only haven, which, yes, is as magical as it sounds. No screaming kids! Pure, uninterrupted peace (mostly).
Accessibility: Important Bits for Folks Who Need 'Em
Now, I haven't personally vetted the accessibility for mobility, but I've looked and I'll tell ya all I know: The hotel boasts Facilities for disabled guests, and Elevators are available. There is a *car parking [on-site] * and is free of charge. There are Rooms available that are Non-smoking. I wish I could give you more. If you need specific details, please contact the hotel directly beforehand. Don't rely on me, especially after the fifth espresso martini!
The Stuff We All Care About: Food, Drink, and Relaxation – My God, the Relaxation!
Alright, let's get to the good stuff – because let's be honest, that's why we're here, right?
Food, Glorious Food:
- Buffets. Yes, there is a breakfast buffet and the hotel offers Buffet in restaurant. I'm a buffet connoisseur and, let me tell you, it was impressive. I can recommend starting with an Asian breakfast to start with. The International cuisine in restaurant was also a hit, don't skip the fish, it was to die for! I am not sure about the Asian cuisine in restaurant.
- Restaurants: a la carte in restaurant, restaurants in the hotel and poolside bars are available.
- Snacks and Drinks: The pool bar is my favorite. The Poolside bar is a lifesaver. Especially after a brutal afternoon sunbathing. There is Happy hour, to get you in the mood. There are also Bars so you can be sure to have a drink whenever.
- Dietary Needs: Not sure but if you are Vegan, Vegetarian restaurant is an option.
Ways to Melt Away the Worries:
- Spa Central: Listen, I don't always treat myself (I just spent all my money on this trip), but the spa was worth it. The Body scrub and the Body wrap were amazing.
- Sauna, Steamroom, and Pool with view. I hit up the sauna and steamroom. Just saying, a good sauna is pure therapy.
- Fitness Fanatics: There's a Fitness center so you can get your sweat on.
Rooms - The Oasis Within the Oasis
The rooms at the Steigenberger are, in a word, comfortable. Okay, maybe a few more words: clean, spacious, and designed for relaxation. They have Air conditioning, a Coffee/tea maker, and the additional toilet. You'll wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the (very pleasant) challenges of the day.
Cleanliness and Safety: This Is Where Things Get Serious
Travel in these times demands extra consideration, and the Steigenberger Makadi gets it. They've got the bases covered: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer available, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. It made me feel comfortable and safe.
Getting Around (and the Little Extras)
- Getting Around:
- Airport transfer – They've got you covered.
- Taxi service – Readily available.
- Car park – On-site and free (score!).
- Conveniences:
- Free Wi-Fi – Okay, let's be real, this is essential. It rocks.
- Daily housekeeping – Puts a smile on your face, even with my mess.
- Concierge – Always helpful.
- Gift Shop – You'll leave with something, mark my words.
The Annoying Bits (Because No Place is Perfect)
Okay, gotta keep it real. Here's the teeny, tiny stuff:
- The Pricey Extras: Some of the spa treatments can push the budget (but, you know, treat yourself!).
- WIFI The WIFI can be spotty in places (mostly my fault for trying to stream Netflix on the beach).
Overall Verdict: Should You Go? ABSOLUTELY!
The Steigenberger Makadi is a fantastic choice for a couples' escape or a solo recharge. It's a well-run, beautiful property with excellent service and enough amenities to keep you blissfully occupied. It's not perfect, but it's darn close. It's got the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and deliciousness. I'd go back in a heartbeat.
The Offer - Because You Deserve This
Stop Dreaming, Start Escaping! Book Your Adults-Only Paradise at the Steigenberger Makadi Today!
Ready to ditch the chaos and embrace pure relaxation? Book your stay at the Steigenberger Makadi now and receive:
- Free upgrade to a room with pool view (subject to availability!).
- Complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival.
- Discounted spa treatments – because you deserve it!
- Flexible cancellation up to 7 days before your stay*.
Click the button below to book your Escape to Paradise!
(Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the hotel. My opinions are my own, fueled by delicious meals and far too many cocktails.)
Batam's BEST Beach Resort? Jaw-Dropping Views Await!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your polished, Instagram-worthy travel itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL, the messy, sunburnt, slightly-tipsy-by-noon account of my week at the Steigenberger Makadi (Adults Only) in Egypt. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, opinions, and the occasional existential crisis brought on by too much sun and delicious cocktails.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Luggage Debacle (aka, Paradise Found… Then Lost… Briefly)
- Morning (8:00 AM Hurghada Airport… in theory): Landed. Well, eventually landed. You know, the kind of landing where you swear the pilot used the runway as a suggestion. Anyway, bags? Missing. My meticulously packed "Egyptian Adventure" wardrobe? Vanished. Cue minor panic mixed with the distinct flavor of jet lag. The airport was a chaotic, beautiful mess of shouting, camels, and the persistent smell of dates.
- Morning (10:00 AM Transfer): The transfer was… scenic. Dusty roads, the vast, unforgiving desert, the occasional camel looking thoroughly unimpressed by our existence. I briefly entertained the idea of becoming a Bedouin, a thought quickly squashed by the realization I couldn't handle that much sand.
- Midday (11:30 AM Steigenberger Makadi - lobby): Finally! And it's GLORIOUS. Seriously – the lobby is a cathedral of cool marble and hushed luxury. Check-in was a blur of smiles and promises, which, after the luggage saga, felt suspiciously like magic. My heart soared, only to be slightly dashed when I was told that my baggage had, indeed, not arrived.
- Afternoon (12:30 PM - Lunch at The View): Okay, deep breaths. The view from the restaurant is stunning - the red sea… a blue painting from heaven! I'm talking, crystal clear water, and the promise of a good time. Food was incredible: fresh fish, grilled to perfection. Ate my sorrows with a mango smoothie.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - Room (eventually)): The room is amazing. Massive bed, balcony overlooking the pool, and a bathroom bigger than my first apartment. Still no luggage, cue dramatic sigh. Decided to embrace the "minimalist chic" look and rummaged through my carry-on for the bare essentials.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - Poolside, finally): The sun is fierce. Found a sunbed, ordered a cocktail (a "Makadi Sunset" – highly recommended), and promptly forgot all about the luggage. Poolside shenanigans began. There was a group of very enthusiastic Germans doing synchronized swimming (slightly terrifying, definitely entertaining). Got chatting to a lovely couple from England who were on their honeymoon – she's a travel blogger. Vowed to try and avoid their Instagram feed to avoid envy.
- Evening (7:00 PM - Dinner at T-Bones): This is where the magic really started. T-Bones is a steakhouse, and the steaks… oh, the steaks. Perfectly cooked, juicy, and the perfect antidote to a day of travel woes. The service was impeccable.
- Evening (9:00 PM - Deserted Beach): Took a stroll along the deserted beach under the stars. The air was warm, the sea gently lapped. It was pure, unadulterated serenity. Thought: "I could get used to this." The best part? No sign of the Germans.
Day 2: Snorkelling & The Undersea World (and a near-disaster)
- Morning (8:00 AM - Breakfast at The View): Another glorious breakfast spread. The pastries were dangerously tempting. Ate far too many. Regretting nothing.
- Morning (9:30 AM - Snorkelling Trip): Booked a snorkelling trip! The sea was unbelievably clear. The coral was vibrant, the fish even more so. It was like swimming in a giant, multicolored aquarium. Saw a sea turtle! Almost cried.
- Midday (11:00 AM - Near-Disaster): Okay, this is where things got real. I, in a moment of overconfidence (and perhaps a slight lack of judgement), strayed too far from the boat. The current was strong. I swallowed a gallon of seawater and started to panic. A very kind boatman (who deserves a medal) pulled me back. Lesson learned: respect the ocean, and maybe stick a bit closer to the group.
- Midday (12:30 PM - Lunch at The View (again)): Back on land, and feeling slightly shaken, ordered a massive plate of food for comfort. Ate it all.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - Poolside Recovery): Spent the rest of the afternoon recovering by the pool, sipping ice-cold water and trying not to hyperventilate. The sun felt particularly good after the near-drowning experience. Decided to give myself a pep talk.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - Spa Treatment): Did I mention I'm slightly accident-prone? The massage was amazing. The therapist practically kneaded all the stress out of my body.
- Evening (7:00 PM - Dinner at The Grill): The Grill, another restaurant on site, I loved! A romantic setting, incredible food (again!), and a much-needed dose of "feeling human again.”
- Evening (9:00 PM - Late night Beach Walk): After dinner, I decided to wander the beach again under the stars. Felt a sense of peace, and gratitude for this life.
Day 3: Desert Adventure & The Bedouin Experience (or, How I Became a (Temporary) Desert Nomad)
- Morning (8:00 AM - Breakfast): Breakfast was routine, but the anticipation for the desert adventure was overwhelming.
- Morning (9:30 AM - Quad Biking): Quad biking! The sensation of speed and freedom, the wind whipping through my hair, the endless expanse of sand. The only downside? The occasional rogue dune I almost crashed into.
- Noon (12:00 AM - Bedouin Camp): Arrived at a Bedouin camp. This whole experience was pure magic. Riding camels (yes, really!), enjoying traditional music, and feasting on a delicious Bedouin meal under the stars.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - Sunset): Watched the sunset over the desert. The colours! The light! It was nothing short of breathtaking. Started to understand why people write poems. Spent my evening staring at the beautiful sunset.
- Evening (7:00 PM - Dinner at The Beach Resturant): Romantic setting, fresh sea food, lovely night.
Day 4: Diving and Relaxation (or, trying to be graceful)
- Morning (8:00 AM - Breakfast): Another breakfast and was again, feeling the desire to go diving!
- Morning (9:30 AM - Diving): Diving was amazing! Felt like I was flying in the sea.
- Noon (12:00 AM - Poolside): Spent the afternoon sunbathing and relaxing.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - Spa): Went for a couples massage with my husband.
- Evening (7:00 PM - Dinner at the Italian Resturant): Amazing food! Incredible night.
- Evening (9:00 PM - Drinks at the bar): Met with some really nice people, and was in such a great mood.
Day 5: Makadi Bay and the Souk (and the Great Dress Hunt)
- Morning (8:00 AM - Breakfast): Breakfast and getting ready to go out and see Makadi Bay.
- Morning (9:30 AM - Makadi Bay): Makadi Bay, so many shops and restaurants, and felt amazing.
- Noon (12 PM - Souk): Souk experience, amazing!
- Afternoon (2 PM - Lunch): Lunch, I ordered Pasta and it was incredible.
- Afternoon (4 PM - Back to the hotel): Went back to the hotel to get ready for the evening.
- Evening (7:00 PM - Dinner at the Thai Resturant): The food was incredible! Such a nice evening.
Day 6: Beach day and farewell dinner
- Morning (8:00 AM - Breakfast): Ate breakfast, while the final day was approaching, so sad.
- Morning (9:30 AM - Beach): Spending the whole morning at the beach, soaking up the sun!
- Noon (12:00 AM - Lunch): Had lunch, some delicious food.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - Pool): Spent the whole afternoon by the pool soaking up the sun.
- Evening (7:00 PM - Farewell Dinner at the Steakhouse - T-Bones): Had my final dinner at the steakhouse, incredible!
Day 7: Departure (or, The Great Luggage Return & Existential Dread)
- **Morning (8:
Escape to Paradise: Steigenberger Makadi (Adults Only) - FAQ… or, My Brain Dump About the Place
Okay, so… Is this place *actually* paradise? Or just… Egypt?
Look, "paradise" is a big word. And let's be real, my expectations were, shall we say, *elevated*. It *is* Egypt. Which means, you know, a certain level of dust is pretty much baked into the experience. But… the Steigenberger Makadi is REALLY good. It’s more like a pre-paradise, a paradise-adjacent situation. Think of it as the warm-up act. The canapés before the main course of actual, capital-P Paradise. The Red Sea is magnificent, that much is true. If you are a diver or a snorkeler, it's like… underwater Disneyland. So yeah, maybe not Eden itself, but I'd definitely volunteer to live there for a month. Maybe two. With a good supply of mosquito repellent. (More on those little bloodsuckers later.)
Adults Only? Does that mean… peace and quiet? Because I *need* peace and quiet.
OH. MY. GOD. YES. Peace and quiet. Sweet, sweet peace and quiet. No screaming children. No splashing. Just… bliss. I swear, I could *feel* my blood pressure lower within the first hour. It's the best thing since sliced bread, honestly. And trust me, after the past year or two, I needed it. You'll find yourself whispering, just out of habit. You start to become one with the silence. Except… sometimes, the silence makes you *too* aware of your own thoughts. Then you have to run for a cocktail. Which, by the way…
The food. Tell me about the food! Is it just… beige?
Okay, so, the food. This is ESSENTIAL. Beige? Never! Okay, *occasionally* beige in the buffet, let's be real. But the a la carte restaurants? Oh, they were glorious. I went to the Italian place THREE times. Three! And I’m not even that big on Italian food. The seafood restaurant? Divine. The grilled fish… I still dream about it. The service? Impeccable. They anticipate your needs – refills, extra napkins… they are magicians! The dessert buffet… well, let's just say I came home with a slightly tighter waistband. Worth. It. (And a word of advice? Tip generously. They deserve it, and it gets you even BETTER service. Win-win.)
What about the rooms? Are they… okay? Or are they actually nice?
The rooms… listen, I'm not a princess. I don't NEED a gold-plated toilet. But they were genuinely lovely. Clean, spacious, well-appointed. And the balcony! Oh, the balcony. My own little oasis. Sea view? Yes, please! I spent hours just… staring. Doing absolutely nothing. Which is exactly what I was there to do. The bed was comfortable. The air conditioning worked. The shower had good water pressure. Honestly, what more could you ask for? Except maybe a room service option for breakfast on the balcony… (Note to self: Suggestion box.)
Okay, let’s talk about the “minus”. What about the negatives? Spill the tea!
Alright, alright, here's the rough stuff. Deep breaths… The Mosquitos. THE. MOSQUITOS. They were relentless. They were the only thing that truly marred my experience. Bring extra repellent, the strongest you can find. Seriously. I mean, I spent a good portion of my time slapping the air… It was almost a full time job. And for goodness sake, close your balcony door at night. The beach… it's mostly man-made. It's still perfectly pleasant, but it's not the untouched beauty you might picture. It's also very, very hot. And… and this is a tiny nitpick, but I found the entertainment… well, let’s just say it wasn't exactly Broadway. But hey, I'm happy to have peace and quiet anyway. So, yeah, that’s it. Not a dealbreaker, really. Just… be prepared for the bugs. BRING BUG SPRAY!
What activities are there? Are you forced to be bored?
Bored? Never! Unless you *want* to be, of course. There's snorkeling and diving (as mentioned – *amazing*). The coral reefs are just… wow. There's a spa (I highly recommend a massage – pure bliss). There's a gym (I did *not* use the gym, but it's there if you're into that sort of thing). There are various water sports, day trips to Hurghada or the desert. I spent most of my time in the pool, reading, and drinking fruity cocktails. Which, let's be honest, is the definition of a perfect holiday, right? You can be as active or as lazy as you like. It is perfection.
Would you go back? And would you recommend it?
Absolutely. In a heartbeat. I'm already checking flights. I'd recommend it to anyone who needs a break, some peace, and a dose of sunshine. Especially those who are over the age of… let’s say, 25? It’s not cheap. But… it’s worth it. Every penny. Just… pack the bug spray. Seriously. And don't forget your good book. And maybe a sense of humour. You'll need it for the mosquitos. Seriously, I'm still itching just thinking about it…
