Escape to Paradise: Arabella Azur Resort Awaits in Hurghada!
Okay, buckle up buttercups! Because we're diving HEADFIRST into the swirling turquoise waters of Escape to Paradise: Arabella Azur Resort Awaits in Hurghada! – or as I'm now calling it, "Arabella… and My Inner Child Screaming for Vacation!"
Let me be brutally honest. Reviews, they can be BORING. But trust me, I’m not here to just regurgitate a list. I'm here to tell you, actually tell ya, what it feels like to be there.
(Oh, and SEO, you sneaky little devil. Here we go… Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt, Resort, Accessible, Spa, All-Inclusive, Beachfront, Relaxing, Family-Friendly, WiFi, Pool, Restaurants, Arabella Azur… got it. Now can we get back to the fun?!)
First Impressions (and the Airport Transfer… Pray for Me!)
Okay, so landing in Hurghada felt like stepping into a warm, giant hug. But the airport? Let’s just say the airport transfer there-and-back felt like an adventure… especially with that road. But hey, it's part of the journey, right? The Airport transfer service that Arabella offers… it’s smooth, thank God. I was praying it'd be good after that airport!
Now, the resort itself? Whoa. Instant Instagram-worthy vibes. The exterior corridor of my room… it literally led to the beach. (Cue my inner child doing a happy dance). Checking in was express and private. Thank God. (I hate queues).
Accessibility: My Inner Wheelchair Whisperer (Mostly Positive!)
Okay, accessibility is CRUCIAL. I can't stress this enough. And Arabella? Pretty darn good. They have facilities for disabled guests (that’s good!), a elevator (again, PRAISE), and I saw plenty of ramps throughout the property. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property gave me a sense of security. I didn't need to worry about anything.
Now, I am a little bummed that there's nothing mentioned on the accessibility of the shuttle buses and I'd like to know if the beach is fully accessible. But overall? Thumbs up.
Rooms: My Little Oasis (and the Blackout Curtains Saved My Life!)
My room? Oh my god, it was divine. Non-smoking rooms are my jam. The air conditioning was a blessing from the gods. And the blackout curtains? Absolute lifesavers after a night of… let’s just call it "researching the local cocktail scene." Internet access – wireless was fast (thank you, thank you), and the free Wi-Fi? Everywhere! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Free Bottled Water was great 'cause the Egyptian sun is a BEAST.
The additional toilet and separate shower/bathtub meant no fighting over the bathroom after the beach. And the in-room safe box? Peace of mind. The wake-up service worked perfectly (even if I ignored it a few times… shh!).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Paradise (Seriously, SO MUCH FOOD!)
Right. Let's talk about the important stuff: FOOD. Arabella's got this in spades. Restaurants galore! Restaurants are there, and it was a hard choice of which to go to.
- Breakfast was a breakfast buffet. Honestly? Best. Stuffing. Ever. Western breakfast was on offer, but the Asian breakfast was amazing. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was perfect.
- Lunch & Dinner: The buffet in restaurant was so extensive and had every cuisine you can imagine and a bunch you’d never even heard of. A la carte in restaurant was available too. International cuisine in restaurant was awesome. Asian cuisine in restaurant? Yes please. Salad in restaurant all in one go! Soup in restaurant kept me cozy. Desserts in restaurant… well, let's just say I may have loosened my belt a notch or two. (More than a notch, actually). Vegetarian options were plentiful at the vegetarian restaurant.
- Poolside Bar: The poolside bar was a game-changer. Happy hour? You bet your bottom dollar. And the bottle of water I received was very helpful.
- Snack Bar: Yeah, there was a snack bar too. Because, you know, sometimes you just need a snack after the fifth plate of something-or-other.
- Room Service: Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after a particularly hard day of… well, relaxing.
The Spa & Relaxation: My Happy Place (and Possibly Heaven)
This is where Arabella really shines. Okay, I’m gonna get real here. I spent a lot of time in the spa/sauna. A LOT.
- Sauna & Steam Room: The sauna was hot. The steamroom… well, let’s just say I emerged looking like a slightly less wrinkly prune.
- Massages: Massage was pure bliss. Book. One. NOW. (Seriously, do it. You won't regret it).
- Body Treats: I got a body scrub and a body wrap. I'm not sure what they did, but I left feeling like a newborn baby.
- Pool with View: The pool with view? Stunning. So many swimming pools to chill in.
- Fitness Center & Gym: I tried to use the fitness center and gym/fitness. I really did. But… the pool with view kept calling me.
- Foot bath: I liked it a lot!
Cleanliness and Safety: My Germophobia's Relief (Thank you!)
Look, I travel with a healthy dose of paranoia. But Arabella put my mind at ease. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Hand sanitizer? Practically everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check, check, check! Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? You got it. Cashless payment service? Convenient and safe. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was observed. Air conditioning in public area keeping everything nice as well.
Things To Do & Getting Around: Adventure Time! (Or, You Know, More Relaxing)
Okay, so you could relax all day. And that’s perfectly acceptable. But if you’re feeling adventurous:
- Water Sports: The Red Sea is right there! Snorkeling, diving… the works.
- Excursions: They can arrange all sorts of day trips.
- Car Park: Car park [free of charge] was a bonus (I didn't hire a car, but good to know).
- Taxi Service: Taxi service was always available.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly. Concierge can arrange pretty much anything.
- Daily Housekeeping: Daily housekeeping was spot-on. My linens were always fresh.
- Laundry Service: I also used the laundry service. Thank goodness for the ironing service!
- Gift Shop: Gift/souvenir shop for those last-minute purchases.
- Luggage Storage: Luggage storage so you can explore a bit before you leave.
- Currency Exchange: Currency exchange was a lifesaver.
For the Kids: Family Fun! (Even If You're Not a Kid… like Me!)
- Family/child friendly: Family/child friendly? Absolutely!
- Babysitting Service: They have a babysitting service.
The Verdict: Book It! (Seriously, What Are You Waiting For?!)
Okay, people. I've been honest. I've been transparent. I've probably overshared. But my point is this: Escape to Paradise: Arabella Azur Resort Awaits in Hurghada! is the real deal. It's a place where you can truly escape, relax, and recharge. It’s got the perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and… well, delicious food.
My honest opinion? It’s a MUST-BOOK.
My Crazy Offer! (Because I’m Excited!)
Okay, here’s what I’m thinking. If you book a stay at Arabella Azur Resort in Hurghada through YOUR favorite travel agent (or directly - your call!), and you mention this review to show you did your homework and got the best deal, I may be able to somehow get you a free bottle of something to make this whole escapade even more special.
Mulhouse's BEST Hotel? Berti Hotel Centre Gare Review!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-curated travel blog. We are going to the Arabella Azur Resort in Hurghada, Egypt, and trust me, it’s gonna be a ride. This is less a schedule and more a survival guide fueled by way too much Red Sea sunshine and questionable buffet desserts.
Pre-Trip Meltdown & Airport Shenanigans (Because, Adulting):
- -2 Days: Panic sets in. Did I pack enough? (Spoiler: No. Always bring more socks. And maybe a tiny bottle of sanity.) Started Googling "Egyptian tummy troubles" and immediately regretted it. My stomach now feels permanently clenched.
- Day 1: The Flight of the Flying Sardine:
- 7:00 AM: Wake up, fueled by caffeine and the desperate hope this actually happens.
- 8:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. The driver blasts questionable Arabic pop music that actually kind of slaps. I think, "Culture!" then immediately feel like I'm betraying all I ever knew. Embrace the awkward.
- 9:00 AM: Airport security – a fun game of "Can I fit all my liquids into this tiny baggie?" Success! (Mostly.)
- 11:00 AM: Finally on the plane. The woman in front of me immediately reclines her seat. The battle of the legroom begins. Silent rage.
- Flight: Turbulence! I grip the armrest like it's a life raft. Kid behind me screams. I start questioning all my life choices. Breathe, you idiot, breathe.
- Arrival: Hurghada! The heat hits you like a wall. It's glorious. I feel like I'm being hugged by the sun. And sweat. Lots of sweat.
Day 1: Arabella Arrival & Beach Bliss (and Buffet Debacles):
- Afternoon: Arrive at the resort. Arabella looks…okay? A bit tired, maybe, a little too beige, but the palm trees are actually really pretty. Check-in: relatively painless. First impression: lots of Russians. (Okay, I know I judged the airplane legroom recliners, maybe I'm the problem?).
- 3:00 PM: Room. Okay, it's clean. The balcony overlooks the pool, and it's… smaller than I imagined. Fine. Embrace the journey of disappointment.
- 4:00 PM: Beach! Water is crystal clear. I have a legit "wow" moment. It is as blue as the pictures. I wade into the Red Sea. Instant bliss. The weight of pre-trip anxiety melts away. (Mostly.)
- 6:00 PM: Sunset drinks. They're…fine. The cocktails taste suspiciously similar, but I'm on vacation, so I'll take it. People-watching is crucial. I observe a couple arguing over who forgot the sunscreen. Relationship goals? (Questionable).
- 7:00 PM: Buffet dinner. Oh, the buffet. A culinary rollercoaster. The bread is stale. The "international" food is…an interesting interpretation. I try something I think is fish. It's… something. I'm pretty sure I swallowed a bone. No one wants to think about it. I find a surprisingly delicious piece of grilled chicken. Small victories.
- End of Day 1: Crawl into bed, exhausted but content. The air conditioning is on full blast. Success.
Day 2: Snorkeling, Sunburns & Sandstorms of the Soul:
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Regret the buffet. Drink ALL the water.
- 10:00 AM: Snorkeling excursion! We take a boat trip out to some coral reefs. This is the reason I came here. We're on the water, and the ocean is that indescribably gorgeous teal .
- The Snorkeling Experience - A Deep Dive into Wonder and Panic:
- First Impression: The water is clear, I can see the reef below, and I'm scared. Seriously, a massive wave of fear floods my system. "What's down there?" I mutter to myself. "Lots of sea life," my husband cheerfully replies.
- Brave Face: I strap on my gear, take a deep breath, and jump. OMG. The underwater world is everything!!! Neon fish dart around, the coral is alive with color, and I'm a freaking mermaid! For five glorious minutes.
- Panic Sets In Again: Then – claustrophobia. I'm on the surface again, gasping for air, and the mask fogs up. I surface and realize, "Hey, I don't love the ocean!"
- Emotions, Revisited: We move on, and I steel my nerves. The water is still stunning. I'm floating above a world of incredible beauty. It's a sensory overload. This is why I came. This is incredible.
- The Sunburn: We stayed out too long. I now resemble a cooked lobster in a bikini. Sunscreen next time, you genius.
- Afternoon: Lay by the pool, nursing my sunburn and my pride. Vow to use sunscreen. Fail.
- Evening: Another buffet. Realize I don't know what half the food is. Try a mystery dish. Nope. Stick to the grilled chicken and the pasta bar. The guy at the pasta station looks at me like I'm an idiot. I'm pretty sure I am.
- End of Day 2: Reflect on the day. Feeling good, some regret, but the feeling of seeing the underwater world makes me feel lucky. Consider writing a poem about the sea, then decide it's too much effort. Sleep comes quickly.
Day 3: Desert Dreams (& The Mystery of the Missing Towel):
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Sunburn is throbbing. I look like a tomato. This is going to be rough day.
- 10:00 AM: Camel ride in the desert! My brain is screaming "Tourist trap!" but my heart is like "Camel! Yes!"
- Desert Adventure – Sand, Sweat, and a Camel Named Kevin:
- The Camel: Get up on my camel. My camel's name is Kevin. Kevin is grumpy. Kevin smells faintly of…camel. I am terrified.
- The Ride: The desert is breathtaking. Vast, open, and hot. I keep wondering how Kevin feels. I'm not sure if he wants to eat me. Up and down, up and down. The rhythm is nauseating but the landscape is inspiring.
- The Culture: Stop for a Bedouin "experience". We're served incredibly sweet tea. We're shown how to grind something or other. A dance performance begins. I awkwardly sway. Everything is a little bit "staged," but I'm having fun.
- The Return: We return to the resort. It feels like we've been gone for weeks. Kevin gets a well-deserved rest. I vow to walk more often.
- Afternoon: Pool time for shade. Find myself scanning the beach, desperately hoping to find my missing hotel towel. I swear I left it on my chair. The mystery of the stolen towel remains unsolved. I steal one from the room.
- Evening: The buffet again. They try to make a burger night. It's…a disaster. I'm starting to think I'm developing an allergy to the resort food. I sneak down to the beach for the sun and feel the waves.
- End of Day 3: I feel the sun, the sand, the ocean, and the joy is complete. Time to sleep.
Day 4: Relaxation & Reflections (and the looming threat of "Departure Day"):
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Sunburn is slightly better. I'm starting to feel acclimatized.
- 10:00 AM: Spa day! Get a massage that is simultaneously amazing and a little awkward. I feel like I'm made of jelly.
- Afternoon: Do absolutely nothing. Read a book. Swim. Stare at the sea. Embrace the boredom. This is what "vacation" is supposed to be about, right?
- Evening: Final buffet. Say goodbye to the bread. Wonder if I've gained 10 pounds. Probably.
- End of Day 4: Pack. Dread the flight home. Decide that I'm going to miss this place. Actually, a lot.
Day 5: Goodbye Hurghada:
- Morning: Last breakfast. Try to eat something I won't regret. Fail.
- Departure: Airport. Security. Plane. Legroom battle (again).
Post-Trip:
- Home: Back to reality. Miss the sun, the sea, and the questionable buffet food. Start planning my next trip. Maybe I'll finally learn to like camel.
So there you have it. My Arabella Azur Resort experience. It was messy, imperfect,
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Escape to Paradise: Arabella Azur Resort Awaits - The (Unfiltered) FAQ!
Okay, so you're eyeballing Arabella Azur in Hurghada, are ya? Smart move... and also, maybe prepare yourself. I've been there. I've *survived* there. So, let's get real with some questions you probably have. And trust me, you *do* have them.
Is it REALLY as beautiful as the pictures?
Alright, let's be honest. Those pictures? Yeah, they're probably touched up. Like everyone's Instagram feed. That being said… *mostly* yes. The beach is stunning. Seriously, the water? Turquoise. I mean, postcard-worthy turquoise. The landscaping is pretty lush – if you don't mind the occasional slightly-wilting-in-the-Egyptian-sun flower. I remember taking a picture that looked absolutely perfect... until I saw the rogue stray cat trying to get into the breakfast buffet in the background. Reality check, people. But yeah, pretty darn beautiful. Just, you know, don't expect perfection. It's life, it's Egypt, it's… mostly lovely.
What about the food? I'm a picky eater. Am I doomed?
The food... ah, the *food*. Okay, buckle up, picky eaters. It's an all-inclusive, so buffet-style is the name of the game. This means options. A LOT of options. But also, quality can vary. There's usually a pasta station (thank GOD!), fresh bread (another lifesaver), and salad. Honestly, the salad was consistently good - which surprised me! – although I once saw a tiny lizard doing laps in the lettuce (don't judge, it happens). The main courses rotate, some are amazing, some… less so. My pro-tip: If you see freshly grilled anything, go for it. And the falafel? Divine, especially at the beach bar. Trust me. I lived there, for a week. And I am not going to lie, I secretly smuggled a croissant back to my room every day.
Are the rooms nice? Clean?
The rooms... well. They're... functional. Clean? Mostly. Okay, on arrival, mine was sparkling, but by day three, you could tell it was being kept clean by a very enthusiastic, yet overworked, housekeeper. Think a slightly dated, but still pleasant, hotel room. The air conditioning *works*, which is HUGE. The bed was comfy enough, although the pillows were a little… flat-chested, if you know what I mean. I did have a balcony overlooking the sea, which was pure bliss at sunset. Worth it for that alone. I swear I saw a couple fighting over the last sun lounger once. And another time, I found a cockroach in the bathtub. Sigh. But hey, you're in Egypt! Embrace the little imperfections, it's part of the charm (and the adventure, let's be honest). And bring your own pillow if you are sensitive to your neck!
What's the deal with the service?
This is where it gets interesting. The staff are, on the whole, lovely. They're working hard and they're generally very friendly and helpful. But it's Egypt. Things sometimes happen at a slower pace. Ordering a drink at the bar? Be prepared to *wait*. Things can be a bit disorganized from time to time. (I waited for my luggage for about 2 hours... it was in the back, they just couldn't find it.) Just breathe, smile, and be patient. A little tip goes a long way. Remember, you're on vacation. Embrace the chaos! Sometimes, I even think they do it on purpose to make you relax! And don't be afraid to ask for help. They really do want to help. But yes, bring a book for the wait at the bar.
Is it good for families?
Yep, good for families! Arabella Azur has a kids' club (although I have no personal experience of this, I spent enough time near it to hear the kids screaming), several pools, and a shallow area for the little ones. The beach is lovely and the sea is generally calm, although it can get a bit choppy. There's enough to keep the kids entertained. The food, as mentioned, has options for everybody. The staff is generally very welcoming to children. Just make sure the kids are wearing sunscreen – the sun is relentless. And bring those water wings! And maybe some earplugs... just in case. I did witness a full-blown toddler meltdown at the breakfast buffet. Good times.
Any tips for dealing with the heat?
Oh, the heat! It's Egypt. It's hot. Very hot. Drink LOTS of water. Seriously. More than you think you need. Slather on the sunscreen (reapply, REAPPLY!). Seek shade during the hottest part of the day (around 11 am to 3 pm). And wear light, loose clothing. I almost passed out walking from the pool to my room one time. I'm not joking. Hats are your friend. Sunglasses too. And a good book to hide behind in the shade. And maybe a small, portable fan - seriously, pack one. You won't regret it. I got sunburnt on the first day. A mistake I won't make again!
Is it worth the money?
Honestly? Yes. For what you get – a beautiful location, mostly decent food (with falafel!), and a relatively stress-free holiday – it's a good value. It's not luxury, but it's comfortable enough and offers a great escape. The memories will be worth it. Despite the potential for cockroach encounters, the questionable salad lizard, and the occasional slow service, I would go back tomorrow. I have a photo of the sunset over the Red Sea as my screensaver to this day. And that, my friends, is priceless. Just go. But pack extra patience and maybe some bug spray.
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