Soma Bay, a beautiful coastal area on Egypt’s Red Sea, is a hidden gem for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation, adventure, and luxury. Known for its pristine beaches, world-class resorts, and vibrant marine life, Soma Bay has quickly become a top destination in Egypt. In this guide, we’ll explore all the activities and things to do in Soma Bay, highlighting popular hotels, must-try activities, and local providers to ensure you make the most of your stay.
Table of Contents
- Where to Stay: Soma Bay Hotels
- Top Activities to Do in Soma Bay
- 1. Snorkeling and Diving
- 2. Kitesurfing and Windsurfing
- 3. Golfing at The Cascades Golf Resort
- 4. Desert Safaris
- 5. Spa and Wellness
- 6. Horseback Riding
- Dining in Soma Bay: Top Restaurants and Bars
- Recommended Activity Providers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Where to Stay: Soma Bay Hotels
Soma Bay is home to some of Egypt’s most luxurious resorts, offering a mix of family-friendly and adults-only accommodations. Here’s a look at the top hotels in Soma Bay:
- The Westin Soma Bay Golf Resort & Spa: A luxury resort that’s perfect for golf lovers, featuring an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Gary Player. Ideal for those seeking wellness and sports activities.
- Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay: Known for its Arabian-inspired architecture, this five-star hotel offers a serene ambiance with lagoon pools and private beach access. Perfect for travelers seeking both relaxation and opulence.
- Sheraton Soma Bay Resort: A family-friendly option that sits on a pristine sandy beach with beautiful coral reefs nearby, making it ideal for snorkeling enthusiasts.
- Robinson Club Soma Bay: A vibrant resort known for its sports and activities, particularly popular among kitesurfers and active travelers.
- The Breakers Diving and Surfing Lodge: A laid-back, eco-friendly hotel focused on diving and surfing. This spot is ideal for adventure seekers and those looking to be close to the action.
- Top Activities to Do in Soma Bay
- Snorkeling and Diving
Soma Bay is a haven for snorkelers and divers, offering vibrant coral reefs and clear waters that are home to a wide variety of marine life. With abundant reefs just off the shore, it’s perfect for beginners and seasoned divers alike. Popular dive spots include Tobia Arbaa and Tobia Island.
Activity Provider Recommendations:
- Orca Dive Club Soma Bay: Offers comprehensive diving packages and training courses for all levels.
- Breakers Diving Center: Provides tailored dives and reef explorations for advanced divers.
- Kitesurfing and Windsurfing
Thanks to its consistent winds and calm bays, Soma Bay is one of the best places in Egypt for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The bay’s shallow waters create ideal conditions for beginners and intermediates to practice, while advanced kitesurfers can enjoy the high-speed thrills.
Activity Provider Recommendations:
- 7Bft KiteHouse: Located at Robinson Club, it offers classes and rentals for kitesurfing, catering to all levels with certified instructors.
- Kite Surfing Center Soma Bay: Offers personalized instruction, gear rentals, and an on-site kite shop for all your needs.
- Golfing at The Cascades Golf Resort
Golf enthusiasts won’t want to miss The Cascades Golf Resort at The Westin Soma Bay. This 18-hole, par-72 championship course was designed by renowned golfer Gary Player and offers scenic views of the Red Sea and desert landscapes. Both beginners and seasoned players can enjoy a challenging yet rewarding experience on this stunning course.
- Desert Safaris
For a true taste of adventure, try a desert safari. Soma Bay’s proximity to the Eastern Desert makes it easy to explore dunes, mountains, and traditional Bedouin villages. Whether you’re interested in a 4×4 excursion, camel ride, or quad bike adventure, a desert safari offers a unique way to experience Egypt’s rugged beauty.
Activity Provider Recommendations:
- Red Sea Desert Safari: Offers customizable desert trips ranging from sunset camel rides to full-day quad bike tours.
- Soma Bay Safari Club: Provides guided tours with experienced local guides for an authentic Bedouin experience.
- Spa and Wellness
Unwind and rejuvenate at one of Soma Bay’s world-class spas. From thalassotherapy to aromatherapy, Soma Bay’s spa offerings provide luxurious treatments designed to relieve stress and soothe the body and mind.
Spa Highlights:
- The Cascades Spa & Thalasso: Located at The Westin Soma Bay Golf Resort & Spa, it offers one of the largest thalassotherapy pools in the region and a range of treatments from body wraps to hot stone massages.
- Kempinski Soma Bay Spa: Features a combination of traditional and modern treatments to ensure a truly relaxing experience.
- Horseback Riding
Experience the beauty of Soma Bay from a different perspective by embarking on a horseback riding adventure. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, exploring the desert and beach on horseback is a memorable experience.
Activity Provider Recommendation:
- Jasmine Horse Stable: Offers various horseback riding trips, including desert excursions and beach rides. They cater to all skill levels and provide well-maintained horses for a safe and enjoyable ride.
- Dining in Soma Bay: Top Restaurants and Bars
Soma Bay boasts a variety of dining options that cater to diverse culinary tastes. Here are some top-rated restaurants and bars you shouldn’t miss:
- Sobar: Located at the Somabay Marina, Sobar offers a vibrant atmosphere with a menu featuring international cuisine and a wide selection of beverages. It’s an ideal spot for
Red Sea Desert Safari offers customizable desert trips ranging from sunset camel rides to full-day quad bike tours.
- Soma Bay Safari Club provides guided tours with experienced local guides for an authentic Bedouin experience.
- Spa and Wellness
Unwind and rejuvenate at one of Soma Bay’s world-class spas. From thalassotherapy to aromatherapy, Soma Bay’s spa offerings provide luxurious treatments designed to relieve stress and soothe the body and mind.
Spa Highlights:
- The Cascades Spa & Thalasso at The Westin Soma Bay Golf Resort & Spa offers one of the largest thalassotherapy pools in the region and a range of treatments from body wraps to hot stone massages.
- Kempinski Soma Bay Spa features a combination of traditional and modern treatments to ensure a truly relaxing experience.
- Recommended Activity Providers
For a memorable experience in Soma Bay, it’s essential to choose reliable and well-reviewed activity providers. Here are some highly recommended ones:
- Orca Dive Club: Known for their excellent customer service, they offer a range of diving courses and trips.
- 7Bft KiteHouse: This center is ideal for kitesurfers and windsurfers at all skill levels, with lessons, rentals, and on-site storage.
- Red Sea Desert Safari: Known for their knowledgeable guides and well-organized tours, they’re a top choice for desert excursions.
- Cascades Spa & Thalasso: A premium choice for spa treatments and wellness services, particularly for those interested in thalassotherapy.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best time to visit Soma Bay?
A: The best time to visit Soma Bay is between October and April, when temperatures are mild and ideal for outdoor activities like diving, kitesurfing, and golf.
Q: Are there family-friendly activities in Soma Bay?
A: Absolutely! Soma Bay’s hotels, especially the Sheraton and Westin, offer a range of family-friendly activities, including kids’ clubs, snorkeling, and beach games.
Q: Is Soma Bay suitable for beginners in kitesurfing?
A: Yes, the shallow and protected waters make Soma Bay an excellent choice for beginners. The 7Bft KiteHouse offers lessons for beginners, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Q: Can I find all-inclusive packages in Soma Bay?
A: Yes, many of the resorts, including Robinson Club and Sheraton Soma Bay, offer all-inclusive options that cover meals, drinks, and certain activities.
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