Soma Bay and Marsa Alam: Red Sea Resorts

Soma Bay is a private peninsula south of Hurghada, wrapped by sea on three sides, with a handful of fine hotels, a championship golf course and one of the best kitesurfing lagoons in Egypt. Farther south, Marsa Alam is the Red Sea at its most natural: desert mountains meeting coral reefs, quiet bays and some of the healthiest marine life in the region.

These coasts suit divers, families and anyone who wants calm. Combine them with El Gouna to the north, or with Luxor across the desert. See our Egypt luxury vacation guide for itineraries.

Marsa Alam is famous for snorkeling with green turtles and, with luck, the rare dugong in sea-grass bays such as Abu Dabbab. Samadai Reef, known as Dolphin House, is a protected lagoon where spinner dolphins rest; visitor numbers are controlled. Liveaboards from Port Ghalib reach the remote reefs of Elphinstone, the Brothers and Daedalus for some of the best diving anywhere.

In Soma Bay, the lagoon is ideal for kitesurfing and the golf course is one of Egypt's finest. Desert trips into the Eastern Desert mountains and to ancient emerald mines add a sense of adventure. More in diving and the outdoors and golf.

From the US, fly nonstop to Cairo with EgyptAir from New York, Newark, Washington, Chicago or Los Angeles. Connect to Hurghada for Soma Bay and Sahl Hasheesh, or to Marsa Alam for the south. Both airports also receive many direct flights from Europe and handle private aircraft. Port Ghalib's marina welcomes yachts; see superyacht charter and yacht itineraries on the Red Sea.

Soma Bay has a growing number of residences and villas by the sea and golf course, popular with European and Egyptian buyers looking for a quiet Red Sea base. See our guide to Egypt Luxury Real Estate investment.