Jaz Makadina ★★★★★

Egypt evokes images of age-old civilisations, ancient deserts, and mystical pyramids that soar up out of brash orange sands. But it is also a place of intense relaxation, edged by mind-blowing beaches and crystal clear waters, and it was this side of Egypt that I was ready and raring to explore. I couldn’t wait to feel the warm sun on my skin and enjoy the serene surroundings knowing that a wealth of rich heritage was right around the corner.

The Jaz Makadina seemed like the perfect place to realise all of these fantasies. Set on a beautiful, secluded patch of Egyptian beach, it combines a luxurious five-star charm with a mesmerising Nubian-Moroccan design. The exterior boasts a cool cream colouring that extends out between a free-shaped pool and down towards the intimate beach beyond.

Inside, the Makadina was just as impressive, sporting a rich and colourful design peppered with sumptuous elements, like ceiling frescoes, grand pillars, and an enchanting hat-tip to North African style. My room offered the same muted tones – a tranquil backdrop of creams, tans, and cool yellows set off with a burst of red furniture. There was plenty of space to relax in, too, with a cosy seating area, thick, plush furnishings, and a private balcony that looked out between lush green palms and across the glistening waters of Makadi Bay.

It was outside, underneath the Egyptian sun that I really got my relaxation on, though. I basked by the pool, revelling in the quiet atmosphere, and lounged on the near-empty stretch of beach that flanks Makadi Bay. For the adventurous traveller, there are a number of activities that add a burst of adrenalin to the peaceful shores. Right on the beachfront outside the Makadina you can dive and snorkel with the hotel’s dive centre – the perfect way to discover the calm, sheltered waters of Makadi Bay and the sea life that inhabits it. Back on dry land, there’s ample opportunity to dabble in some volleyball or try camel-back riding along the golden sands. And for those who want to explore the wealth of culture that Egypt has to offer, the Souk Makadi is just minutes away, promising a world filled with artisan shops, authentic restaurants, and bars.

If, like me, all that exploring and adventuring needs to be paired with a heavy dose of relaxation, then head to the Jacuzzi, or end your day by the pool with a cocktail in hand. When the sun begins to set and the hunger pangs strike, there are plenty of dining options throughout the hotel. Set inside elegant restaurants framed with ornate archways and a low-lit ambiance, you can tuck into local Egyptian cuisine, a hearty and delicious affair!

I travelled to Egypt to try out its relaxing side. Far from the hustle and bustle of the cities and the tourists that swarm around the pyramids I found a luxurious haven than promised secluded charm and a hint of North-African culture. From the great array of water sports to the quiet beach and the lush design, the Jaz Makadina was the perfect place for me to recharge and unwind under the glow of the Egyptian sun.