Super Shaleh Ras Sedr: Egypt's Hidden Paradise Revealed!
Super Shaleh Ras Sedr: Egypt's Hidden Paradise… Or Just a Really Nice Place to Chill? A Brutally Honest Review!
Okay, so you're thinking about Super Shaleh Ras Sedr? Good choice! Or maybe… We’ll get there. I'm not gonna lie, I went in with high expectations, the whole "Hidden Paradise Revealed!" thing. And, well, it is pretty darn nice. But let's unpack this, shall we? Because real talk, no place is perfect.
Accessibility: (Getting There and Getting Around - Messy, But Manageable)
- Getting There: Ras Sedr itself is a trek. It's a good 2-3 hour drive from Cairo. Buckle up, buttercups! The roads are… well, they’re Egyptian roads. Let's just say you'll be practicing your "hold on tight" grip. (Anecdote time!) I swear, at one point I thought my teeth were going to vibrate loose! Luckily, the hotel does offer airport transfers, which is a godsend. Consider it. Seriously.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: I can't personally vouch for this, but the website does mention facilities for disabled guests. I saw elevators, which is a good sign. But, like any Egyptian destination, you’ll want to double-check specifics. Call ahead. Don't just assume!
- Getting Around the Hotel: Once you're in Super Shaleh, things are pretty easy. The grounds are relatively flat, and the elevators make things accessible.
Cleanliness and Safety (They Take it Seriously, Which is Reassuring!)
- Anti-Viral Cleaning Products? Check!
- Daily Disinfection? Yep.
- Hand Sanitizer Everywhere? You betcha.
- Rooms Sanitized Between Stays? Affirmative.
- Staff Trained? Seemed like it. Everyone was masked up and generally doing the right thing. Which, in the current climate, is a huge relief.
- Physical Distancing: This was a bit hit-or-miss, honestly. They try. But sometimes, in the buffet… well, people get hungry.
- Doctor/Nurse on Call: A good thing to know, just in case!
Rooms (Alright, Let's Talk About the Good Stuff!)
- Wi-Fi? Yes, and it's FREE in all rooms! Praise the internet gods! (Though, the connection sometimes felt like it was still using dial-up. But hey, I'm not complaining!)
- Air Conditioning? Essential. It's Egypt. It's HOT.
- Blackout Curtains? Needed! Sleeeeep.
- Coffee/Tea Maker? YES! This is a must-have for me. Morning coffee on the balcony overlooking the Red Sea? Bliss. (Though, my coffee maker was a little… temperamental. Minor quibble!)
- Bathroom? Private, with a shower, and they even had… wait for it… slippers! Luxurious!
- Extra Long Bed? I didn't measure, but it felt pretty darn long.
- In-Room Safe? Always a good idea.
- Non-Smoking Rooms? Yes! (Thank the heavens!)
- Soundproofing? Pretty decent, which is good when you're trying to sleep off that delicious Egyptian food.
- The Balcony: Seriously, make sure you get a room with a balcony. It's worth it. Watching the sunrise over the Red Sea is a moment.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Food, Glorious Food! - Mostly!)
- Restaurants? Multiple options, including a buffet, a la carte, and even a poolside bar.
- Breakfast? Buffet style, with a decent selection of international and Asian options. The pastries were… hit or miss. But the fresh fruit was amazing!
- Coffee/Tea? Available in the restaurant and in the room.
- Poolside Bar? Essential for those afternoon cocktails.
- Snack Bar? Convenient for quick bites.
- Room Service? 24-hour! This is a lifesaver, especially after a long day of… well, relaxing.
- Vegetarian Options? Available, though I wouldn't say it's a vegetarian paradise.
- Desserts? They had them! And they were… okay. (I’m a dessert snob, what can I say?)
- Happy Hour? Yes! Yay!
(Major Digression - My Poolside Bar Experience!)
Okay, I need to tell you about the poolside bar. I spent a solid afternoon there, sipping cocktails and reading a book. The sun was beating down, the pool was sparkling, and the bartender… bless his heart… he was trying. My first drink? A perfectly acceptable margarita. My second? A… slightly less perfect margarita. My third? Let's just say it was unique. It tasted like tequila, sadness, and… I don't know… something metallic. I drank it anyway. Because I'm a trooper. And because I was on vacation. The point is, the ambiance was perfect. The drinks?… a work in progress. But the experience? Unforgettable!
Things to Do / Ways to Relax (So Many Options!)
- Swimming Pool? Multiple, including an outdoor pool with a view.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom? Yes, yes, and yes!
- Massage? Book one! Seriously. I got a massage and it was divine. (Though, be warned, the masseuse had a very strong grip. I walked out feeling like a new person, but also a little… tender.)
- Fitness Center? They had one! I didn't use it. But it was there!
- Body Scrub/Wrap? Available! Pamper yourself!
- Sauna? Heated and ready for relaxation.
- The Beach: It's the Red Sea! Go swim!
Services and Conveniences (They've Thought of Everything!)
- Cash Withdrawal? Yes, there's an ATM.
- Concierge? Helpful for booking activities and answering questions.
- Currency Exchange? Available.
- Daily Housekeeping? My room was spotless every day.
- Laundry Service? Yes, which is handy if you're staying for a while.
- Meeting/Banquet Facilities? If you're into that sort of thing.
- Gift/Souvenir Shop? To pick up some cheesy souvenirs.
- Wi-Fi for Special Events? Yes, if you are hosting something.
- Food Delivery? Yes, for room service.
- Car Park (Free of Charge)? Yes!
For the Kids (Family-Friendly!)
- Babysitting Service? Yes!
- Kids Facilities? They have them.
- Family/Child Friendly? Definitely.
The Negatives (Because We Have to Be Honest!)
- The Internet: As I said, the Wi-Fi can be a little… slow.
- The Buffet: The buffet can get a bit crowded, especially during peak hours.
- The Drinks: The poolside bar drinks can be a bit… hit or miss. (But the ambiance makes up for it!)
- The Drive: It's a long drive.
Overall Impression?
Super Shaleh Ras Sedr is a solid choice. It's not perfect, but it's a great place to relax, unwind, and soak up some sun. The rooms are comfortable, the staff is friendly, and the spa is fantastic. Just be prepared for the drive and the occasional Wi-Fi woes.
Final Verdict: Would I go back? Absolutely! I'd bring a good book, pack my patience, and maybe bring a few extra snacks in case the buffet gets a little… overwhelming.
The Offer: Escape to Paradise! Book Your Super Shaleh Ras Sedr Getaway Today!
Tired of the same old vacation routine? Craving sun, sand, and serious relaxation? Then it's time to discover Super Shaleh Ras Sedr!
Here's what awaits you:
- Luxurious Rooms: Unwind in style with comfortable rooms featuring free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and private balconies with breathtaking Red Sea views.
- Unforgettable Experiences: Dive into the crystal-clear waters, pamper yourself at the spa, or simply lounge by one of our sparkling pools.
- Delicious Dining: From the buffet to the poolside bar, we've got something to satisfy every craving.
- Safety and Peace of Mind: Rest assured with our rigorous cleaning protocols and friendly staff dedicated to your well-being.
- Family-Friendly Fun: We offer activities and amenities for all ages, making Super Shaleh the perfect destination for your next family adventure.
**But
Penang Paradise: 7-Bedroom Beachfront EV Haven (35 Guests!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the unvarnished, slightly sunburnt, totally chaotic truth about my "super shaleh" Ras Sedr adventure. Forget those pristine itineraries – this is the real deal, with all the sand in the sandwiches and the existential dread of realizing you forgot your sunscreen.
Ras Sedr: The Epic of Me Trying to Relax (And Mostly Failing) - A Stream of Consciousness Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Sand-Wedge-Eating Debacle
- Morning (ish, because who needs alarm clocks on holiday?): Landed in Cairo. Ugh, the Cairo airport. It’s like a portal to a different dimension, a dimension where everyone speaks a language you almost understand, and the air smells faintly of exhaust fumes and… something else. Anyway, survived the baggage carousel (miraculously, my suitcase arrived intact – a small victory!).
- Mid-Morning: The drive to Ras Sedr. Miles and miles of… well, mostly sand. And the occasional camel. I spent the whole time trying to mentally prepare myself for the wind and the lack of Wi-Fi. I had a playlist of "chill beach vibes" ready to go, but the car radio was inexplicably playing a loop of cheesy Arabic pop. This set the tone for the entire trip.
- Afternoon: Arrived at the "super shaleh" (that’s Arabic for "beach house," in case you were wondering – I'm practically fluent now, you see). It looked exactly like the photos, which is always a relief. The first thing I did was… stare blankly at the beach. The Red Sea is stunning. That deep, turquoise colour… it's almost too pretty.
- Late Afternoon: Sandwiches. Oh, the sandwiches. I'd packed these elaborate, gourmet sand wedges. Turkey and brie. Roast beef with horseradish. And I was so proud of them. Then, I unwrapped my masterpiece. Sand. Everywhere. Sand in the brie. Sand in the horseradish. Sand. Sand. Sand. I ate them anyway because I was starving, and now, I'm pretty sure I have a permanent sand-based intestinal biome.
- Evening: Walked along the beach at sunset. It was truly beautiful. The sky was all fiery oranges and pinks. Tried to capture it with my camera, but it looked like a blurry mess. Decided to ditch the perfect Instagram shot and just be there. (For like, five minutes. Then I remembered I had a phone and started taking photos again.) Dinner at the beach restaurant. Fell in love with the grilled fish. And the waiter. He was charming. And maybe a little too attentive. I'm pretty sure he winked at me. Possibly. Anyway, I had a terrible sunburn.
Day 2: Kitesurfing (or, the Art of Flailing Elegantly)
- Morning: Woke up covered in sand. And a weird mosquito bite on my ankle. Coffee and a desperate search for more sunscreen.
- Mid-Morning: Kitesurfing lessons. This was the main reason I chose Ras Sedr. I'd envisioned myself effortlessly gliding across the water, a vision in a bikini and sunglasses. The reality? A series of spectacular falls, a lot of choking on seawater, and a deep and abiding respect for anyone who can actually do this. The instructor was patient, bless his heart. I think he secretly pitied me.
- Afternoon: More kitesurfing. More flailing. More seawater. I did, however, manage to get the kite up in the air for about five seconds. I felt like I'd won the lottery. I was so proud of myself. And exhausted.
- Late Afternoon: Passed out on a sunbed. Woke up even more sunburned. Ate a mountain of watermelon.
- Evening: Stumbled into the restaurant again for dinner. This time, I was wearing my "I'm-not-a-complete-idiot" outfit. The same waiter from the night before. He remembered me! We talked about the wind. And the fish. And the fact that I was a terrible kitesurfer. He laughed a lot. I think he was actually enjoying my company. Or maybe he was just bored. Who knows?
Day 3: The Desert Daydream & The Great Missing Beach Towel Mystery
- Morning: Went for a walk on the beach. The wind was howling, and the sand was stinging my face. It was both exhilarating and miserable. Found a weird shell. Kept it.
- Mid-Morning: Desert adventure! We drove through the dunes in a jeep. It was a bumpy, exhilarating ride. The desert is vast and beautiful. The silence of the desert is incredible. We stopped at a Bedouin camp for tea. They were incredibly hospitable. It felt like stepping back in time.
- Afternoon: Back at the "super shaleh." Time for a swim. Oh wait… Where's my towel? I swear I left it on the sunbed. A frantic search ensued. Checked the car. Checked the beach. Checked under the bed. Nowhere. I'm convinced the wind spirit stole it.
- Late Afternoon: Gave up on the towel and used a sarong. Swam in the sea. The water was so clear and warm. It was perfect.
- Evening: Dinner. Found a new restaurant. The food was good, but I missed the charming waiter. And my missing beach towel. I have a theory that a mischievous dolphin stole it.
Day 4: Departure & The Existential Question of Sand
- Morning: Packed. The packing was a disaster. I'd somehow accumulated more sand than I'd arrived with. Sand in my shoes. Sand in my clothes. Sand in my soul.
- Mid-Morning: Last walk on the beach. Said goodbye to the Red Sea. Felt a pang of sadness. And a deep, primal urge to take a shower.
- Afternoon: The drive back to Cairo. More sand. More Arabic pop. More existential questions about the meaning of life.
- Evening: At the airport, waiting for my flight. Realized I had forgotten to buy souvenirs. Oh well. I have a shell. And a whole suitcase full of sand. And a memory of a truly, wonderfully messy, imperfect, and unforgettable trip to Ras Sedr. I'll be back. Eventually. Maybe. After I get all the sand out of my life.
Things I Learned:
- Kitesurfing is harder than it looks.
- Sand gets everywhere.
- Sunscreen is your friend.
- The Red Sea is amazing.
- Even a "super shaleh" can be surprisingly chaotic.
- That waiter… well, maybe he liked me. Maybe not. But I liked him.
- And I still don't know what happened to my beach towel. The mystery continues…
Super Shaleh Ras Sedr: Egypt's Hidden Paradise... Or Is It? A Messy FAQ
Okay, seriously, what *is* Super Shaleh Ras Sedr? I've seen the Instagram pics... are they lying?
Alright, let's be real. Instagram? Filter city. Super Shaleh, at its core, is a collection of chalets and resorts on the coast of the Red Sea, a couple of hours south of Cairo. Think wind, kitesurfing, and... well, a whole lot of sand. The pics? Some are glorious. Others... let's just say they strategically avoid showing the slightly dusty road leading in. Look, it's not the Maldives. It's Egypt. And it's got its own kind of charm, a slightly gritty, sun-baked charm. My first thought was, "Wow, this is *vast*." And then, "Where's the Wi-Fi?" (Spoiler: hit or miss. Be warned.)
Is it actually SUPER? Like, is this place REALLY special?
"Super" is a bold claim. I'd say... it depends. If you're a kitesurfing fanatic, YES. Absolutely. The wind is relentless. If you're looking for a quiet beach vacation with pristine white sand and crystal-clear water... temper your expectations. The sand is... well, it's sand. And the water clarity varies. Sometimes it's stunning; other times, you're paddling through a bit of seaweed. I went with my family, and my kids (bless their hearts) were more interested in building sandcastles than appreciating the 'super' aspect. Honestly? They were more impressed by the inflatable water park. (More on that later... it was a saga.)
What's the vibe like? Is it all luxury resorts or something more... down-to-earth?
A mix. There are definitely some fancier places with infinity pools and private beaches. But there are also more budget-friendly options, cute little chalets, and places that feel a bit more... lived-in. (Don't expect the Ritz. Embrace the character.) The vibe is generally relaxed, casual. Think board shorts and flip-flops. Everyone's there for the wind and the water. You'll meet people from all walks of life – families, young couples, hardcore kitesurfers who look like they haven't slept in days. I saw one guy with a beard down to his knees and a kite that looked older than me. It was… interesting.
Kitesurfing? I've never done that. Is this place only for pros?
Absolutely not! Ras Sedr is a fantastic place to learn. There are tons of kite schools offering lessons for all levels. The wind is consistent, which is a HUGE plus. I, being the brave (or foolish) soul that I am, decided to give it a go. Let me tell you, it’s harder than it looks. So. Much. Harder. Picture me, flailing around in the water, getting dragged across the beach, and generally looking like a beached whale. My instructor, bless his patience, just kept saying, "Relax, relax!" Easier said than done when you're being yanked around by a giant kite! But hey, I eventually got up, even if it was just for a few glorious seconds. The feeling? Unforgettable. The bruises? Also unforgettable.
What are the beaches like? I want to know about the sand!
Okay, the beaches are... variable. Some areas have relatively soft sand, perfect for lounging. Others are a bit more coarse, with a lot of shells and sometimes, let's be honest, a bit of litter. (It's Egypt. Things aren't always pristine.) The water is generally shallow, which is great for families, but it can also mean more seaweed at times. I found a really nice spot one day, away from the main resort area, and spent hours just reading and listening to the waves. It was pure bliss. But the next day? The wind picked up, and the sand was EVERYWHERE. In my hair, in my food, in my *soul*.
Food! What about the food? Is it all just... tourist food?
The food situation is... evolving. You'll find your typical tourist fare – pizzas, burgers, pasta. But there are also some fantastic local restaurants serving fresh seafood. The grilled fish is usually amazing. And don't miss the Egyptian staples – *kushari* (a lentil, rice, and pasta dish) and *ful medames* (fava beans). My advice? Venture out of your resort and explore. Ask the locals where they eat. You might discover a hidden gem. One night, we stumbled upon a tiny shack on the beach that served the most incredible grilled shrimp. It wasn't fancy, but the flavor was out of this world. (And the price? Ridiculously cheap.) It's a memory I'll cherish.
Are there any downsides? What should I be aware of?
Absolutely. Look, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Here's the reality check:
* **Wind:** It's the reason you go, but it can be relentless. And if you're not kitesurfing, it can get a bit annoying.
* **Service:** It can be… inconsistent. Be patient. Embrace the "Egyptian time" mentality.
* **Cleanliness:** As mentioned, it's not always spotless. Be prepared for some litter and less-than-perfect facilities.
* **Mosquitoes:** They're out there. Bring bug spray. Trust me.
* **Wi-Fi:** Prepare for a digital detox. It's spotty at best.
* **The Inflatable Water Park Saga:** Okay, this deserves its own section. We booked a chalet that promised access to an amazing inflatable water park. My kids were HYPED. We arrive, and the water park is… deflated. Apparently, there was a maintenance issue. My children were DEVASTATED. Tears, tantrums, the whole shebang. I spent the next two days trying to placate them with ice cream and promises of a future water park adventure. It was a parenting low point. And the worst part? The water park *finally* opened on the day we left. The irony!
Would you go back?
You know what? Despite the sand in my teeth, the Wi-Fi woes, and the inflatable water park incident (I still haven't forgiven them), yes, I would. It’s got a certain raw charm. The kitesurfing is incredible. The food can be amazing. And the sunsets over the Red Sea? Breathtaking. It's not perfect, but that's part of its appeal. It's real. It's Egypt. And it's a memory. Plus, I owe my kids a water park trip.
