Soma Bay

خليج سوما

Exclusive resort enclave featuring championship golf courses, luxury hotels, and quiet pristine beaches backed by desert. Popular with upscale travelers seeking privacy and high-end amenities away from busier resort areas.

Things to do

• Soma Bay Golf Club — Play at the championship 18-hole desert golf course designed by Gary Player, featuring stunning Red Sea views and pristine fairways maintained to international standards.
• Snorkeling and Diving — Explore vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life directly off Soma Bay's pristine beaches, with visibility often exceeding 30 meters in clear waters.
• Desert Safari — Venture into the Eastern Desert landscape surrounding Soma Bay on quad bikes or 4x4 vehicles to experience Bedouin culture and dramatic desert scenery.
• Beach Relaxation and Spa — Unwind on exclusive private beaches backed by luxury resort facilities offering world-class spa treatments and wellness services overlooking the Red Sea.
• Water Sports — Enjoy windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and jet skiing in the calm protected waters of Soma Bay, which offers consistent wind conditions and rental facilities.
• Sunset Catamaran Cruise — Sail along the Red Sea coast at sunset while enjoying refreshments and spotting dolphins, with views of the desert meeting the sea.

Food to try

• Grilled Hamour — Fresh locally-caught grouper seasoned with Mediterranean herbs and grilled whole, a signature Red Sea fish dish served at resort restaurants with lemon and olive oil.
• Ful Medames — A traditional Egyptian slow-cooked fava bean paste typically served for breakfast with olive oil, garlic, and fresh pita bread, offering authentic local flavors.
• Mezze Platter — An assortment of Middle Eastern small plates including hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and fresh vegetables, perfect for sampling diverse flavors in one meal.
• Sayadiyah — A traditional Egyptian rice and fish dish where fresh catch is served over fragrant rice with caramelized onions and tomato sauce, reflecting Nile Delta heritage.
• Fresh Red Sea Seafood Platter — Daily-caught fish, prawns, and squid grilled or prepared according to preference, served with Egyptian sides at beachfront resort dining venues.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Prayer Times — Be mindful that Muslims observe five daily prayer times; some resort services may have reduced staff during these periods, particularly at midday and sunset.
• Dress Conservatively Away from Resort — While Soma Bay resorts are cosmopolitan, covering shoulders and knees is respectful when interacting with local staff or visiting nearby communities outside the resort bubble.
• Bargaining at Local Markets — If visiting nearby Safaga town for shopping, haggling over prices is expected and part of Egyptian market culture—initial prices are often negotiable.
• Tipping Customs — Service staff in Egypt appreciate tips (bakshish); 10-15% is customary for good service at restaurants and for hotel staff, though many resorts include service charges.