Marsa Alam

Egypt's top pick for secluded holidays, Marsa Alam remains the Red Sea's best-kept secret. All the resorts are all-inclusive and sheltered by private sweeps of white-sand beach. It's not all about laid-back beach living though. This is a diving paradise and the nearest jumping-off point to the remarkable underwater dive sites of the southern Red Sea. Splash out in style at the Intercontinental's Palace Port Ghalib Resort (Port Ghalib), where service and facilities are geared to have you in relaxation mode as soon as you arrive. The more budget-conscious travellers should check out either Kahramana Beach Resort (Marsa Alam Road) or the Crowne Plaza Sahara Oasis Port Ghalib Resort (Port Ghalib).

Marsa Alam isn't geared up for shopping. Hotels are spread over a 100km stretch of coastline, and the only reason most people leave their resort is to go diving. The scruffy town of Marsa Alam itself offers little for would-be shoppers. For a shopping experience with a difference, most resorts in the area offer guided day trips to the ramshackle outpost of Shalatein (250km south of Marsa Alam), near to the Sudanese border. Shalatein's intriguing and chaotic camel market and souk is a fascinating shopping experience

The town of Marsa Alam offers little incentive to venture out beyond your resort walls for foodie delights, and most visitors stick to the restaurants and bars offered within their hotel. If you do find yourself in town for some reason, one place not to miss is Dolce & Salato (68 Street) which dishes up authentic Italian pizza. One special foodie treat, possible while staying in the area, is a desert dining evening where you'll feast on Bedouin specialities amid the sand dunes. All the resorts can arrange this for you.

Hurghada International Festival

Sham al-Nissem

Birdwatching

Eid al-Adha