Behind sandstone walls that could pass for a desert citadel, Fort Arabesque Resort, Spa and Villas spreads through tropical gardens to around 600 metres of private Red Sea sand and one of the finest walk-in house reefs on the Makadi Bay coast.
Built in 1997 to the designs of Italian architects, the resort takes its cues from a Moorish fort: arched walkways, warm Aswan stone, dark timber balconies and geometric gardens threaded with bridges and gazebo bars, scented with jasmine and hibiscus at either end of the day. It is a self-contained estate of three parts. The Beach Resort is its heart, and the part we sell on this page, with the adults only West Bay and the adults only Villas alongside, so couples and families each find their own pace.
The sea is the story here. Coral grows in patches from waist depth just off the beach, so you wade in from the sand and snorkel over more than 20 separate coral heads without a boat, a jetty or a long swim. Back on dry land there are five swimming pools set through the gardens, the Thai run Vareena Spa, the five star PADI dive centre I Dive, and a spread of restaurants and bars that runs from wood fired pizza to adults only fine dining, with 18 venues across the wider estate.
It suits snorkellers and divers first, then couples who want quiet corners and a sunset drink, and families who value gardens, sand and space over gimmicks. Our customers tell us it is the reef and the gardens that bring them back.
This is a proper 4 star plus. Rooms are comfortable and generously sized rather than cutting edge, service is warm, and the fort styling gives the place far more character than the newer glass and marble resorts along this coast. If you want to swim over coral before breakfast, this is one of the best value ways to do it anywhere on the Red Sea.
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329 rooms and suites make up the Beach Resort wing of Fort Arabesque Makadi Bay, every one with a balcony or terrace facing the sea, pool or gardens. All come with air conditioning, a satellite flat screen TV, minibar, tea and coffee tray, safe and WiFi, dressed in warm stone colours with Egyptian woven textiles and dark wood.
The entry point at the Beach Resort, and a good one: a sea view balcony overlooking the bay, king size or twin beds, tea and coffee making facilities and a shower bathroom. Cosy for three, ideal for two.
Noticeably more space than the Superior and our recommended step up for couples, with a side sea view from the balcony or terrace and room for a third bed without squeezing anyone in.
On the ground floor opening to a garden terrace, with two king size beds or a king and twin plus a sofa, sleeping two adults and up to two children comfortably.
The same footprint as the Family Room but positioned for a side sea view, for families who want a glimpse of the Red Sea from the balcony.
A bedroom with a proper seating area and a sea view. Only a handful exist, so ask us to request one early if it appeals.
Two bedroom suites with a king size bed in one room and two twins in the other, sharing a bathroom. The Grand Family Suite adds extra living space on the garden side.
The two Apartment Suites offer two bedrooms and two bathrooms with a large terrace, ideal for two couples or a family of four. The Duplex Suite splits living and sleeping over two floors, while the Presidential Suite crowns the resort with around 114 m² and a panoramic terrace over the bay.
65 one and two bedroom villas with terraces opening onto shared heated swim up pools. Villa stays come on Premium All Inclusive, which adds dining at The Pavilion and Club 159, premium local drinks, beach cooler service and complimentary health club access.
The Fort All Inclusive is built around three buffet meals a day plus genuinely useful extras, and drinks are served by the glass rather than rationed to mealtimes.
The two adults only à la carte restaurants, The Pavilion and Club 159, carry a supplement for dining on the standard package, as do imported drink brands, premium local labels, daily minibar restocking and high speed WiFi. All of these are included when you stay in the Villas on Premium All Inclusive. À la carte arrangements do change from season to season, so we confirm the exact dining package with your quote.
Daily changing buffets across breakfast, lunch and dinner, with indoor tables and open air terrace seating. The spread ranges from Egyptian dishes to familiar international favourites.
Pizzas from a wood fired oven and generous plates of pasta in the open air. Relaxed, family friendly and covered by your package.
Burgers, shawarma and salads by the sand, a Mediterranean grill in the evening, and a late continental breakfast for slow starters. The default lunch spot on beach days.
A daytime snack spot that becomes a Greek and Mediterranean restaurant at night, with fresh seafood and sea views. Dinner is by reservation.
International cooking with gourmet touches at lunch and dinner, and live music in the evening. Drinks are included on all inclusive; the food carries a supplement on the standard package.
Fine dining in an intimate setting over at the Villas, serving breakfast and dinner. Included for villa guests on Premium All Inclusive; a supplement applies otherwise.
Across the wider estate you will also find the Mexican restaurant La Cantina and the French patisserie Le Bec Sucré at the adults only West Bay, and a new Asian restaurant, Bamboo Garden, is due to open at the Villas in late 2026.
Five outdoor pools are threaded through the gardens, each with its own character. The main pool is the sociable one, with a swim up bar so you can order a cold drink without leaving the water, while others sit in quieter garden corners. The Jungle Bar pool area is reserved for guests aged 16 and over, so adults can always find a calm spot with a lounger and a book.
Two of the Beach Resort pools are heated through the winter months, and the swim up pools attached to the Villas are heated too, so a morning swim stays comfortable even in January. Sunbeds and towels are provided, and pool bar service runs from 9am to 5pm.
Around 600 metres of private sand curve along the bay, backed by lawns, palms and the Beach Bar. What makes this stretch special is under the surface: coral begins at waist depth just off the shore, so you walk in from the sand, no jetty, no steps, no boat, and snorkel over more than 20 separate reef patches busy with Red Sea fish, urchins and starfish. Depths vary from patch to patch, which makes it as friendly for first time snorkellers as it is rewarding for old hands, and the water stays warm enough to swim right through the winter.
The resort is home to I Dive, a five star PADI IDC centre operating from the marina at the end of the beach. Courses run from beginner try dives to professional level, and daily boats head out to the famous sites of this stretch of the Red Sea, among them Giftun Island, the Salem Express wreck, Panorama Reef and Gota Abu Ramada, the shallow reef often called the aquarium of Hurghada.
A watersports centre on the beach offers windsurfing and kitesurfing, parasailing and towed inflatable rides, with charges applying for motorised sports. Beach volleyball and beach football keep things lively on the sand for anyone not horizontal on a lounger.
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