Escape to Paradise: Aura Resort's El Alamein Oasis Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Aura Resort's El Alamein Oasis Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Aura Resort's El Alamein Oasis Awaits! – My Chaotic & (Mostly) Wonderful Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to the Aura Resort in El Alamein, Egypt, and I'm buzzing! Forget those clinical, predictable reviews – I'm here to give you the real deal. And let me tell you, it's a mixed bag of gorgeous sunsets, slightly wonky Wi-Fi, and enough hummus to feed a pharaoh. This isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. And I'm about to spill all the (mostly) good tea. Let's dive in!
First Impressions & Accessibility (or, "Where's the Elevator?")
Okay, so first things first: getting there. The airport transfer was smooth. The staff was incredibly friendly, which they have to be I suppose, but still, it melted some of my jaded travel heart. The resort itself is… grand. Like, seriously, grand. Think sweeping vistas, sparkling pools, and landscaping that looks like it's been sculpted by the hands of Zeus himself.
Regarding Accessibility: I'm not wheelchair-bound, but I did spot an elevator (thank goodness!). They also had facilities for disabled guests, which is a huge plus. The exterior corridors are wide. However, and this is a big however, I didn't go poking around every nook and cranny, so I can't give a definitive accessibility report. My advice? Call and ask specific questions based on your needs. Don't rely on my potentially unreliable memory of a post-cocktail haze.
The Room: My Oasis (With a Few Minor Quibbles)
My room? Ah, my room. It was spacious, well-appointed (see the extensive list of amenities below!), and the bed? Heaven. Seriously, I slept like a baby, waking up only to chase those gorgeous sunrises that spilled across the balcony. (Yes, folks, balcony with a view… swoon).
Available in all rooms:
- Additional toilet: (Always a win!)
- Air conditioning: (Crucial!)
- Alarm clock: (Helped me catch those sunrises!)
- Bathrobes: (Perfect for lounging.)
- Bathroom phone: (Never used it, but… fancy!)
- Bathtub: (Relaxing!)
- Blackout curtains: (Essential for sleep, and for morning after-parties!)
- Carpeting: (Nice touch.)
- Closet: (Plenty of space.)
- Coffee/tea maker: (My morning savior.)
- Complimentary tea: (Score!)
- Daily housekeeping: (Always a pleasure to find a clean room, just saying, they forgot the top of the mirror one day!)
- Desk: (Worked a bit, but who wants to?)
- Extra long bed: (Comfort!)
- Free bottled water: (Hydration station, baby!)
- Hair dryer: (Essential, unless you like that wet-dog look.)
- High floor: (Gave me that stunning view)
- In-room safe box: (Peace of mind.)
- Interconnecting room(s) available: (Good for families.)
- Internet access – LAN: (Worked sometimes.)
- Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]) (Better yet, worked all the time!)
- Ironing facilities: (Crumpled clothes = a travesty.)
- Laptop workspace: (See Desk.)
- Linens: (Clean and comfy.)
- Mini bar: (Never used.)
- Mirror: (Required for the morning face check.)
- Non-smoking: (Thank goodness!)
- On-demand movies: (Tried it, meh.)
- Private bathroom: (Duh.)
- Reading light: (Ideal for late-night novel-binging!)
- Refrigerator: (Useful for keeping drinks cold, especially when you need a pick-me-up after a long day of… relaxing.)
- Safety/security feature: (Never felt unsafe.)
- Satellite/cable channels: (Didn't watch any.)
- Scale: (Ugh, no thank you.)
- Seating area: (Where I ate my snacks.)
- Separate shower/bathtub: (Luxury!)
- Shower: (Glorious.)
- Slippers: (Comfy!)
- Smoke detector: (Good to know!)
- Socket near the bed: (Essential for the phone!)
- Sofa: (Comfortable for lounging.)
- Soundproofing: (Needed!)
- Telephone: (Used to summon room service.)
- Toiletries: (Standard issue.)
- Towels: (Plenty of them!)
- Umbrella: (Unnecessary!)
- Visual alarm: (Never triggered it.)
- Wake-up service: (Used it once, still woke up late.)
- Window that opens: (Fresh air, YES!)
Minor quibbles: The Wi-Fi (and I want to shout it out, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) kept cutting out, especially at peak times. Seriously, I can live without it, but like when you tell me there is free Wi-Fi, which there was, and I had to ask to be logged back in. I also wish I could have had my room specifically be "extra clean", because they forgot the top of the mirror, and I'm being picky.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because, You Know, We're Still in a Pandemic…):
They take Cleanliness and Safety seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. They also use Professional-grade sanitizing services. I saw staff diligently cleaning everywhere. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff is trained in safety protocol. And with the state of the world, I was grateful for it – so I'm giving them a big thumbs-up for peace of mind on that front!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Hummus Runs Deep!
Okay, food. Let's talk food. There are Restaurants galore, offering pretty much everything you could desire. They have A la carte in restaurant, they have Buffet in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant. They also have a Coffee shop, a Snack bar, a Poolside bar.
The Breakfast [buffet] was epic. I'm talking mountains of pastries, a vast array of cheeses, and more Asian breakfast options than I could shake a chopstick at. I swear, I think the staff was starting to recognize me as "the croissant fiend." They even offered Breakfast in room! And if you are in a rush, they have Breakfast takeaway service.
The Poolside bar, was fun like you might expect. Happy hour was a vibe! They had a Bottle of water, what? I didn't even know the drink options, like I swear, the Coffee/tea in restaurant, the Desserts in restaurant, the Room service [24-hour], the Salad in restaurant, the Soup in restaurant – it's all there!
The A la carte in restaurant was a delight. Asian cuisine in restaurant was authentic and delicious, and the buffet in restaurant was well, the best buffet. The western cuisine in restaurant was pretty good too. The Bottle of water was very much appreciated!
That One Spa Day (Or, My Near-Death Experience with Relaxation)
Now, about that Spa… This place is a sanctuary. Seriously. I'm a stress-ball, and this Spa actually helped. I indulged in a Body scrub and Body wrap and just melted like a chocolate bar in July. The Massage was… phenomenal. I'm still dreaming about it. There was also a Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and Foot bath! It was pure bliss, and I would absolutely return for it.
Things to Do (Beyond Lounging, Which Is Also an Option)
If you somehow get bored of the stunning pools, the beach, and the general feeling of being pampered, there are plenty of Things to do. They have a Fitness center, a Gym/fitness, and a Swimming pool [outdoor].
The Pool with view is stunning! They have a Terrace, and they also do Audio-visual equipment for special events. Perfect for a wedding!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They've got you covered for pretty much everything: Air conditioning in public area, a Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, a **
Luxury Aria Vung Tau Penthouse: Your Dream Vietnam Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary isn't your perfectly-Pinterest-curated vacation. This is… well, it's me, trying to navigate the sweltering chaos and shimmering beauty of Aura Resort in Sidi Abd El Rahman. Consider yourselves warned.
Day 1: Landing in Paradise (and Nearly Losing My Sanity)
- 6:00 AM (Roughly): Alarm screams. My internal clock, apparently, is still set to "sleep until noon." Groan. Struggle. Coffee. Lots of coffee.
- 7:00 AM: Err, try to find my passport. Turns out, it was tucked jauntily between my socks and my winter boots. (Don't ask.) Panic subsides. I'm already sweating.
- 8:00 AM: Airport shuffle. Flights always feel like a weird, sweaty purgatory, don't they? The sheer volume of wheeled suitcases is dizzying.
- 12:00 PM (ish): Touchdown in Egypt! Glorious, relentless sun smacks me in the face the moment I step off the plane. Instantly regretting the black jeans. The air smells… exotic. Sort of like spices and diesel fumes. Charming.
- 1:00 PM: Transfer to Aura. Oh man, the drive. The scenery is breathtaking - stretches of sand, the vibrant green of the Mediterranean Sea. It's so beautiful. The driver, Bless his heart, kept trying to chat to me. I can barely understand 'hi' in Arabic. I mostly nod and smile, which I've learned is a universal language.
- 2:30 PM: Arrival at Aura. Check-in is… well, it's a process. Let's just say my patience was already wearing thin. The lobby is HUGE. Marble everywhere. So much marble, it's almost intimidating.
- 3:30 PM: Finally, my room! Omg. The view is insane. Like, postcard-worthy insane. Blue water, white sand, swaying palms. I almost cried. Seriously. My room opens directly onto the beach. I ran into the water. The water is so clean, so clear. Perfect.
- 4:30 PM: Beach time! I've been waiting for this. Immediately burned my shoulders, even with sunscreen. Rookie mistake.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. The buffet. The buffet. Endless food. I filled my plate, and then filled another. Stuffed myself.
- 7:30 PM: Stroll along the beach. Watching the sunset. The colors are so vibrant, that I almost cry again.
- 9:00 PM: Trying to figure out the TV remote. Gave up. Bed. Exhaustion wins.
Day 2: Sun, Sand, and… More Sand
- 7:00 AM: Sunbeam through the curtains. Ouch.
- 8:00 AM: Reapply sunscreen. This time with more enthusiasm.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. The buffet. I think I had 4 croissants. No regrets.
- 10:00 AM: Beach. More beach. Swimming. The water is a perfect temperature.
- 12:00 PM: Poolside lunch. I ordered something, and I ate it. I have no idea what it was, but it was good.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The pool! Okay, so I'm not usually a "pool person," I prefer the ocean. But the infinity pool overlooking the beach? I was converted. The water is so blue, that my eyes start to play tricks on me. I definitely spent too much time in the sun.
- 4:00 PM: I'm trying to read by the pool. I keep dropping my book in the water every time I try to turn the page. I think I'm half-drowning myself in a pool I can stand in.
- 6:00 PM: I tried to get a massage. The spa guy looks like he's barely out of high school, but he gave me the best massage of my life.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Buffet. Too much. I can’t get over the dessert. The cakes and pastries are to die for.
- 8:30 PM: Tried to see a show. It's an attempt at a talent show. This is hilariously bad. Not in a good way. I'm just not sure I'm understanding, or if it's a poorly-executed bit.
- 9:30 PM: Bed. This time I remembered to set an alarm. I swear I might have slept 10 hours and not be fully rested.
Day 3: Getting Messier
- 7:00 AM: Alarm. Ugh.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast (buffet, shocker). I had a weird craving for eggs benedict this morning. It's usually not my thing, but I'm in vacation mode, what else am I supposed to do?
- 9:00 AM: Ok, adventure time! I decided, rather impulsively, to try parasailing. Big mistake. I'm terrified of heights. The boat ride alone had me clenching my jaw. But the adrenaline rush when I got up? Unforgettable. I felt weightless. (And then I almost threw up when we landed. Small price to pay.)
- 11:00 AM: Refueling with fresh mango juice. Seriously, they have the best mangoes I've ever tasted.
- 12:00 PM: I walked out of the beach. I'm now covered in more sand.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a beachside shack. I found these tiny, delicious grilled fish tacos. Perfection.
- 2:00 PM: I'm pretty sure I just sat and stared at the ocean for an hour. No regrets.
- 3:00 PM: More pool, just to be safe.
- 4:00 PM: Some random guy comes up and starts striking up a conversation. I'm pretty sure he's hitting on me. I played dumb.
- 6:00 PM: I'm trying to find a nice dinner spot. I get lost. Everything is so massive here! I'm starting to get used to all this marble.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Buffet, whatever. This is going to be my life now.
- 8:00 PM: Another walk on the beach. The stars are so bright, I might just cry again.
- 9:00 PM: I found a guy playing music, and I wanted to tip him, but I ran out of change. I end up just listening to him play, and I feel so peaceful.
- 10:00 PM: Bed. This time, no alarm. I think I'm starting to understand this "vacation" thing.
Day 4: The Great Exploration (and My Continued Struggle with Self-Control)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast (Buffet, because, duh). A particularly aggressive pigeon almost stole my croissant. I swear, there's a pigeon faction running Aura.
- 9:00 AM: I heard there was a local market nearby. The driver took me. It's a blast of colors, smells, and pure chaos. I bought way too many things. (Scarves, spices, a weird statue of a cat god.)
- 11:00 AM: Back to the resort, I swear my bag is going to explode.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch, which was followed by… you guessed it… the buffet.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: I decided to go to the other pool. It's even more crowded than the other one. I barely managed to get a chair.
- 4:00 PM: Snack time. I find the gelato stand. I had the pistachio and the hazelnut, and the tiramisu.
- 6:00 PM: I went to get a massage. It didn't feel as good.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at… You know. The buffet.
- 8:00 PM: One last walk on the beach, to see the stars. It's been a crazy week, but everything's been just right.
- 9:00 PM: Bed, and I feel like I might burst.
Day 5: Farewell, Aura (Until Next Time, Maybe?)
- 7:00 AM: The dreaded alarm.
- 8:00 AM: Last breakfast buffet. Attempt to make responsible food choices. Fail.
- 9:00 AM: Pack. Everything is sandy. This takes way longer than expected.
- 10:00 AM: One last swim in the ocean! The perfect way to say goodbye.
- 11:00 AM: Check out. Farewell, Aura. Farewell, marble.
- **12
So, is this 'El Alamein Oasis' actually... an oasis? Or just, you know… sand?
Okay, let's be real. When I pictured "El Alamein Oasis," I envisioned a sparkling, hidden lagoon bursting with life, surrounded by palm trees practically bending over backward to offer me coconuts. The reality? Well… it's *slightly* less fantastical. But hey, that's life, right? There *is* definitely an oasis vibe, but think more "man-made coastal paradise" than "Lost City of Atlantis in the desert." There’s the pool, which is HUGE, and then green stuff! Lots of green stuff, thoughtfully placed, not just a wild, untamed jungle. That being said the sand is everywhere. I mean. *Everywhere*. You’ll be finding it in your shoes a week later, guaranteed. Don't overthink it, embrace the grit. It's part of the charm, honestly.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they actually luxurious? (And, like, do they have enough power sockets for the modern nomad?)
Luxury is subjective, my friend. Let's just say the rooms are… comfortable. Think well-appointed, not over-the-top ostentatious. The bed? Heavenly. I practically melted into it after a day of, you know, *being alive* (which, let's face it, is exhausting). And the balcony? The perfect place for a sunset cocktail. Seriously. *Highly* recommend the sunset cocktails. Now, power sockets? Um, yes. More than enough, in my experience, which involved a phone, a tablet, a Kindle, and... well, let's just say I like my technology. HOWEVER – and this is a crucial "however" – the Wi-Fi? Spotty. Like, "disappearing act" spotty. Prepare to disconnect (or, you know, roam fees…). Embrace the digital detox, maybe? I tried, but Instagram won. Don't judge me.
The food. Tell me about the food. Is it… edible? (Be honest!)
Okay, HUGE question. The food. Here's the deal. The buffet is pretty solid. Like, you won't starve. There's a massive selection, everything from pasta (which, I have to admit, I judged aggressively before tasting, but it turned out to be pretty darn good) to local dishes. BUT – and there’s always a but, isn’t there? – the a la carte restaurants? Those are where the *real* magic happens. I'm talking the seafood restaurant. I was skeptical at first but wow. Just wow. Grilled fish, so fresh it practically swam off the plate. The service was a *little* slow. Okay, real slow. But you're on vacation. Relax. Have another cocktail. And the view? Unbeatable. My advice? Splurge on the a la carte. You won’t regret it. Just… be prepared to wait. Patience, people. It's a virtue (apparently).
Pool time! Is the pool area as… Instagram-worthy as it looks?
Oh, the pool. Let's talk pool. It IS gorgeous, I won't lie. Turquoise water. Sun loungers galore. And yes, it *is* Instagram-worthy. So, so Instagram-worthy. Expect a LOT of photo ops. It’s kind of… a thing. Be prepared to awkwardly sidestep other people’s photo shoots whilst trying not to look like a sweaty mess yourself. However, pool drama? Oh yes. One morning I saw two women… getting into a full-blown argument over a sun lounger. A SUN LOUNGER! The absurdity of it all almost made me spit my coffee (which was, by the way, surprisingly good coffee). So, yeah. Gorgeous pool. Bring your selfie sticks. And your patience. And maybe learn some basic conflict resolution.
And the beach? Is it a real beach? With real sand? (Or is it just… vaguely sandy?)
It's a *real* beach. Yes. REAL sand. Soft, white sand. And the sea? Crystal clear. (Though, on one specific day, there was a bit of seaweed. Nature, eh?) The beach itself is pretty decent! But, and this is a big but, you're sharing it with literally everyone else at the resort. So find your spot early, and be prepared for the occasional rogue beach umbrella invasion. Also, the vendors can be… persistent. Expect to be offered everything from boat trips to… well, let's just say things you probably *shouldn't* need on a beach. Just smile, say no politely (or aggressively, depending on your mood), and enjoy the sunshine. The sunsets from the beach are amazing, by the way. Go see them. They almost make up for the seaweed. Almost.
What's there to *do* besides lie by the pool and eat? (Because, you know, I CAN do that at home.)
Okay, fair point. There's more than just sunbathing and stuffing your face, although, let's be honest, those are two very valid vacation activities. There are watersports. I attempted paddleboarding. Let’s just say I spent more time *in* the water than *on* the board. Then the diving! I love Diving. Absolutely love it! The reef has some pretty amazing underwater life. There's even a little shop where you can buy little trinkets. There are organized excursions. The spa. I went to the spa! It was… okay. Massages are always good, right? But sometimes you can hear the music of the other people. You can go to the market in the town. Just… be prepared to haggle. It’s part of the experience, I guess. Honestly though? Some days, lying by the pool and eating is just… what you need. Don't feel guilty about it. We all deserve a little laziness sometimes.
Are there any hidden fees or 'gotchas' I should be aware of? (Because, you know, nobody likes surprises on their bill.)
Yes. Yes, there are. They're not *awful*, but they're there. Stuff like, oh, the "premium" drinks at the bar. The Wi-Fi. The minibar. The overpriced snacks. The laundry service. Look, they're trying to make money, I get it. But it's always worth double-checking the fine print. I got a nasty shock on the bill when I realised the 'free' water in the room was actually just… tap water. Lesson learned! Read the small print. Ask questions. And maybe bring your own snacks. (And wine. Definitely bring your own wine.) And a good book. And maybe a spare pair of sunglasses. You'll need them. For everything.
Is it suitable for kids? (Because I'm traveling with a small army of tiny humans.)
Yep, definitely kid-friendly! There'sHospitality Trails
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