Royal Brayka Beach Resort

The people working here made the trip, and we even made friends with local Christian-Egiptians. The reef beside the hotel was fabulous too. We could play pool and ping pong, swim, and join classes from yoga to valley, so we were never bored. Even after 11 days, we felt we hadn't explored it all. There are shops for snorkeling masks, perfumes, medicines, and jewelry that make great souvenirs. We came in January, had an amazing time, and would love to return. Thanks so much, Marlena and Jason.

The coral reef and gardens are Brayka Resort's best features. Staff are extremely friendly and welcoming, though their English isn't very good. The beverages were undrinkable, and the food was below average. Housekeeping was okay but not thorough: sand was left on the floor and in the wardrobe. Trying to relax on the beach was difficult because spa workers kept approaching us about massages or haircuts. There was also no way to order food to the room after 9pm, which was frustrating if you couldn't find anything you liked for supper and had to go hungry until breakfast.

The house reef was spectacular. Because it's in a carved-out inlet or bay, it felt very safe and was well managed. The two lifeguards on the pier were caring, helpful, and knowledgeable about protecting the reef. The variety and number of fish were incredible, the best we've seen compared with Hurghada and makadi bay. I had five treatments at the wellness centre. Naama at reception was kind and helpful, and Fathy gave me a turkish bath and massages. He was professional and exceptionally skilled. Having had plenty of massages, I could tell his technique was excellent, and he seemed to know where I needed help. The warmth in his hands felt healing, and my neck problems improved a lot. The resort was peaceful and relaxed. Nobody rushed to reserve pool or beach sunbeds, unlike at the sister hotel Brayka, which was packed, with beds already claimed by 8 on our daily walks. The walks between both hotels were lovely and accessible. The gardens were beautiful, with teams caring for them every day, and there were birds all around, including Kestrels, herons, egrets, and sea eagles. Most staff were very friendly and helpful. Hamdy, our waiter, was professional, attentive, and genuinely nice, taking time for real chats. He was so good that they moved him to Views restaurant, where the set menu dining is free with a booking and the food was delicious. The waiter who replaced him ignored us and didn't bring evening drinks until our last night, then wanted to be friends for tips. We stayed from the end of November into the first week of December 2025, in a Deluxe room in block 8 on the 1st floor. The view over the sea bay, gardens, and pier was incredible. The room was large and comfortable, with a kettle, tea and coffee facilities, a fridge, and bottled water each day. Abanoub did a spotless job, clearly took pride in his work, and made us laugh and say ooh ahh at his towel art. The hotel now has excellent Wi-Fi. It was included for us, though some guests may be charged depending on room type or booking company. There were three pools: the Mega pool made up of three smaller pools, including a kids pool, an activity pool with slides, and a swimming pool, plus a heated pool and the main pool. At that time of year, the pools were very cold, and the sea was warmer. The restaurant food was lovely, mostly chicken and fish, with stations for Pasta, barbecue, or specials. Ahmed and the morning egg chefs were great. I would definitely return. Is it the best hotel? No, but the reef, staff, and restorative, peaceful atmosphere were just what I needed. Thank you, Fathy, Abanoub, Hamdy, and Naama, you're a credit to the hotel.

The animation programme was available, but we didn't join in, so I can't really comment on it. The reef is still nice for snorkeling, though compared with 10 years ago it seems to be slowly dying. We noticed the same thing in Hamata, so that's more a matter of nature than the hotel. We had trouble with the safe three times, but each time someone came quickly and fixed it. After a full-day trip, I left my hoodie in the restaurant. Staff found it and returned it the next day, which I appreciated. Reception were helpful and professional, the diving center team made arrangements easy, and our housekeeper Mohamed kept the room in perfect shape each day and always greeted us smiling. Massages from Shemo and Eman were very relaxing and helped ease our stress. We really enjoyed our stay. I was a little uncertain at first because it was 'only' a 4★ hotel, but it exceeded my expectations. December weather was pleasant too, and I can definitely recommend the place.