Swisscare Nuweiba, Paradise Found!

Date of review: Apr 8, 2011
This report is twofold - purely because both sides deserve equal justice, which I doubt I can do in mere words, but will certainly try.

SWISSCARE RESORT
On arrival, thanks to transfers by minibus from Sharm El Sheikh arranged by Sarah, at African Divers (Thank You!), the Swisscare stood out as clean first and foremost. Our check in at reception seamless and the simple but elegant furnishings almost taking us back in time (yes we did see the old Singer sewing machine and typewriter on display). The overall feeling of calm tranquility was almost immediate, a marked difference from the hustle and bustle of some of the Sharm El Sheikh hotels we've stayed in. I feel able to say that as this was our 8th visit to Egypt, so we've stayed in quiet a few so far.

ROOMS
HUGE! Quite simply put. We'd booked a suite and were slightly taken aback to find not one, but two very large rooms, each with TV, ample sleeping room, bathroom (with hairdryer), telephone, rather large balcony and enough seating for a mini conference. Well decorated and very clean, and oh so peaceful views of the mountains on one side, the pool directly in front of us, and the beach to our left. Did I mention the free tea and coffee making facilities? I know it's important to me when choosing a hotel (I AM a Brit after all!).

If I was 'forced' to find fault, the plumbing could perhaps do with a bit of modernization - although everything worked just fine, the showers were a little unpredictable as far as temperature goes at times, but nothing close to unbearable. As I say, if I were 'forced to find fault ... that's not a complaint by any means and something that's simply worth a mention, rather than a full scale rant.

FOOD
O Good lord! SO much food! And the quality of Chef Ayman's dishes - superb!
We had half board and were treated daily to a sumptuous breakfast, with a four course table service every evening. I wish, how I wish I'd been a little more serious about that diet before we arrived!

I cannot fault the attention to detail, the overall service and the quality of the food. The staff; particularly Mohammed and Freddy, and later Allaa, were some of the best waiters I've ever had the pleasure of being served by. Good job gents. The lunchtime menu, very reasonably priced indeed and definitely worth a try.

BEACH & POOL
Spotless, and very well maintained. If you want somewhere peaceful to chill, sunbath or read … both were as quiet as any I've ever seen.

Overall: I'd say from a personal point of view that this hotel is ideal for couples or groups and friends looking for some beautiful scenery, peace and quiet and above all else - excellent service. Not so well suited for very young families or perhaps Teens looking for an active night life due the tranquil setting, however, it's certainly not my place to tell where you should and shouldn't go :)

AFRICAN DIVERS
On site at the Swisscare and ready, willing and able to show you some of the best shore diving Nuweiba has to offer. I cannot thank Daniel and Sarah enough for their hospitality, their knowledge and their guidance over the week we stayed. Waking early for a leisurely breakfast on our balcony, followed by a wander down to the dive centre around 9.30 to prepare kit at a speed other than 'breakneck' as we'd been used to previously around other centers we've dived with -- was something of a revelation. On arrival at the dive sites, time enough for chatting whilst sorting kit, detailed briefings on the proposed dives and what we could expect to see, followed by quite simply, the most relaxed diving ever. If you're into photography, and my husband is... the perfect place to spend time grabbing that perfect shot before moving off to find another wonder to snap. No rush, no hassle, serene, safe and has you wanting to get right back to it the second you're out of the water. Such unspoiled beauty, and some most unusual smaller critters. Sarah, how you find all those teensy creatures underwater for us to enjoy is beyond me -- but I'm glad you do! Your knowledge of the area is astounding, so from Mat and I - thank you.

For anyone still in two minds ... I hope my ramblings can convince you to visit these guys, because they definitely deserve recognition for making the second leg of our Egyptian trip this year one that we will most definitely never forget. So much so, I've already lined up flights for later this year.