You know that feeling when you walk into a hotel and immediately realize you’ve been doing "luxury" wrong? That’s the vibe at the Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh Egypt. Most people heading to Hurghada end up in those massive, all-inclusive mega-resorts where you have to fight a toddler for the last piece of omelet. This isn’t that.
Honestly, it’s kinda weird how quiet it is here. You’re on 48 acres of prime Red Sea real estate, but there are only 102 suites. The math just feels... generous. You’ve got all this space, these high domed ceilings, and columns that make you feel like you’ve accidentally wandered into a pasha’s summer palace. It’s basically the antithesis of the "buffet and bingo" scene found further up the coast.
What actually makes it worth the price tag?
Let’s be real: Egypt has plenty of five-star hotels that are, well, just fine. But the Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh stays on top of the rankings because they understand that real luxury isn't about gold-plated faucets. It’s about the fact that the staff knows your name by day two and remembers exactly how you like your coffee.
The layout is smart. Instead of one giant block of rooms, the suites are clustered in these little "neighborhoods" that step down toward the sea. Every single room is a suite. No "standard" boxes here.
The suite situation (and which one to pick)
- Deluxe Suites: These are the "base" rooms, but calling them base is a stretch. You’re looking at 85 square meters. The sunken marble bathtub is the star here—it sits right next to a glass wall looking into your own private courtyard.
- Superior Deluxe Suites: Basically the same as the Deluxe but you’re right on the beach. If you want to wake up, open the curtains, and see nothing but blue, this is your play.
- Grand Suites with Private Pool: Now we’re talking. If you don't feel like sharing the 43-meter main infinity pool, you just hop into your own. It's heated, which is a life-saver if you're visiting in January.
- Royal Suites: Total overkill in the best way. 225 square meters, separate living room, a pantry, and a dining pavilion outside.
I’ve seen people complain that the furniture looks a bit "classic." And yeah, it’s not ultra-modern minimalist. It’s got that heavy, traditional Egyptian feel with papyrus lamps and dark wood. But everything is built to last. The linens are high-thread-count Egyptian cotton (obviously), and the mattresses are those 12-inch pillow-top dreams that make it hard to get up for breakfast.
The snorkeling is actually better than the excursions
Here is a secret: don't bother booking those crowded "Orange Bay" boat tours where they cram 50 people onto a deck. The house reef at the Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh Egypt is legitimately spectacular.
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You just walk down the private pier, hop off the ladder, and you’re in a literal aquarium. I’m talking about rays, eels, and more "Nemo" fish than you can count. Because the resort owns such a massive stretch of the coastline (about 850 meters), the reef hasn't been trampled by thousands of tourists. It’s healthy. It’s vibrant.
If you do want to go further out, the onsite PADI center is top-tier. They’ll take you out on their private boat, which is way more civilized than the public ones.
Eating your way through the resort
Food in Egypt can be hit or miss. At the Oberoi, it’s a hit, though it’ll cost you.
The main restaurant serves international stuff, and the views are killer. But the real standout is Zaafran. It’s an Indian restaurant (Oberoi is an Indian brand, after all) and it’s arguably the best Indian food in the whole country. The ceiling is covered in silver leaf that sparkles under the lights, and they have traditional musicians playing. It feels very "old world" in a way that’s actually charming rather than cheesy.
Then there's The Pergola. It’s right by the pool. Go there for a late lunch, grab a pizza or some pasta, and just stare at the Red Sea. They also have a solid bar for cigars and cocktails if that’s your thing.
A quick reality check on the costs
It’s not cheap. Breakfast alone can run you about $27 per person if it's not included in your rate. A bottle of wine from the minibar will definitely make you squint at the bill. But you’re paying for the peace. There are no "entertainment teams" screaming into microphones at 2:00 PM. No "Aqua Aerobics" with blasting techno. Just the sound of the wind and the waves.
The Spa and "Touching Senses"
They have this thing called the "Touching Senses" program. Most of it is complimentary. You can do yoga on the beach, take a cooking class with the chefs, or even go stargazing with a guide.
The spa itself is Balinese-inspired. They do this signature "Pharaohs Massage" that uses deep tissue techniques and aromatherapy oils. If you’ve spent 5 hours on a plane to get here, it’s basically mandatory. They use Omorovicza products, which are high-end Hungarian mineral stuff—definitely not the generic hotel soap you’re used to.
Is Sahl Hasheesh actually better than Hurghada?
Sorta. Hurghada is a chaotic, bustling city. Sahl Hasheesh is a gated community/resort area about 20 minutes south. It’s cleaner, safer, and much more "manicured." There’s a long boardwalk that runs along the coast where you can rent those little golf carts to zip around.
The Oberoi is tucked away at the very end of this area. This means you don't get random people wandering onto the beach. It’s total seclusion.
Things to keep in mind
- Distance: It’s about 25 minutes from the airport. The hotel can arrange a limo, but Uber works too (though they sometimes struggle to get past the main Sahl Hasheesh security gate).
- Connectivity: The Wi-Fi is okay (usually 25+ Mbps), but it can be spotty in the far corners of the gardens. If you're planning to run Zoom calls from the beach, maybe bring a local SIM.
- The Vibe: It’s very romantic. You’ll see a lot of couples. It is kid-friendly (there’s a kids' club), but it’s not a "waterpark" hotel. If your kids need slides and constant animation, they might get bored.
Actionable Next Steps for your trip
- Book the "Oberoi One" membership first. It’s free to join on their website and often gets you a 10% discount or some perks like late checkout.
- Request a suite near the pier. If you're there for the snorkeling, being on that side of the property saves you a lot of walking.
- Pack your own snorkeling gear. While the hotel provides it, having your own well-fitting mask makes the house reef experience 10x better.
- Schedule a dinner at Zaafran for your first night. It’s popular, and since it's only open for dinner, spots fill up.
- Check the "Touching Senses" schedule immediately upon arrival. The complimentary wine tastings and cooking classes have limited spots.
If you want a place where you can actually hear your own thoughts while looking at some of the best water on the planet, this is it. It’s a bit of a splurge, but for a milestone anniversary or just a "I need to disappear for a week" trip, it’s hard to beat.