
Soma
Bay
A 2,500-acre peninsula where the desert meets the sea: golden beaches, world-class kiting, Africa's finest thalassotherapy spa and some of the most pristine house reef in the northern Red Sea.
Where the desert meets the sea
Soma Bay is a private gated peninsula on the Red Sea coast, 45km south of Hurghada Airport and about 40 minutes by road. Developed from desert in 1991, it has grown into one of Egypt's most complete resort destinations, a self-contained world of beaches, hotels, restaurants, a marina, a championship golf course and one of the finest spas on the African continent.
The peninsula stretches 11km of coastline and covers 2,500 acres. Once through the gates you're in a different world: golf buggies ferry guests along the 4km beachfront promenade, the pace drops, and the only decision is whether to be on the water, in it or under it. The house reef at Ras Abu Soma is accessed via a 420-metre jetty and is one of the most accessible and healthy reef systems in the northern Red Sea.
Soma Bay is also one of the world's premier kitesurfing destinations, with the wind conditions and flat water lagoons that attract serious kiters from Europe and beyond. The combination of diving, kiting, golf, spa and beach makes it one of the few Red Sea destinations that genuinely offers something for every type of traveller.
Six hotels, one peninsula
The Cascades Spa & Thalasso is an independent facility at the Cascades Golf Resort. Kempinski, Mövenpick and Breakers guests can access it via shuttle.
European luxury directly on the beach: infinity pool, multiple restaurants and one of the more refined stretches of private beach on the peninsula. Kempinski guests can access the Cascades Spa & Thalasso, a separate independent facility, via a complimentary shuttle.
Inspired by the Karnak Temple Complex, with grand Egyptianate architecture on 800m of beachfront. The first hotel built in Soma Bay. Completed a full renovation in late 2025, lobby, rooms and restaurants all refurbished. The top family choice on the peninsula.
Soma Bay's centrepiece: elevated on the highest point of the peninsula above the Gary Player 18-hole championship course. Home to the Cascades Spa & Thalasso, 7,500 sqm across 65 treatment rooms and an 830m³ seawater Aquatonic pool, one of the largest dedicated thalassotherapy facilities in the world. Operated independently; accessible to guests of all peninsula hotels.
The divers' and kiters' hotel, positioned next to the house reef and kite lagoons. Direct reef access via the on-site dive centre, rooftop terrace with panoramic sauna, open-air cinema and a beach bar.
Arabesque architecture and lush landscaping on 500m of beach. The liveliest hotel on the peninsula: 6 bars, evening entertainment, pilates and yoga. A strong choice for solo travellers and groups.
An established Accor property with its own on-site waterpark, Splash Mania, making it the strongest family option on the peninsula alongside the Sheraton. Full beach access, multiple pools and a Lebanese restaurant added in a recent expansion.
11km of coastline
On the water, in it, above it
The house reef at Ras Abu Soma is one of the most pristine and accessible in the northern Red Sea, reached by jetty directly from the peninsula. Daily boat dives run to offshore sites including Elphinstone, roughly an hour out. Beginner courses through to Dive Master are available, and visibility, coral health and fish density consistently place Soma Bay among the top reef dive destinations in Egypt.
7Bft Kite House is one of the most respected kite schools in the world. Consistent thermal winds Oct–Apr, flat water lagoon, a pilgrimage for serious kiters from Europe.
Soma Bay hosts international competitive sailing: the 2026 Arab Sailing Championships were held here in January, with ILCA Olympic-class fleets from across the Arab world. Catamaran and dinghy hire available through the marina.
The Gary Player-designed 18-hole par 72 Cascades course, fairways running between the Red Sea and the desert mountains. Open year-round, best Oct–Apr.
Wakeboarding, water skiing, glass bottom boats, sea kayaking and paddleboarding. The Soma Splash Aqua Park for families.
The Soma Bay go-kart track is one of the better-equipped in the Red Sea resorts, a proper circuit open to guests across the peninsula. Good for families and an easy afternoon activity between beach sessions.
Full paintball facility on the peninsula: team scenarios with equipment hire included. Popular with groups and a reliable option when the wind drops and the kite beach is quiet.
Horseback rides along the beach at sunset, a Soma Bay classic. Desert mountains, golden sand and the Red Sea at golden hour.
The Cascades Thalasso is consistently rated the best thalassotherapy spa in Africa: seawater treatments, hammam, flotation and a full wellness programme.
Soma Bay hosts the IRONMAN 70.3 Egypt and the Trifactory Endurance Festival, two of the most significant triathlon events on the African calendar. The peninsula's combination of open water, road and running terrain makes it a natural endurance venue.
How to reach Soma Bay
All resorts offer airport transfer from Hurghada. Book in advance through your hotel. Taxis are also available from outside the terminal. The peninsula is gated; if arriving independently, give the name of your hotel at the entrance. Hurghada has direct scheduled and charter flights from across Europe year-round.
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