Sunwing Waterworld Makadi Hotel

Located on the Red Sea, Sunwing Waterworld Makadi Hotel is a family-friendly getaway with all-inclusive rates. This sprawling resort features Berber-style architecture, encompassing a complex of sandstone-hued buildings with crenellated towers, domes, and arched windows. A set of large, lushly landscaped pools areas unfold all around the extensive grounds, dotted with tall palms and other greenery, plus there’s a giant aqua park with slides weaving through tree tops. Interiors, meanwhile, reflect the exteriors – they’re grand but not over-the-top, with accordingly grand details like columns, Moroccan lamps, arched windows, skylights, and pretty patterned tiles throughout. There’s plenty of inviting sitting areas, both indoors and out, while some of the restaurants and bars reflect different themes, like Mexican, Italian, and German.
Guests here are mainly families with kids attracted by the water park, and it can get busy with little ones running around. The resort also has a lovely private beach though, offering a pleasant alternative to the pool scene. Nevertheless, travelers seeking a relaxing, quiet getaway might want to look elsewhere.

The hotel occupies sprawling beachfront grounds in Makadi Bay, a resort town in Egypt on the Red Sea coast that’s about a 50-minute drive south of Hurghada. The property has its own private beach, with calm, clear waters ideal for snorkeling. The area is full of other hotels and resorts, and there are dining options and nightclubs dotted about. The Souk Makadi Bay shopping center, full of shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife, is around a 20-minute drive away. For another type of attraction, the Makadi Bay Aqua Park is a 15-minute drive from the resort. Hurghada International Airport can be reached in around 40 minutes by car.

There are a couple of different types of rooms here, the standard being the Junior Suite and larger categories including a Royal Suite with Jacuzzi and a Family Suite. All are spacious, and like the rest of the resort, they feature a Moroccan-inspired style. The contemporary spaces are outfitted in beige and sandy hues and have details like patterned lattice touches on furnishings. All rooms open onto private and furnished terraces or balconies, some with direct pool access or small gardens.
All rooms have spacious living areas with sofas – some are sectioned off from the bedrooms areas by wooden screens, while others have separate living rooms. Flat-screen TVs come standard, as do mini-fridges, electronic safes, and air-conditioning, but in-room Wi-Fi incurs a fee (it’s free in some public areas). Marble bathrooms are large, outfitted with roomy double sinks, bathtubs, and separate showers, plus magnifying mirrors and wall-mounted hairdryers. Toiletries are also supplied.

One of the main features here, especially for families with kids, is the large water park that the resort is built around. Offering several large waterslides, a wave pool, lazy river, and more, it’s certainly a family favorite. There are several large and attractive outdoor pools interspersed throughout the grounds, including an infinity-edge one and a kids’ pool. There’s also a smaller kids’ water park for younger children in a shallow pool. Other features aimed at families include a kids’ club and indoor and outdoor play areas.
For an alternative to the pool scene, the hotel has a lovely stretch of private sandy beach that’s lined with loungers and straw umbrellas. Each set of loungers features a rattan privacy screen, which is a thoughtful touch. There’s a beach bar here, as well as a beach volleyball court, plus a number of water sports are on offer. The clear, calm waters are good for swimming, but this area is particularly known for snorkeling and diving, thanks to its lovely coral reefs.
Also on-site are a large and well-equipped fitness center and several sports courts, such as soccer and tennis, as well as several shops selling souvenirs and jewelry. The animation team offers a daily program of activities and evening entertainment. Wi-Fi is free in certain public areas like the lobby, but incurs a charge for in-room use. It’s also available (for a fee) at the internet cafe by the sports bar.

All food and drinks are covered in the all-inclusive rates here and there are a variety of restaurants and bars to choose from – though food receives mixed reviews. The 10 restaurants range from buffet-style to a la carte, including a fine-dining restaurant, and Italian, Mexican, and German a la carte eateries. The hotel also has 10 bars, such as an African-style beach bar, a biergarten, a sports bar with pool tables and arcade games, and a pool bar, plus there’s a spot serving crepes and other sweets.