Cleopatra's Secret: Uncover Luxury in Makadi Bay (Hurghada)
Cleopatra's Secret: Makadi Bay – Luxury, Maybe, But Definitely an Experience (Warning: My Honest Take Ahead!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm back from the sands of Hurghada, Egypt, and ready to spill the tea (or should I say, the karkade… the local hibiscus tea, which, by the way, is amazing). I'm talking about Cleopatra's Secret in Makadi Bay. They claim luxury. Did they deliver? Well, let's just say it was a journey. A messy, fascinating, sandy-toed journey.
First Impressions (and My Annoying Need for Accessibility):
Okay, so, accessibility. This is HUGE for me. I need to know if my grandma could navigate the place and I'm happy to say that Cleopatra's Secret, in general, IS fairly accessible. They've got elevators (thank GOD, because who wants to climb stairs in that heat?), and I saw some ramps here and there. Didn't specifically investigate every nook and cranny for strict wheelchair adherence, but it looks promising. Big plus for people with mobility issues. (I'm just picturing Grandma in a Cleopatra wig now… shudders… in a good way).
The Digital Age & The Wi-Fi Woes… Oh, The Wi-Fi!
- Internet Access: Okay, so technically they boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Wi-Fi in public areas. Let's just say "boast" might be a strong word. The Wi-Fi was… a mood. Sometimes blazing fast, sometimes slower than a camel in molasses. I found myself wandering the lobby at 3 AM desperately trying to upload a selfie. Internet [LAN] is also mentioned, so if you're old school and need a wired connection, you're set.
- Internet services: Fine for checking emails and researching local activities, but don’t expect to stream HD movies without some serious buffering. Sorry, Netflix addicts.
- Side note: Wi-Fi for special events? Hmmm. I'd be wary of relying on it if you have a crucial Zoom call.
Things to Do (And My Obsession with the Pool With a View):
Alright, let's talk relaxation. And TRUST me, I needed it. This place is loaded with ways to chill.
- Swimming Pool & Pool with a View The Swimming pool [outdoor] is a must. HUGE. Crystal clear. Blissful. But what REALLY stole the show was the Pool with a view. And OMG, that view! Looking out over the Red Sea, the sun setting… it just… chef's kiss. I spent an embarrassing amount of time floating around, staring at the horizon, and pretending I was a Roman goddess. Seriously, I'm obsessed.
- Spa / Spa & Wellness / Sauna / Steamroom: the place had ALL the SPA features. I was so excited for the Sauna, but I found that the sauna was often closed on the days that I wanted to go (I was REALLY looking forward to the sauna experience.)
- Massage, Body Wrap, Body Scrub: I got a massage once and it was awesome. Actually, you know what? I think I'm going to get another one!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Food Adventures Begin!
This is where things get interesting. Food is, well, subjective, right? My experience? A mixed bag, but with some serious highlights.
- Breakfast (Buffet) was extensive. Western Breakfast, Asian Breakfast, all the carb-y glory you can imagine. The omelet station was my friend. The buffet got a bit same-y after a few days.
- Restaurants: Several options. I spent most of my time in the restaurants.
- A la carte in restaurant: there was a large selection of foods that were a bit better than the other options.
- Bar & Poolside Bar: Perfect for sipping cocktails as the sun dips below the horizon. Note: Happy hour is a MUST.
- Snack bar: Quick bites and casual eats.
- Room Service (24-hour): A lifesaver for late-night cravings (thank you, mini-bar!).
- Side note: the Vegetarian restaurant was also a nice option.
- My weirdest craving: At one point, I was DESPERATE for a salad, and found one in the Salad in restaurant. I'm not sure if it was the delicious vegetables or a result of the delicious weather and scenery, but the salad was GREAT.
- International cuisine in restaurant: There's quite a bit of good variety.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: It was good. But if you're like me, and a coffee snob then the Coffee shop is where you want to be.
Cleanliness and Safety – Did I Survive? (Mostly)
Okay, in our post-pandemic world, this is HUGE.
- Hygiene certification: Yes.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yep.
- Room sanitization between stays: You betcha.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I saw them being diligent.
- Hand sanitizer, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Available.
- Masks where appropriate: The staff were taking these measures.
Now, the REALLY important question: Did I feel safe? Honestly, yes. They were taking it seriously.
Rooms: My Cozy Egyptian Fortress
- Air conditioning: Essential! (More on that in a sec).
- Air conditioning in public area: ALSO essential.
- Room decorations: nice
- Complimentary tea, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water: Very nice.
- Bathtub, Separate shower/bathtub: Excellent.
- Extra long bed: The bed was fine.
- Desk, Laptop workspace: the desk was also fine.
- Linens, Towels, Bathrobes, Slippers: The essentials.
- Minibar, Refrigerator: The essentials.
- In-room safe box: Good for peace of mind.
- TV: lots of channels.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
- Concierge: Helpful for booking excursions.
- Currency exchange: Convenient.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless.
- Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Ironing service: Useful for keeping those vacation outfits fresh.
- Elevator: Huge plus.
- Cash withdrawal: Good to have.
- Convenience store, Gift/souvenir shop: Stuff for the tourist in you
The Not-So-Secret Stuff…
- Smoking area: Yep.
- Non-smoking rooms: Yep.
- Safe dining setup: I found it safe.
- Essential condiments: There was a nice supply.
- Facilities for disabled guests: The elevators and ramps were great, but if you have specific accessibility requirements, DO contact the hotel directly BEFORE booking to confirm that your specific needs can be met.
- Doorman: Always present.
- 24-hour staff: Extremely convenient.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I didn’t have any kids with me, but I saw other families with children enjoying themselves.
Things I Loved (And Things That Made Me Roll My Eyes):
- Loved: The pool with the view. Seriously, it's worth the trip alone. The staff were friendly and helpful, even when I was being "that" guest with a million questions.
- Made me roll my eyes: The Wi-Fi. And, well, sometimes the buffet food. Let's be honest, it wasn't Michelin-star dining.
Overall Verdict:
Cleopatra's Secret is a solid choice for a relaxing vacation in Makadi Bay. It's not perfect. There's room for improvement (ahem, Wi-Fi!), but overall, it's a pleasant experience. I think the quality of Cleopatra's Secret lies in its accessibility, its view, the people, and all the small details.
My "Book It Now!" Offer (Because You Deserve a Vacation):
Tired of the same old boring holiday? Craving sunshine, turquoise waters, and a healthy dose of relaxation? Then escape to Cleopatra's Secret in Makadi Bay, Hurghada!
Here's Why You MUST Book NOW:
- Pool with a View: Seriously, the most gorgeous view. It's Instagram-worthy.
- Unwind & Rejuvenate: Whether you're looking for a relaxing escape or an action-packed adventure, Cleopatra's Secret has everything.
- Safety First is the real bonus Cleopatra Secret makes sure you're safe with the highest standards.
- Easy to Access with elevators and ramps!
Don't delay! Book your Egyptian adventure today and get ready to discover the hidden secrets of Cleopatra's Secret!
Unbelievable Carnelian Tower Views: Forest City FC4223 Johor Bahru Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because organizing a trip to Cleopatra Luxury Resort Makadi Bay? It's gonna be less "perfectly curated Instagram feed" and more "slightly chaotic but totally worth it." Here’s the (tentative) plan – and trust me, it’s already veering off course in my head:
The Cleopatra Chaos: Hurghada & Beyond (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Red Sea)
Day 1: Arrival & “Holy Mother of Buffets!”
- Morning (aka, the Hour the Plane Finally Touched Down): Flight to Hurghada. Pray to the travel gods the baggage handlers are having a good day. My track record with lost luggage isn't great - I once lost a suitcase in Dublin that contained, and I kid you not, an entire collection of novelty tea towels. Let's not relive that.
- Anecdote: Last time I flew, I swore I saw a passenger knitting a tiny sweater for their emotional support hamster. True story!
- Afternoon: Transfer & Check-In: Taxi to the resort. Fingers crossed for a driver who speaks more than "hello" and "baksheesh." Check into Cleopatra Luxury Resort. First impressions: Oooh, fancy lobby! And then, the moment of truth…
- Evening: Dinner - The Buffet Apocalypse: Okay, the buffet at Cleopatra is… intense. It's a feeding frenzy, a glorious, carb-laden ballet of international cuisine. I’m talking mountains of food. I’m talking multiple stations dedicated only to bread. My emotional reaction? Pure, unadulterated joy, followed by the immediate and overwhelming guilt of overeating. I'm not even kidding, I had to go for a quick nap before even attempting a swim, or even just moving around the pool area for a bit.
- Quirky Observation: I saw a family strategically hoarding plates of pastries. It was a glorious, cutthroat power play I secretly admired.
- Messy Ramble: Did I mention the bread? The bread! And the desserts! Oh, god, the desserts… It's a slippery slope, people. A delicious, sugary, buttery, carb-filled slope straight to a self-induced food coma. But hey, vacations are for living, right?
Day 2: Poolside Paradise (and the Dreaded Sunburn)
- Morning: Wake up… and stare at the ceiling for a while out of exhaustion and that feeling of "oh, I can't get out of bed right now; this is too much." But then, the call of the pool. Find a prime sunbathing spot (which, let's be honest, probably won't last). Apply sunscreen religiously. (Remember the Dublin tea towel incident? This is the sequel.)
- Opinionated Language: Look, if you're not wearing SPF 50, you're doing it wrong. End of discussion.
- Afternoon: Poolside Bliss & Beach Bums: Swim, read a book, sip something fruity with a tiny umbrella. This is the life! Try to avoid comparing my physique to the perfectly sculpted bodies lounging nearby. (Spoiler alert: I fail.) Stroll to the beach… ah, the Red Sea. More swimming, maybe. The sand is so fine and soft.
- Strong Emotions: The feeling of the sun on my skin, the sound of the waves… Pure. Bliss. Until… (cue dramatic music)
- Late Afternoon: Sunburn Saga: Despite my best efforts, I've become a lobster. Red. Sore. Miserable. Cue the aloe vera and the self-loathing. Because let's face it… my attempts at sun protection were about as effective as a chocolate teapot.
- Evening: Dinner… Again? - More Buffet, More Regret: Back at the buffet. I swear I'll be sensible this time… Yeah, right. More carbs, more sweets. This is a vicious cycle.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: Maybe I should just embrace it. Become one with the buffet. Accept my fate as a purveyor of all things over-the-top. Embrace the holiday gluttony, the utter lack of self-control, and the inevitable post-vacation detox.
Day 3: Diving Day(ish)
- Morning: The plan? Snorkelling at the Red Sea! Find a reputable dive centre. I'm told a scuba diving experience can be arranged, but I'm not sure if I'm game for that. I might freak out underwater.
- Afternoon: Under the Sea (Sort Of): Okay, so. Snorkelling. The water is unbelievably clear. The coral… vibrant. The fish… plentiful! I am officially converted. This is why they call it the Red Sea. This is a moment.
- Doubling Down on Experience: The memory of the underwater world, the feeling of swimming into the unknown waters. Just amazing.
- Quirky Observation: I swear I saw a fish wink at me. Either that, or I’m developing a serious case of marine-induced hallucination.
- Evening: Casual Dinner - Still Dealing with the Buffet Hangover: Another meal. Still digesting a lot of food. This is tough to manage.
Day 4: Desert Safari (Maybe, Maybe Not)
- Morning: This is where the plan gets… ambiguous. A desert safari is on the itinerary. Jeeps, sand, sunsets… Sounds amazing, right?
- Messy Rambles: But here's the thing: I'm not a huge fan of bumpy rides or sand in my shoes. And those camel rides? Let's just say my coordination is… questionable.
- Afternoon: The Great Decision: Do I brave the desert safari? Or do I embrace the quiet life of the resort? The internal debate rages…
- Evening: Dinner & Resort Life: Resort it is! Relaxing evening in the resort instead.
Day 5 & Beyond: (This is where it truly gets messy)
- Days 5-onwards: More pool time, more beach time, more buffet adventures. Maybe a day trip to the local markets (if I can summon the energy). Perhaps another snorkelling trip (definitely!). The itinerary becomes less structured and more "whatever feels right at the moment."
- Strong Emotional Reactions: The holiday is ending, and I can't believe it's nearly over.
Important Considerations:
- Baksheesh: Tip generously. It’s the way things work. Don't forget!
- Hydration: Drink lots of water. The sun is relentless.
- Language: Learn a few basic Arabic phrases. "Shukran" (thank you) and "Min fadlak" (please) will get you far.
- Flexibility: Embrace the chaos. Things will inevitably go wrong. Just roll with it. Laugh. Eat more bread.
- Departure: Do packing, cry because of the end of the trip, and promise to return as soon as possible.
See? Perfectly imperfect. And hopefully, a little bit of fun. Happy travels, and may your sun cream be plentiful, your buffet choices wise, and your adventures memorable (even the slightly disastrous ones.)
Escape to Paradise: Pousada Monte Azul Awaits in Magical Mucuge, Brazil
Cleopatra's Secret: Makadi Bay - The *Real* Deal FAQs (Because Let's Get Real)
Okay, so you're thinking of Cleopatra's Secret in Makadi Bay, right? Good choice, or maybe not, depending on your tolerance for sunstroke and questionable buffet food. But hey, I'm here to give it to you *straight*. Forget the glossy brochures, let's dive into some REAL talk FAQs. I've been, I've survived (mostly), and I have opinions. Lots of them.
General Questions - The Basics (But with Sass)
Q: What even *is* Cleopatra's Secret? Is it, like, actually a secret? Because I’m not good with secrets.
A: It's a… well, it's a resort. In Makadi Bay, near Hurghada. The name's a bit of a marketing ploy, let's be honest. No lost scrolls of Cleopatra, sadly. More like, *secrets* to a good tan and possibly avoiding food poisoning. I mean, hey, it’s a resort, offering all-inclusive packages. Think sun loungers, vaguely themed restaurants, and the constant hum of air conditioning trying to keep you from melting.
Q: Is it *actually* luxurious, like the name suggests? Because my definition of luxury is "not having to share a shower".
A: "Luxury" is subjective. Let's just say it's more luxurious than camping. The rooms are decent, the pools are plentiful (though the sunbeds get hogged before sunrise, FYI). The food… well, that's a whole other adventure. It's *trying* to be luxurious. Think… slightly worn opulence. But hey, they do bring you drinks by the pool. Small wins. That said, I found a rogue cockroach scuttling across the bathroom floor one morning. Luxury, indeed! (Shudders.)
Q: What's the vibe? Is it a party place, or more… relaxed? Because I need to know if I can get away with wearing my pajamas to breakfast.
A: It leans more towards relaxed, thankfully. Think families, couples, and the occasional solo traveler trying to find inner peace (or at least a decent cocktail). Pajamas to breakfast? Probably not a good look. They do have a dress code, in some restaurants which is probably a code that would prevent pajamas to breakfast. However, I once saw a guy in a speedo and a Hawaiian shirt in the lobby. So, the rules are... flexible. But seriously, pack a few decent outfits. You know. For the illusion of sophistication.
Food, Glorious, Questionable Food
Q: The food. Be honest. Is it edible? Because I'm a picky eater.
A: Okay, here's the unvarnished truth. The buffet is… *a thing*. There's an abundance of food, of course. Mountains of it. But quality varies. Some days it's surprisingly good; other days, it’s a culinary adventure best left unexplored. Think “mystery meat” and a salad bar that *might* have seen better days. I did manage to survive without *major* food poisoning, which is, frankly, a victory. My tip: Stick to the freshly cooked stuff. The pasta station is usually a safe bet. And if you see a queue for the pancakes, join it. They’re sometimes the best thing on offer. Though again, that's the other side of the coin. Some of the dishes were just sad. Like, really, really sad.
Q: What about the a la carte restaurants? Are they any better than the buffet? 'Cause I'm dreaming of a fancy dinner.
A: YES. Mostly. Definitely book them. They often require reservations, so don’t be a fool like me and wait until the last minute. The Italian place was pretty decent. The fish restaurant was a revelation... and the service was great. The Egyptian restaurant has some nice dishes, But remember, these are *resort* restaurants. Not Michelin-starred establishments. But they're a lovely escape from the buffet madness… and the staff are genuinely lovely, which is also a massive win.
The Pool, The Beach, and the Eternal Sun
Q: Are the pools worth it? How crowded are they? I need to relax, not fight for space.
A: The pools are lovely! There's a decent number of them. There's one for kids, one that's a bit more lively, and a few quieter ones for actual relaxation (if you can find a sunbed!). The crowding is *intense* in peak season. People leave towels on the sunbeds before sunrise. It’s a competitive sport. Bring your A-game. Or, better yet, embrace the beach. Because…
Q: How's the beach? Is it a beautiful beach?
A: The beach is… fine. It's not the pristine, postcard-perfect beach you might be dreaming of. It's slightly gritty. The water is clear, though. And It gets better in the shallows, where you can wade out into the (usually) calm waters to swim. Sunsets are *spectacular*. I spent a full hour one evening just watching the sun melt into the horizon, cocktail in hand, and honestly, that experience alone almost made the whole trip worth it. It's genuinely a pretty scene.
Activities & Entertainment - Fun or Farcical?
Q: What's there to do besides swimming? I get bored easily.
A: They have activities. A daily exercise routine (think water aerobics), games, and evening shows. The quality… varies. I had a giggle at the karaoke night. Some of the shows are... well, let's just say they're enthusiastic. But, you know, free entertainment is free entertainment. They also offer diving and snorkeling trips. Definitely worth looking into, because the Red Sea is amazing. Take a book, or download some podcasts because there is plenty of time for relaxing.
The Annoying Bits (Because Let's be Real)
Q: What should I watch out for? Any hidden costs or unpleasant surprises?
A: Hidden costs?Coastal Inns
