Almaza Bayألمازا باي

Almaza Bay's defining feature is its extraordinary water. The bay's gently shelving seabed creates a broad stretch of calm, shallow water in vivid turquoise and aquamarine, often described as among the most beautiful on the entire North Coast. It is wonderfully safe and inviting for swimming, wading, and simply admiring, and gives the whole resort a serene, tropical-lagoon feel. Combined with fine white sand and bright Mediterranean light, it makes for a truly idyllic beach setting.

Almaza Bay is a planned resort destination, home to a cluster of upscale hotels set along its beautiful shore, with pools, restaurants, and beach facilities. Because it is largely self-contained, most visitors settle into their resort and the bay itself, enjoying a calm, comfortable holiday away from the bustle of the more crowded Sahel towns. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, making it a popular choice for travellers who want gorgeous water and resort comfort in one easy package.

Almaza Bay lies west of the main Sahel resorts, on the way toward Marsa Matruh, reached by the coastal highway from Alexandria and Cairo. Like the rest of the North Coast, it is at its best in the summer months, when the sea is warm and the resorts are open and lively. For those seeking some of the coast's most beautiful water in a calmer, more upscale setting, Almaza Bay is hard to beat.

• What it is: an upscale resort bay on the North Coast.
• Arabic name: ألمازا باي (Almaza Bay).
• Where: near Sidi Heneish, west of the main Sahel resorts.
• Famous for: calm, shallow, dazzling turquoise water and white sand.
• Style: a self-contained, upscale, family-friendly resort destination.
• Season: best in the summer months.

Sources include Egyptian North Coast travel guides. Some details are approximate.