No one tells you quite how exhausting a scuba diving holiday is.
I’d just stepped off an Egyptian ‘liveaboard’ in Hurghada — a week-long underwater safari that is arguably the best way to explore the Red Sea.
Surrounded by some of the healthiest coral reefs in the world and some serious marine life, I’d spent my days diving with oceanic white-tip sharks and marvelling at dramatic seascapes, while battling strong currents.
Immersive diving holidays for are rapidly growing in popularity, with the market value expected to triple by 2034 as more people are pulled toward adventure travel.
This is contributing to a tourism boom around the Red Sea, a place where the waters are warm, excursions are relatively affordable, and wild dolphins play among spectacular shipwrecks and reef ecosystems.
It is, indeed, magical. But honestly, I needed a holiday from my holiday after that one; four scuba dives a day for a week is not for the faint-hearted.
This is where Rixos Premium Magawish Bay View comes in.
Driving up to the expansive resort on a private road, past horse stables where rabbits hop in the greenery, you can feel your worries float away as you enter the region’s newest five-star all-inclusive.
Still gently rocking even on shore, the Rixos was exactly what I needed.
First impressions
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Opening its doors just a few months ago, Rixos Bay View is one of the latest additions to Egypt’s most famous Red Sea destination.
It has a slick, understated feel, with just the right hint of indulgence and luxury for those seeking an elevated yet rejuvenating stay.
We stayed in a Superior Suite, which was spacious, full of natural light, and came with fresh, comfy bedding. There were his-and-hers sinks, a separate living room area, and a pretty view of the pools beyond.
You can expect high-tech things here, like curtains that open automatically when you enter.
I liked that drinking water came in plant-based cartons instead of single-use plastic, a nod to the chain’s environmental credentials.
And best of all, the room was peaceful — I could already feel myself recharging.
Losing yourself in luxury
Beyond the rooms, there are nine expansive pools, back-to-back activities and service to match the hotel’s five-star rating: bubbles on arrival, live violin musicians, and staff catering to your every whim.
Bay View is adjoined to Rixos’ other offering, the Magawish Suites & Villas (which has even more pools), and guests can enjoy both locations interchangeably, plus 1km of sandy private beach.
That said, Bay View feels grander: you can tell they’ve turned the dial up on luxury here.
It still felt personal at times, with friendly greetings from pool and bar staff to room service teams, who all go above and beyond with hospitality.
Together, it is indeed vast — it took a second to get my bearings, and a map would have come in handy.
But if you don’t fancy walking in the heat, you can hop on one of the frequent buggies zipping round the resort to get you where you need to be.
Vitamin bars and private cabanas
It’s easy to float in a pool and do nothing else at Rixos Bay View, but if you’re less in the market for fly and flop, you have other options.
Rixos is its own self-contained world, with a packed slate of Padel courts, yoga, boutiques and fitness classes, including including tabata, step aerobics and HIIT — just remember to bring trainers or closed shoes, as I couldn’t use the impressively modern gym without them.
Checking out the Anjana Spa is well worth it. It has a free sauna, steam, jacuzzi, and vitamin bar.
Switching off for a one-hour massage with a skilled therapist from Thailand was exactly what the doctor ordered — I recommend treating yourself.
Aimed predominantly at families and couples, there’s also a daily kids’ club (currently expanding).
For me, though, the pièce de résistance is the vast adults-only infinity pool, free from the stresses of rugrats doing cannonballs.
Poolside bar staff waiting on you in rollerblades was random, but actually quite a nice touch.
And if you’ve got serious cash to splash, you’re in luck.
Guests can pay to access even more luxurious spots, such as private, seafront, wait-service cabanas — one of which appeared to have its own jacuzzi right beside the sand.
If you’re after something Instagrammable, you can order one of those floating breakfasts. You know, the kind from the Maldives.
All-inclusive menus done right
Like most all-inclusive hotels, this place has abundant food and drink, including the main buffet, almost a dozen à la carte restaurants with flavours from around the world, and snack bars.
However, unlike most competitors that cater to hundreds of guests, the food quality rarely slips here.
That said, the à la carte is what you should go for: you have your pick between oceanfront seafood at Salt, Mexican street food and Turkish mezze.
Just make sure to reserve these at the start of your stay, as they’re in demand and often fully booked.
I made a habit of heading to Panorama Bar around sunset, a stunning cocktail bar at the heart of the resort where you can watch kite surfers and boats float across the sea.
After dinner, there’s more fun to be had, including beachside music and performances.
We did hear music coming from the stage most nights, but by 11 there was a respectful silence across the resort.
The verdict
While I wish I could say this is one of Hurghada’s best-kept secrets, it’s perhaps too late as the resort is already averaging 90% capacity.
Luckily, Bay View is so expansive that you rarely feel that.
The Rixos chain is still expanding here, and you can understand why: it’s in demand.
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But don’t worry, the landscaping work and a new buffet restaurant didn’t distract me during my visit.
I came to Rixos Bay View salty and tired, and I left feeling recharged — if not slightly heavier on the waist.
It’s the kind of place where you don’t have to think much about making plans, yet there’s enough on offer to keep things interesting.
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If you’re after effortless luxury and the freedom of doing things at your own pace, or doing nothing at all, then Rixos Magawish Bay View hits the spot.
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The Getaway Expert
Your exclusive seven-day guide to travelling with confidence from Metro’s resident travel expert, Alice Murphy.
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