I was reluctant when booking Meraki Resort. It’s known as a clubbing resort, and as much as I like to party when I go away, I want to chill (unless it’s a festival). I also thought I’d be the oldest one in there.
However, I took the risk as I loved the Bohemian concept, and the resort looked great, had good reviews, and I got it at a decent price.
Meraki is part of the Sunrise Brand, owned by an Egyptian entrepreneur and having stayed at Sunrise Romance in Sal Hasheesh I knew I was in good hands. Meraki opened its doors in 2018/19 and is the second-largest hotel in the group.
Set the scene
Meraki is a 4* adults-only all-inclusive clubbing resort with 368 rooms, a laidback boho concept and a variety of modern hotel facilities at the heart of Egypt’s Red Sea in Hurghada.
Bohemian chic decor and signs of positivity and upliftment furnish the resort and offer good vibes only. It boasts a clubbing experience on the beach and in its Vibe club, but you don’t have to be right in the midst of it. For those not wanting to party, there are quiet beach and pool areas and something for everyone.
Location
Meraki is located in downtown Hurghada, 20 minutes from Hurghada International Airport. Taxis to the resort from the airport cost approximately 150EGP.
The resort has a prime position along the shores of the Red Sea.
What can we expect from the bedrooms?
Guests can choose from specially designed Bohemian-inspired rooms and suites ranging from Double Trouble and Triple Trouble Rooms or indulge in Gypster Rooms, Merakilous Rooms or an upmarket suite.
I stayed in the Double Trouble Room, and though it was well-appointed and comfortable, it was pretty small, and the bathroom was tiny.
All rooms have a bathroom with shower, satellite TV, telephone, mini-fridge, kettle and air-conditioning. Each room has a furnished balcony or terrace. My room overlooked the pool and had a sea view to the side.
For those travelling with hand luggage only, you will want nothing as everything is there – shaving kit, vanity case, shower cap, toothbrush and toothpaste, bathrobe, slippers.
The hotel has ditched the mini toiletries and instead uses bulk dispensers in the shower. The fridge is stocked with soda and bottles of water. There is also a platter of fruit and a mini bottle of wine on arrival.
Facilities
Meraki is a clubbing resort that provides a diverse nightlife experience. Guests can gather at Pub Fiction, enjoy beach parties at Carpe Diem, and watch sports at Velocity Sports Bar. Vibe Club has DJs live, acts and different themes such as colour or all-white parties.
The resort also offers a range of water activities, including scuba diving, snorkelling, parasailing, kayaking and surfing. Other activities include Yoga and pilates, beach volleyball, tennis, table tennis, pinball, aerobics, and there’s a running track.
When you need to relax after those activities, there’s a spa and wellness centre. The pool is huge and edged with daybeds and thatched parasols, as are the beach areas.
How about the food and drink?
Meraki Resort offers an all-inclusive dining experience and has seven à la carte restaurants serving a mix of local and international cuisine (Egyptian, Asian, Greek, Burger House, Pizzeria, Noodle bar) and an international Buffet in the Munchery Restaurant.
For Seafood lovers, the resort offers the Felucca Seafood restaurant (chargeable). There are also six bars to choose from.
The buffet in the Munchery Restaurant is endless and varied and of a good standard. There are numerous dishes from which to choose, and the food is great – breakfast, lunch and dinner with a rotating assortment. Dinner is served until 12 pm at night, and then there’s food on the grill outside.
There’s loads of desserts to choose from at the buffet, or you can check out Beans N’ Cream for ice cream.
The Manzuko Restaurant serves delicious Asian food, and the Mumm Restaurant is good to experience some traditional Egyptian dishes.
Adagio Beach Bar and Pizzeria – I loved hanging out here. The pizza is good, and the cocktails are even better. Mohamed, the barman, makes great cocktails which can be ordered straight from your lounger while you bask in the sun. He was also very intuitive to my needs as he had a cocktail ready for me when he saw me coming once he saw the pattern in what I ordered.
If you fancy some Shisha, check out the Yazol Shisha Tent. They take cash only. It’s a great vibe in here. You can sit and relax with Shisha and Egyptian tea.
What about the service?
Egyptian hospitality – say no more. Add to that boho flair and an eclectic atmosphere. It’s a 4* resort with a 5* team.
I want to give a shout-out to Saad – a true gem who had a great way of connecting with guests through picking up local slang – “a top geezer”. The Mohameds (at the bar and the lifeguard) and Hisham at reception were all very affable and added a personal touch. These things are important when travelling solo.
What type of person stays here?
All types – adults of course.
Though a clubbing resort, it’s not all 18 – 35. The clientele is varied, and there’s something for everyone. Clubbing is not a necessity, though the animation team are great at getting everyone involved. Molly and the rest of the team have great energy.
Meraki means “The art of doing everything with love, creativity and passion, giving a part of yourself in all you do”, and the staff do just that.
Solo travellers, couples and groups of friends would love this resort.
Is it worth it?
Yes!!! The only downside is the room was smaller than I’ve become accustomed to in Egypt, and the bathroom was tiny.
The rooms (well, mine at least) are starting to look a little tired and could do with a refurb. However, this is not a dealbreaker. Overall it’s fantastic value for money and I didn’t want to leave.
Pick your room depending on how much time you intend to spend there. Also, request a room away from the club for a peaceful stay. I wasn’t disturbed by the noise, and the club finishes at 2.00 am.
It’s the perfect place to reset your mind and charge batteries. The all-inclusive offerings are to a good standard, and the endless buffet is impressive, with a wide range of food to meet a varied diet. It worked out to £80 a night with a slight discount with my Genius points through booking.com.
Meraki Resort (Adults Only)
Address: EL Dahar – Down Town, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
