From 23rd July to 30th August, our family of four experienced an incredible holiday at the TUI Blue Crystal Bay Resort in Hurghada, Egypt. This trip was a wonderful blend of relaxation and adventure, providing us with lasting memories. The resort, part of the TUI Blue collection, offered a perfect mix of local culture and modern comfort, making it a delightful stay for both adults and children.
Outgoing Journey
Our journey began at Gatwick Airport, where we utilised the meet-and-greet parking service just two minutes from the departure terminal. Despite a self-inflicted error with the number plate in my booking, the process was smooth and the staff were welcoming. After a brief check-in, we made the short three-minute walk to the terminal. Upon entering, TUI representatives directed us to the self-service bag check, which was seamless, although traditional check-in with staff was also available. My children watched with fascination as their cases disappeared on the conveyor belt before we proceeded through security. Impressively, we were allowed to keep our electronics in our bags, speeding up the process significantly. Although we travelled during peak time, investing in fast track only saved us about ten minutes as the regular queues moved swiftly.
Navigating through duty-free was the next challenge, reminiscent of an IKEA maze, complete with the risk of unsolicited aftershave samples. After dodging several spritzes and making it through mostly unscathed (save for my wife who emerged with a new perfume), we headed to the Premium Plaza Lounge. This was our first lounge experience, costing a little over £120 for the four of us. The lounge provided a comfortable place to sit, included food and drinks, and a view of the runway that entertained the kids and preserved their iPad batteries for the flight. The breakfast offerings, though not gourmet, were regularly replenished and quite satisfying. Given the delays on our previous trips, this was a worthwhile investment and a decision I would consider again.
Despite a previous day’s flight cancellation due to IT issues, we were fortunate to fly as scheduled. Although the flight was delayed, communication from TUI was consistent and clear.
The arrival at Hurghada airport was quite easy. The key thing to remember on arrival is that you need to pay a visa charge of 25 each, which can be paid in pounds, dollars, or euros, though the best value is in dollars. Make sure you go to the bank counters directly on your right as you walk in; there are others you may be directed to with people shouting your flight number, but you get charged more here. It’s frustrating, but if you go to the right counter, it’s quick and easy. They ensure you have the correct money, give you a stamp, and you’re through.
Accommodation
Our family suite at the TUI Blue Crystal Bay Resort perfectly blended comfort and modernity. The suite featured a master bedroom with a king-sized bed and an adjoining room with twin beds for the children, offering ample space and privacy for everyone. Only the master bedroom opened onto the balcony, providing breathtaking views of the resort’s lush gardens, beautiful beach and shimmering pools. The suite was well-equipped with air conditioning, a minibar, satellite TV, and tea/coffee making facilities, ensuring a convenient and comfortable stay. Our room, number 623, was ideally located on the top floor between the pool and the private beach lagoon, providing easy access to all the resort’s amenities.
Our room was spotlessly cleaned daily by our friendly cleaner, Saeed, who had exceptional attention to detail. He made extra efforts to ensure we had everything we needed, including creating towel animals, topping up the minibar, and providing fresh robes. After breakfast, we always returned to an immaculate room. While the suite was comfortable and spacious, a touch of modernisation in certain areas would enhance the overall experience. However, this minor detail did not detract from our room’s overall luxury and comfort.
The hotel is beautifully presented and landscaped, with maintenance teams working tirelessly in the hot sun to ensure the place looks pristine. Wherever you go, the staff are working hard and constantly greet you with a smile. Most have an impressive memory, remembering your room number or where you prefer to sit. The attention to detail is truly remarkable.
Dining Options
The resort boasted an impressive variety of dining options to cater to all tastes. The main buffet restaurant offered a wide range of international cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with live cooking stations and themed nights adding excitement to each meal. Even better was the selection of à la carte restaurants for dinner, which, with the exception of Felucca, you could use as often as you like by prior reservation:
- Yades (Greek-Mediterranean for breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Elia (Italian-Mediterranean)
- Manohar (Indian)
- Mangal (Turkish BBQ)
- Dalila (Egyptian)
- Felucca (seafood; extra charge)
We always used Yades at lunch as it had a varied menu catering from salads to pizzas and burgers. I highly recommend Dalila for the amazing view over the Red Sea and Mangal for the BBQ experience. To be honest, all the restaurants offered a variety of options, and the food was presented well and was plentiful. If we had stayed for a second week, I would have ensured a second visit to Mangal and Manohar. The all-inclusive local drinks were good, but we found the cocktails could be hit or miss. Outside the main bar near reception, we had some excellent cocktails. Around the pool, they were just thrown together, which was understandable given how busy it was, but they should be better for a 5-star resort.
Activities and Entertainment
TUI Blue Crystal Bay Resort excelled in offering a wide range of activities and entertainment options for all ages. The private beach, with its clear blue waters and soft sands, was ideal for relaxing. While the beach did not offer watersports, the sea was warmer than the pool and perfect for floating the day away. An Instagram-friendly swing on the left-hand side surrounded by sun loungers in private areas added to the charm. Further along is Oasis Beach, the adults-only section, which had its own bar and free basic cabanas. The tide changes throughout the day, but the water remains calm, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.
One day, we treated ourselves to a beach cabana, which provided a private area complete with a fridge, safe, and fan for the day. Located on the private hotel beach, we were regularly checked upon for comfort and drinks, and were served lunch and fresh fruit. While we could have enjoyed the many beach sunbeds under shaded trees, the cabana experience was special, allowing us to stay into the early evening. Priced around £50 for the day, although I believe it was included for guests in the so-called ‘posh club.’
The resort welcomed families with open arms, yet maintained a relaxed and spacious environment. Unlike the hotel with the aqua slides, two doors down (which you could use), which resembled a bustling theme park, the resort provided plenty of space for kids to have fun without overwhelming other guests. Sunbeds, while reserved around 9 AM for premium spots, were always available even during peak season. The staff were proactive in sourcing additional sunbeds if needed, ensuring comfort for all guests.
The animation team at the resort worked tirelessly from morning till night, encouraging guests to join in activities like aqua aerobics and dance lessons without being pushy. Evening entertainment included a mix of singing and dancing, occasionally enhanced by outside performers who brought fire shows, jet-powered water flying, and foam parties. Although some guests were slightly disappointed with the evening entertainment’s variety and quality, it was clear that the resort focused on what they excelled at.
Trips and Excursions
We booked two trips via the official TUI travel guides onsite, although independent agencies were also available just off reception or wandering around the pool. They were not pushy, but you could get a red flag from the towel hut if you didn’t want to be bothered.
Our first trip was to Luxor, leaving at 5:00 AM. We considered Cairo, but the distance made this less desirable for us, so we opted for the shorter trip to Luxor to see the Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings. We also visited Tutankhamun’s tomb for a small extra fee and took a short boat trip on the Nile.
The drive to Luxor is an experience in itself, as it is literally survival of the fittest once you are off the main mountain roads and into the cities. Somehow, they manage to turn two lanes into five, resembling a real-life Mario Kart, with added security checks throughout. The trip was well-organized with an excellent guide who was knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions. The only downside was the persistent hassle from vendors as soon as we stepped off the bus. While understandable, the constant pressure to buy souvenirs or services, even within the paid attractions, was overwhelming and detracted from the experience. We returned to the hotel around 8:30 PM, tired but with experiences we will treasure forever.
As a contrast, we also booked a trip to the impressive Mahmya Island. A Caribbean-style escape, but closer to home. Think coconut-white sands and turquoise waters. You’ll find it near Hurghada, nestled into Giftun Island National Park. We took the boat trip and had the privilege of seeing dolphins in their natural habitat on the way. On arrival, the beach is just stunning, and you have your own reserved area which is shaded. During our trip, you had the option to go on a professional, deep-water scuba diving trip, but as first-timers, we opted to dive around the corals near the beach. We are so glad we did, the kids were delighted to see fish swimming around them; it made their day, possibly their week. We even managed to see what I would describe as a giant rainbow fish—amazing and highly recommended. There are several parts of the island you can go to, but we were recommended here as it’s not overly crowded and only certain operators can dock and use the space. Highly recommended.
Service and Tipping
Tipping at the resort was not mandatory but highly appreciated, often ensuring staff went above and beyond. Basic salaries are relatively low, with tips comprising around 70% of their income. I found that tipping in dollars was most convenient, as staff could easily change the currency. A few dollars here and there worked well, although Egyptian pounds, Euros or GBP were also accepted.
Opting for a late checkout was a great decision as our flight wasn’t until 10 PM. This allowed us to enjoy another day by the pool, and we didn’t need to leave our room until 6 PM, making our last day as relaxing as the rest.
I had arranged private transfers to and from the airport through Holiday Extras. Upon arrival, I initially couldn’t find my driver, but he was eventually located, and we reached the hotel just before the coach. On our return trip, however, the private transfer failed to arrive despite confirming the day before. We ended up taking the TUI bus, which, although it took longer, turned out to be much less stressful.
The process of getting through the airport to return home involved several security checks, unlike in the UK. There were separate lines for males and females in some areas, but everything moved fairly swiftly. Additional forms needed to be completed before passport control. Once through, food and drink were readily available, although the queue for Burger King was quite long.
In conclusion, I would definitely visit this hotel again. The combination of beautiful accommodations, excellent dining options, varied activities, and the high level of service made for a memorable family holiday. The staff’s attention to detail and their friendly, welcoming nature truly stood out, making our stay even more enjoyable. The TUI Blue Crystal Bay Resort offers a perfect balance of relaxation and entertainment, making it an ideal destination for families.
Top 5 Travel Tips for Your Stay at TUI Blue Crystal Bay Resort, Hurghada
- Be Strategic with Tipping: Tipping at the resort isn’t mandatory but is highly appreciated and can enhance your experience. Carry small denominations in dollars, as it’s the most convenient currency for the staff to exchange. Regular, small tips often result in even better service, making your stay more comfortable and personalized.
- Book Popular Excursions in Advance: Trips to destinations like Luxor or Mahmya Island are popular and can fill up quickly. Book these excursions through official TUI guides on-site for a well-organized experience, or explore independent agencies if you’re comfortable with a bit of negotiation. Both options provide unique and memorable experiences, but official bookings might offer more convenience and security.
- Plan for a Late Checkout: If you have a late flight, opting for a late checkout can make your last day as relaxing as the rest of your trip. This allows you to enjoy the resort’s amenities right up until you leave, without the stress of packing up too early. It’s a small investment that can significantly enhance your overall experience.
- Prepare for Visa Charges at Hurghada Airport: Upon arrival at Hurghada Airport, you’ll need to pay a visa fee of £25 per person. The best value is to pay in dollars. Make sure to go directly to the bank counters on your right as you enter the airport, as other counters may charge higher fees. This will save you time and money.
- Consider a Beach Cabana for a Day: For a more luxurious experience, consider booking a beach cabana for a day. Priced around £50, it provides a private area with a fridge, safe, and fan, as well as personalized service with drinks and lunch delivered to you. It’s an excellent way to enjoy the beach in comfort and style, especially if you want to relax and unwind.
This review is based entirely on my own experiences during the trip, and none of the content has been sponsored or provided in exchange for editorial coverage.
Publisher of Hospitality and Leisure News, 365 Retail, Retail Source and organiser of the Creative Retail Awards.
