From snorkelling to desert safaris, from golf to yachting, Taba is the something-for-everybody place, as Amira El-Naqeeb discovers to her liking Checking into the InterContinental Taba Heights Resort came at the end of a six- hour bus ride to the beautiful resort, the creation of Orascom Hotels & Development. Situated on the northern-most tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, and located 35km from Taba International Airport, Taba Heights' unique location provides an impressive view across the Red Sea to the Saudi Arabian, Jordanian and Israeli coastlines. Although the majestic picture of the Sinai mountains made up for being stiff-necked and glued to a chair for half a dozen hours, I was eager to go to the sanctuary of my room and rest. The InterContinental, inaugurated in July, is the newborn baby of the chain of hotels and resorts in Taba Heights. The moment you enter the reception, you get the same feeling desert travellers experience upon reaching an oasis. The spaciousness, the beautiful domed ceilings, the skylight, and the walls painted in light colours are a real sight. The lobby's marble floors are the colour of ivory, adorned with motifs from Pharaonic and Nubian heritage, giving a sense of cosiness and familiarity to the place. My favourite was the lighting units. The beautiful blue bubbled glass lanterns and the choice of the chandeliers evoked the mysterious ambiance of the Orient. The fact that the InterContinental name was always associated with extravagance did nothing to prepare me for my room. The mix of modernity that suits a sea resort with the touch of elegance that goes with the name of the famous chain was a successful blend. I rushed to the terrace to check the view but was disappointed to see that the sea and pool view was blocked by the high bars of the balcony rail. I felt like I was behind bars in my own room, though it had all the lavish amenities -- TV, mini bar and air conditioning. The peach colour, wooden furniture and the matching upholstery were comfortable chic. "Today, we have a 15 to 20 per cent occupancy rate, which is relatively encouraging, bearing in mind that this hotel wasn't featured in any tour operator brochure for the summer season," said Franck Naulleau, the InterContinental's general manager. Naulleau said the international environment and what was happening in the region also was not helping promote "a safe and sound" stay in the region. The predominant market in the area is British, German and Belgian. "When EgyptAir starts a direct flight from Cairo to Taba, we hope to appeal to the Egyptian market as well," Naulleau added. Our late lunch was around 6pm in the Mexican restaurant El Feugo, Spanish for fire, in Taba Heights village. We decided to eat outdoors and enjoy the view of the blinking lights of the borders of Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel. The starter, stuffed tortilla served next to three different kinds of dips, followed by steaming chicken and meat fajita, took my mind of the view. Dessert -- we had cheese cake drowning in strawberry sauce -- stopped my thought processes altogether. Taking a stroll at night in the downtown area, you feel the creators of El-Gouna had the same intention for Taba Heights. They adopted El-Gouna's same grand plan, which is a self-sufficient resort. "We are in the process of building a school, and we just finished our medical centre," Tarek Rihan, general manager of Taba Heights, said. "We also have our real estate for people who are interested in living in Taba Heights." Although you can find all the usual services -- a pharmacy, bank, supermarket and souvenir bazaars -- the area still needs much more. Downtown was almost deserted and not as lively compared to El-Gouna. So if you gravitate towards action like a moth to a flame, don't get your hopes up high. ACTIVITIES: Having five pools in one hotel, one of which is heated and two for children, is a great option. As a beach lover I got all geared up only to find more than one unpleasant surprise waiting for me. First, it was too windy, which made turning the pages of a newspaper a considerable challenge. Second, the beach is not sandy but pebbly, so you need to be extra careful if you don't have shoes on. However, you can always look at the bright side and complete your pebbles collection, or start your own. During my quest to complete my collection, I ran into Hanna from Germany who was on the same mission. "The sea is cold; that's why I couldn't snorkel, but I'm relaxing, taking a stroll on the beach. It's as enjoyable, and I'm having a great time," Hanna said. Her first time in Egypt, Hanna said she loved new hotels which is why she picked the InterContinental. For water sports lovers, the Red Sea Water World Centre caters to all tastes. Whether you're in the mood for some serious deep-sea diving, or parasailing, canoeing, or snorkelling, all are on the menu. I chose to join the Henry De Monfried boat trip to the legendary Pharaoh's Island. At nine in the morning we found a shuttle bus courtesy of Red Sea Water World in front of our hotel, which catches the De Monfried boat at the Taba Heights marina. Pharaoh's Island, known also as coral island in the Gulf of Aqaba, is approximately 250 metres off the Sinai mainland, where the castle of Salaheddin is situated. The boat was equipped with all the necessary diving gear. I nestled on one of the mats facing the inky-blue sea, plugged in my mp3 headphones, and enjoyed the ride. Watching the sun glinting off the enticing waters to form happy, dancing patterns on its surface was even more beguiling. By the time we arrived the water was crystal clear turquoise. Trying to put myself into a diving suit inside the matchbox bathroom was an uphill struggle. However, when I plunged into the water, all geared up for a snorkel, it was worth it. TEEING OFF: If you are an avid golfer this is exactly where you should be. It's rare to find a course that offers a staggering view of three countries, but this is what you find at Taba Heights Golf Resort. The 18-hole PGA championship course provides an exciting game with elevations ranging from four to seven metres above sea level and five sets of tees on each hole. MARINA: Taba Heights International Marina, located close to three countries, makes it the ideal port of call. The marina currently has approximately 11,500 square metres of water area, with depths of between 2.5 and three metres near the main building. The marina can comfortably accommodate up to 50 yachts and provide overnight mooring, refuelling services, chandlers and repair facilities. The promenade, a long path stretched along the coast, is a great way to discover Taba Heights. The four hotels -- InterContinental, Sofitel, Marriott and the Hyatt -- are aligned besides each other which affords the chance of checking them out easily. Only the Three Corners Al-Wekala Golf Resort is situated downtown. Taking a bracing walk on the promenade will give you the opportunity to visit the great night spots, and dine in restaurants in every hotel. One of the spots you shouldn't miss is the Grotto bar and grill in the Marriott Hotel. Designed like a cave, with a setting of exotic fish and waterfalls, it then opens from the inside so as to give you a pool view while sitting by the bar. Another hot spot would be the Lagoon, a restaurant in the InterContinental which serves mezzas and tapas. The Lagoon offers an astounding view of the lake and beach. They are united in harmony at sunset where sea meets sky. You feel as if contemplating a beautiful painting. If you're lucky enough like me, you will be breakfasting and dining in the InterContinental Bay View. The attractive restaurant, housed in the main building, offers breakfast and dinner buffets in its outdoor terrace overlooking the swimming pools. It's where I met the lovely Samantha Nicholls and Tracy Moore from the UK. "A friend of mine came to Taba Heights last year and she recommended it," Nicholls said. "It was a great choice by all means. Great food, great weather, and great massages." "To be honest when the suggestion of Egypt came up, I opposed it," Moore admitted. "My father got sick on one of the Nile cruises 15 years ago, and it kind of stuck with me with Egypt. But I was wrong. "I have to say, this trip totally changed my view about Egypt. It exceeded my expectations. I'm definitely coming back again," Moore added. One can tell from the big smile on their faces and their gorgeous tans that Samantha's and Tracy's trip ticked every box. Nothing is better than wearing myself out on the beach by day, and sitting at the terrace of my room at night. Listening to the music of the waves to lull me to sleep, the last thing I close my eyes to are the ever-clear stars. For more information, log on to www.tabaheights.com.
