Maxines family holiday

My family and I were looking for an Easter holiday which would suit myself and 14yr old son as divers and my husband and 16 year old son as non-divers.  After much deliberation we opted for the Iberotel Coraya Hotel as they seem to have something for all of us .

We flew from Gatwick and used the Holiday Extras parking, booked through the Scuba Travel website, which was very easy and stress free with a bus running every 10 minutes from the car park to the airport. Our  flight to Marsa Alam left on time with no problems which is always a bonus.  On arrival to Marsa Alam we were met by the Scuba Travel representative, who exchanged our visa vouchers for the stamps to go in our passports and ushered us towards the air conditioned bus for our 25 min transfer to the hotel.

On arrival to the hotel we were greeted with a non alcoholic cocktail and asked to sit in a lounge area whilst we filled out our checking in forms, which  was a very nice touch.  We were then given a brief tour of the hotel and directed to our rooms which were clean spacious with a massive double bed and balcony overlooking the beautiful gardens and sea - very impressive.

The following morning we had a wonder around the hotel to familiarise ourselves with the amenities and get our bearings.  We were not disappointed as, along with 3 great pools including one heated with a bar, there is aqua aerobics, a spa, gym, table tennis, baby football, quad biking, volley ball  squash courts and tennis courts. I think there was enough to keep us occupied and over the course of the week I think we must have tried everything!  All of the facilities are in excellent condition including decent rackets for the squash and tennis.   There are also 2 restaurants one which serves buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the Fayrouz which has an A La Carte menu along with a beach bar for snacks.  The Fayrouz is also open for lunch and serves, among other things, lovely homemade pizzas and burgers which went down very well with my boys!  There are also 2 bars one which often hosts the evening entertainment and another which is quieter with 2 well looked after billiard tables. Ideal for occupying the boys while we have a drink.   In addition there is the relaxing Oriental bar which has Shisha pipes and serves a selection of teas, beers and wines.  Perfect for chilling out after a great meal - definitely our favourite haunt for the evenings.

To top it all there is the Great Dive Centre Coraya Divers which is very professionally run by Europeans situated only a short mini bus ride ( free from the hotel) or 10 minute walk along the beach.   They are very fortunate to have a fantastic house reef on their doorstep which is easily accessible from the jetty.    The choice of dives is incredible with up to 15 on offer per day!  Ranging from house reef dives off the jetty or speed boat to a days boat diving out to Elphinstone or Dolphin House.  After filling out the necessary disclaimer forms and the initial check dive, all you need to do is sign up for the dives that you want to go on and turn up at the time stipulated. The range of equipment on hire is extensive so can generally fit all shapes and sizes. There is also child care for young children available, for 2 hours in the morning and afternoon, which fits in nicely with the house reef dives.  James and I did most of our dives on the house reef which we loved, seeing beautiful corals and fish life including lion fish, blue spotted rays and turtles.  It is so easy just to walk down to the jetty with your kit were you collect your tanks and weights and either jump off the end or hop on the speed boat.  This was perfect for us as Adrian and George were able to snorkel while we were diving. For snorkelers the house reef is also accessible form the beach.

Without a doubt this was a great holiday that we all enjoyed which is no mean feat when you have teenagers!  In my opinion the hotel and Dive centre are first class first class both with very attentive, efficient  friendly staff.  This is a great holiday for those who wish to laze around the pool or on the beach with a good book and for the more energetic who wish to dive and make the most of the sports available. I would not hesitate to recommend this trip to anyone especially divers with non-divers and children.  Also couples or small groups which want  an up-market hotel with lovely surroundings and do some easy diving.

Maxine's travel tip  

Upgrade to half board as this will still work out cheaper even if you pay for 1 meal at the Fayrouz restaurant - the buffet restaurant is excellent offering a large variety of food including lovely puds!