Blogs
A day at Wadi Sabarah
Crafting a blog about Wadi Sabarah has been a challenging yet rewarding endeavour, as this hidden gem embodies the essence of affordable luxury like no other place I’ve encountered worldwide. From its captivating architecture and the soulful character of the building to the warm hospitality of the staff and the delectable cuisine, Wadi Sabarah stands out as the ultimate escape for everyone—couples, divers, and romantic souls alike.
Tucked a mere 20 minutes away from Marsa Alam airport along the picturesque southern Red Sea, Wadi Sabarah Lodge and Botanical Gardens beckon travellers into a realm that captures the unique charm both above and beneath the water’s surface.
With a commanding view overlooking 700 meters of unspoiled fringing reef, Wadi Sabarah is a masterpiece of thoughtful and distinctive design. Constructed from repurposed fossilized coral limestone, the resort seamlessly merges with its awe-inspiring natural surroundings, creating an ambiance that is both breath-taking and harmonious.
The Arrival
Arriving at Wadi Sabarah, I transitioned from a short stay at Red Sea Diving Safari by air-conditioned mini-bus. Welcomed at the front door by one of the friendly staff members, the journey into this architectural marvel began. The reception area offered an immediate respite, where I was graciously offered a refreshing drink. The check-in process was hassle-free, involving a simple copy of my passport and a brief form. Soon after, I was escorted to my chosen abode — the Junior suite. Opting for this upgrade on this particular trip allowed me to thoroughly explore and appreciate the variety of room types and facilities, all for a minimal cost difference.
Nestled a mere 10 meters from the reception, my room at Wadi Sabarah was nothing short of a revelation. Upon opening the door, I was immediately captivated by the sheer luxury that awaited me — a level of opulence typically associated with a higher price point. The room unfolded into a spacious living area adorned with a well-stocked mini-bar, a chic chaise longue, a comfortable 3-seater sofa, and an inviting armchair. At the far end of this retreat was a king-size bed, impeccably made with the freshest linen, providing a sublime haven of comfort. What truly amazed me was the inclusion of not one but two bathrooms, each exuding an air of sophistication. The first boasted a walk-in shower, two basins, and a toilet, complete with fresh towels and indulgent Wadi Sabarah soaps and toiletries. The second bathroom, located in a separate room, housed a freestanding bath. Stepping onto my veranda, I was greeted by a panoramic view of Wadi Sabarah and the breath-taking Red Sea, complete with a hammock, chairs, and a table for the ultimate relaxation.
The Culinray Oasis: Tamarisk
A brief stroll upstairs led me to the Tamarisk Restaurant, a culinary oasis where tables adorned the perimeter and a central bar beckoned. As I entered, I encountered Samir (Sam), the amiable owner, and Moustafa, the General Manager, engaged in friendly conversation at the bar. Sam’s passion for both the history of Egypt, evident in the lodge’s design, and the lodge itself was nothing short of breath-taking. Sam is so passionate that there will be a new museum built on site housing Egyptian History artefacts which will complement the amazing Library that is currently in situ. Moustafa, the new GM, displayed a wealth of experience that already left its mark on the lodge.
The staff, recognizing me by name with utmost respect, created a personalized touch that made my experience exceptional. After Sam’s departure for business in Cairo, I enjoyed my lunch in the wonderful restaurant and surroundings. The culinary delights at Wadi Sabarah have consistently been outstanding in taste, authenticity, and presentation. Lunch, like dinner, was freshly prepared daily, offering a choice between vegetarian and meat options. My midday feast consisted of a zucchini stew accompanied by a fresh salad, rice, and homemade bread—a perfect blend of flavours that was utterly delicious.
Wadi Sabarah, committed to sustainability, is entirely plastic-free, offering water from Brita Vivreau dispensers, including both still and sparkling options—a thoughtful touch.
Post-Lunch Explorations and facilities
Following lunch and a delightful walkaround with Moustafa, I explored the meticulously maintained infinity pool and the pristine beach. A new jetty and yoga studio, set against the backdrop of the Red Sea, added to the allure. Yoga sessions, held twice daily by Jo, the manageress of Emperor Divers on site, provided an enriching experience.
Emperor Divers: A dive into excellence
Emperor Divers, a recent addition to Wadi Sabarah, quickly established itself as a positive asset to the overall ambiance. Overseen by Luke and Tracy, who also manage Emperor Egypt, Emperor Divers earned a reputation for professionalism, safety consciousness, and enjoyable diving experiences.
Jo, running the daily operations, showcased an impressive knowledge of the Red Sea, providing comprehensive answers to all my queries. The diving centre, equipped for both house reef and boat diving, offered all PADI courses and operated from Port Ghalib, ensuring access to the exceptional reefs of Marsa Alam.
Evening delights and Educational insights
In the evening, Jo presented an enlightening talk on “Cleaning Stations” and the role of the Wrasse, blending entertainment with education. I certainly learnt a lot from her talk and it was really well received by all present. The communal dinner at Tamarisk Restaurant, featuring a family table for solo travellers, facilitated engaging conversations with individuals of diverse nationalities. A delightful soup, followed by Egyptian beef stew, rice, flatbread, and vegetables, constituted a culinary masterpiece. Dessert, featuring homemade Egyptian pastries, concluded the meal on a sweet note.
A tranquil goodnight
Post-dinner, I retreated to my room, sinking into the plush comforts of my bed wrapped in soft cotton sheets, marking the end of a blissful day.
Breakfast Farewell and Departure
The next morning, a traditional Egyptian breakfast awaited me at Tamarisk, featuring felafel, foul, a delightful omelet, and freshly baked pastries. After a few espresso indulgences, it was time to bid farewell. Checkout proved painless and efficient, with heartfelt goodbyes exchanged with Moustafa and the staff. Departing from the hotel by car, I headed to Marsa Alam Airport, cherishing the memories of an extraordinary stay.
Prices start from €1200.00, based on double occupancy for 6 nights with full board and 4 days of diving with Emperor Divers. For more information, prices, and availability at Wadi Sabarah, contact Hello@myseatosky.co.uk.
Join Sea to Sky and embark on new diving adventures! Visit www.myseatosky.co.uk for more information.
As National Safe Boating Week approaches, Save the Manatee® Club is urging boaters, and anyone that enjoys Florida’s waterways, to respect and protect the defenseless manatees that inhabit our shared waterways. From May 18 to 24, leading up to Memorial Day Weekend, the campaign aims to raise awareness about recreational boating safety and the importance of safeguarding imperiled manatees during the summer boating season. This week also emphasizes the importance of encouraging boaters to enroll in a boating safety course.
Manatees are semi-migratory marine mammals that are commonly found in shallow estuaries, bays, rivers, canals, and coastal areas throughout Florida and neighboring states. With some manatees venturing as far west as Texas and as far north as Massachusetts, collisions between these gentle giants and watercraft have become distressingly frequent. Boat propellers and high-speed collisions pose significant threats to manatees, often resulting in severe injuries or even death.
Save the Manatee Club is calling on all water enthusiasts to follow essential manatee safety tips to ensure the well-being of the imperiled manatee:
- Obey Speed Zone Signs: Familiarize yourself with and adhere to posted speed limits to prevent collisions with manatees.
- Reduce Glare with Polarized Sunglasses: Wear polarized sunglasses to enhance visibility and spot manatees below the water’s surface.
- Recognize Manatee Signs: Learn to identify signs of manatees in the area, such as swirls or flat spots on the water caused by their movements.
- Respect Manatee Sanctuaries: Keep a safe distance from posted manatee sanctuaries and avoid pursuing or harassing these marine mammals, as it is illegal and can disrupt their natural behaviors.
- Report Distressed Manatees: In Florida, promptly report distressed, injured, tagged, or orphaned manatees to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922). Outside of Florida, report sightings to the appropriate state agency or rescue organization. A list of agencies to contact is available at savethemanatee.org/report.
- Protect Seagrass Beds: Avoid boating over seagrass beds and shallow areas where manatees may be feeding. Stick to deep water channels while remaining vigilant, as manatees also utilize these channels during their travels.
- Dispose of Fishing Line Responsibly: Anglers should properly dispose of or recycle used fishing line to prevent entanglement hazards for manatees.
“Each year, National Safe Boating Week provides an excellent reminder for all of us to be aware that we share our waterways with vulnerable manatees,” emphasized Patrick Rose, Aquatic Biologist and Executive Director of Save the Manatee Club. “With the recent Unusual Mortality Event on Florida’s East Coast claiming an alarming number of manatees’ lives, it is more crucial than ever to prevent preventable deaths caused by watercraft collisions. By following manatee-safe boating guidelines, such as obeying speed zones and remaining vigilant for manatees, everyone on the water can contribute to the protection of these gentle giants.”
Save the Manatee Club offers a range of free materials to help safeguard manatees and raise awareness about manatee-safe boating practices. Shoreline property owners and park or marina managers can order aluminum dock signs to alert others about the presence of manatees in their areas. Boaters and paddlers can request packets containing a safety tips card, a waterproof boat banner, and a decal to display on their vessels, providing the number to report manatees in distress. To view and request these materials, visit savethemanatee.org/resources. Save the Manatee Club will also be hosting a live webinar for National Safe Boating Week on Tuesday, May 21st at 6pm EST. To register, visit savethemanatee.org/register.
Shells of the World: A Natural History by M.G. Harasewych
Shells of the world is a guide to the world of marine, shelled molluscs. And what a varied and interesting world it is. Some of my favourite things to find on a dive are detailed in this book, including disco clams (or Electric File Clams as they are correctly names), the cephalopods, giant clams and sea hares. There are also many on my wish list, top of which is the Nautilus.
Each chapter provides a detailed description of the species, along with beautiful images. You can dive deeper and discover where they live, both with global distribution and the habitat they prefer. Learn about their diet, reproduction and diversity.
Having dipped in and out of this lovely book over the past few weeks, it has inspired me to learn more about this group of animals that we see on most divers, wherever we are in the world. Some of the shells are incredibly intricate and beautiful. I have always agreed with never collecting, or touching, marine life. The description of a certain set of cone shells should be a warning to those that are happy to pick up marine life! One of the cone shells has a local name called the cigarette snail. Why? Because once the venom is in your system from this animal, you only have time to smoke one cigarette before the affects of the venom are fatal!
What the publisher says:
Mollusks are invertebrate animals with a remarkable natural history and a rich fossil record, and their shells are prized for their breathtaking variety and exquisite beauty. Shells of the World provides a wide-ranging look at the incredible diversity of marine mollusks. An informative introduction outlines the lineages covered, followed by a directory section, split into classes, that profiles a broad selection of different taxa to give a sense of their sheer numbers and variety.
- Features hundreds of beautiful color photos, depicting both the live animals and their shells
- Discusses mollusk evolution, anatomy, life cycles, behavior, and ecology
- Describes unique characteristics, distribution, habitat, and size
- Provides valuable insights into the conservation of the world’s marine mollusks
- Ideal for malacologists and shell collectors everywhere
About the Author:
M. G. Harasewych is research zoologist emeritus and former curator in the Department of Invertebrate Zoology at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History. A fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, he is the author (with Fabio Moretzsohn) of The Book of Shells: A Life-Size Guide to Identifying and Classifying Six Hundred Seashells.
Book Details
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Hardcover
Price: £25
ISBN: 9780691248271
Published: 9th April, 2024
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