The Red Sea Riviera plays host to an impressive number of resorts and holiday destinations, all varying in size, popularity and level of commercial development. After weighing up the options, I had decided that this part of coastal Egypt was to be my chosen spot for a holiday, but my dilemma came when choosing which area I was to stay in. For instance; I could have been tempted with Egypt's answer to Blackpool, but after receiving a raft of bad reviews from friends and work colleagues I moved away from the idea of visiting Sharm El Sheikh. I considered the bohemian resort of Dahab, famous in ancient times for its trade in Egyptian gold but known better these days for its relaxed cafes and laid back restaurants, but still that was not what I was after. I decided, eventually, on one of the youngest resorts along the Riviera - a little known string of high class resorts draped across an unspoilt, rugged coastline known to travellers and locals alike as Taba.

Shadowed by the dramatic caramel-coloured Sinai Mountains and overlooking the emerald expanse of the Gulf of Aqaba; Taba sits on the border between Egypt and Israel and is located five hours East of Cairo (or just over one hour if you choose to fly rather than drive). The area boasts a large number of superior four and five star hotels and resorts dotted along the coastline, and apart from the tiny commercial centre of Taba village, there is not much else that lies between them. At first I was dubious to book a hotel that lay in such isolation, as your choice of restaurant and bar options are limited to the hotel facilities. However, the majority of the resorts on offer have two, three or even four separate restaurants and so if you are visiting for seven nights, as I was, then the chance that you will find somewhere that suits your tastes is more than likely.

Home comforts aside, Taba is perfectly positioned for access to the main sites of historical interest. Petra, the rose-red stone city made famous by Indiana Jones, is only a ferry boat and short jeep ride away, and the ancient hill-top monastery of St Catherine, with its outstanding views of the surrounding deep valleys, is within easy reach. The borders of Israel and Jordan are also within eyeshot, and these offer a gateway to a huge number of destinations beyond Egypt's boundaries.

The number one reason for visiting this area of Eastern Egypt has to be the Red Sea and all that it has to offer. Scuba diving in this part of the world has been rated by PADI to be within the top 10 on Earth, and this accolade is easy to believe as you arrive at your destination. Most hotels and tour operators will run organised scuba diving trips, and it won't be long until you realise why this inland ocean has become so popular with travellers from all over the world. And if you shudder at the thought of strapping yourself to an air tank and submerging in to the depths, then you can view the abundance of amazing marine life by snorkelling on the surface of the ocean, just yards from the beach.

My advice to any persons planning a trip to the Red Sea would be to give Taba a try. This little-known and surprisingly young resort (only seven years old) has maintained its traditional roots in Egyptian history and not yet fallen prey to the developers. However, the stunning surroundings and close proximity to an international airport make it clear that this oasis within a desert of tourist beehives is most likely destined for frightening commercial growth within the next ten years. I leave you with this message Enjoy it while it lasts.

Learn more about this author, Robert Cartwright.
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