EGYPT’S RIVIERA: TABA HEIGHTS, FIRST CLASS PROPERTY WITHIN THE REAL SINAI

Published May 4th, 2006 - 07:16 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

At the crossroads of Africa and Asia, boasting over 80,000 years of history lies the land of discovery, Sinai. Where Moses witnessed the burning bush and Bedouins camped by Crusader forts, where rock meets coral reef and the desert stops at the sea, Sinai is fast becoming Egypt’s premiere tourist spot.

On the Sinai Peninsula lies Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera, Taba Heights. Boasting picturesque bays, breathtaking dive spots and first-class accommodations, Taba Heights is fast becoming Egypt’s premiere tourist destination. Located between Taba and Nuweiba, Taba Heights is developing at a rapid rate and will provide tourists with some of the most attractive and luxurious accommodation in the Middle East if not globally.

Offering a paradise of deluxe holiday resorts nestled within the natural coastline of dramatic mountain backdrops stretching behind an array of golden beaches – Taba Heights displays unrivaled scenery not many places in the world can compete with.

Having realized the awesome potential of Taba several years ago, InterContinental Hotels Group, the world’s most global hotel company, have opened the doors to their most recent five star developments. This latest property takes the number of hotels currently under the Group’s management to a staggering 12 further enhancing the Group’s imprint on Egypt and it’s continuous investment and resounding belief in the future of the country.

The resort, situated on the northernmost tip of the Gulf of Aqaba and located 35km from Taba International Airport, rests on a prime water front location boasting sandy white beaches, turquoise waters and stunning desert scenery securing it as a year round destination.

InterContinental Resort Taba Heights is part of Taba Heights, a 4.2million square meter destination and one of Egypt’s newest and most beautiful resort developments on the Sinai’s Red Sea coast, encompassing 5km of beachfront.

The 503-room property, encompassing twenty seven junior, seven executive and one Presidential Suite is spread out over three buildings; the Pentagon, Atrium, & the Crescent. Walkways and paths surrounded by the lush tropical gardens of the resort, link the three buildings, with each room offering guests superb views over the idyllic coastline, pool, lagoon or mountains.

InterContinental Resort Taba Heights offers the ultimate in luxurious accommodation including the private, white sandy beach, two tennis and one squash court, two free-form swimming pools, of which one is heated one salt water lagoon and a spa that features sauna, Jacuzzi, massage, beauty and facial care services, as well as an indoor heated pool.

A destination in itself, Taba can also provide a resting place for those wishing to go further afield and explore Cairo’s unrivalled sights and terrains or cross over to Jordan and indulge in their historical feasts.

Once home to a Phoenician port and later occupied by Crusaders, Taba has, throughout its history, taken advantage of its central location to attract travelers. Attracting business travelers just passing through to those seeking a less crowded destination for water sports and relaxation, Taba happily accommodates and entices all that visit her. The awe-inspiring Pharaoh’s Island boasting the preserved remains of a fortress once occupied by Sultan Salah El-Din is amongst the historical attractions enjoyed by those visitors wishing to remain on dry land. A land adventure to the third century, St. Catherine’s monastery displaying 200 icons, vivid frescoes and a collection of ancient manuscripts awakens the amateur historian in all visitors.

Like many coastal cities in Egypt, scuba diving and snorkeling remain the first order of the day in Taba. Stupendous arrays of colorful reefs lay just off Pharaoh’s Island and underwater canyons of various depths off the coast allow the adventurous a myriad of sea life to explore.

Attracting thousands of pilgrims from around the world, Mount Sinai is of great religious importance to both Christians and Muslims. According to the Old Testament, Mount Sinai is where Moses received the Ten Commandments and climbing the 4,000 steps leads visitors to the summit of this historic and religious testament.

Further a field lies four miles of blue painted rocks and natural wadi. The Blue Dessert is ideal for climbing or walking and presents massive granite sculptures and golden boulders topped off with pink flowers sprinkled across the plains.

For those wishing to indulge in some wildlife, the Taba Protected Area encloses 2,800 square kilometers of Sinai’s natural habitats including wadis and canyons. Gazelles, Nubian ibex and Hyrax thrive amongst bustard birds and the Egyptian vulture.

In close proximity to some of Egypt’s most amazing natural wonders, the hotel is particularly popular for travelers who enjoy mixing an element of exploring with relaxing. “Our guests are always impressed with our location and its short traveling distance to amazing places such as the Taba Protected Area, Mount Sinai, the amazing Blue Desert and some of the Middle East’s top dive spots,” said Ashraf Khalil, Area General Manager, InterContinental Hotels Group, Taba Region.

“Of course, no resort would be complete without the best sports and leisure facilities,” said Khalil. “If guests want to enjoy the natural surrounds of the area all they have to do is step into our lush grounds and enjoy our open air heated swimming pool, children’s heated swimming pool, diving and water sports centre, squash court, tennis courts and health club that includes an indoor heated pool and a squash court.”

For the more adventurous holiday-makers, the property offers guests the chance to indulge and explore the crisp, clear seas with numerous water activities available including water skiing, parasailing, a variety of water sports and quad bikes. Fitness enthusiasts can take the indoor option with the fully-equipped gym and aerobics room, serviced by a juice bar.

The property’s extensive leisure options are further matched by the array of food and beverage facilities, with a choice of 11 outlets for guests to choose from including Bayview Restaurant, with its all day dining. For those wishing to indulge can enjoy a sunset drink at the Reef Bar and then move next door to El Mare Restaurant, which provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Aqaba and specializes in Mediterranean seafood cuisine. The Lagoon Restaurant and Bar delivers a different viewing platform, with spectacular views of the sort lake and serves Mezzas and Tapas.

For those soaking up the sun the Splash Bar and Grill offers a welcome retreat, located between the pool area and beach, and serving all kinds of beverages, an assortment of grilled items and light snacks. The Putter Bar, located in the middle of the Mini Golf course, is the ideal place to celebrate that hole in one or freshen up for the next game with a selection of refreshments to choose from. Alternatively, guests who just want to relax and unwind in the comfort of the room can simply take advantage of the hotel’s Around the Clock menu that provides 24-hour room service.


InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of the United Kingdom [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms.  InterContinental Hotels Group owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, almost 3,600 hotels and 537500 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. The Group owns a portfolio of well recognised and respected hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites®, Candlewood Suites® and Hotel IndigoTM, and also manages the world's largest hotel loyalty programme, Priority Club® Rewards.

InterContinental Hotels Group offers information and online reservations for all its hotel brands at www.ichotelsgroup.com and information for the Priority Club Rewards programme at www.priorityclub.com.
For the latest news from InterContinental Hotels Group, visit our online Press Office at www.ihgplc.com/media


 

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