We managed to fly to Egypt for just £81 total—including luggage and seat selection—thanks to Avios! It is an incredible loyalty program, and if you haven’t already, I highly recommend getting an Amex card (as long as you can comfortably pay it off each month). Our return flight with easyJet wasn’t quite as cheap, so let’s not talk about that one too much!
As we were descending into Sharm El Sheikh, British Airways provided us with immigration forms to fill out before reaching passport control—super helpful for saving time. However, they didn’t hand out any pens, so it’s worth packing a couple in your hand luggage just in case. The queues at passport control were long and quite chaotic (it might have been an off day, but still!), so I’d definitely recommend bringing extra snacks, water and anything else to keep the kids happy while you wait. Also, be aware that your luggage goes through an additional security check as you’re leaving the airport, so factor in a bit of extra time before heading to your transfer.
This was our first-ever trip to Africa and country number 18 travelled as a family—and Egypt truly stole our hearts. From the warm, welcoming people to the blazing sun, we fell in love instantly. In this post, I’ll be sharing our experience at two amazing hotels, starting with a 5-star resort in Sharm El Sheikh, ideal for families and couples and set in the lively area of Naama Bay.
Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh was absolutely amazing! We stayed in a spacious ground-floor room with a king sized bed and twin generously sized beds. The room had both a shower and a bath, plus thoughtful extras like toothbrushes, shower caps, shaving kit, hairdryer, and even slippers and dressing gowns. There was a wardrobe, a safe, and a mini fridge stocked with drinks like Fanta and Sprite, along with tea and coffee-making facilities and two TVs. Our private terrace offered beautiful views of the gorgeous pools—such a relaxing sight to enjoy just steps from our door. Be sure to check out the website so you can have a look at the different room types.
From the moment we arrived, the staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful. We didn’t even have to touch our luggage—someone kindly took it from our taxi and brought it to our room with us via one of the hotel buggies, which are a lifesaver for getting around the resort. The reception team were just as friendly, making sure we had all the information we needed for a smooth, stress-free stay.
Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh is an ultra all-inclusive resort designed so you don’t really need to spend anything extra once your holiday is paid off. Almost everything is covered, making it ideal for a stress-free break—though optional extras like spa treatments and shisha are available at an additional cost if you choose to indulge.
We really enjoyed the food at Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh — there’s a great mix of variety, flavour, and quality across the resort. Whether you’re after something quick and comforting or a more refined à la carte experience, you’ll find plenty of tasty options to choose from.
One of our dinners was at the à la carte Flame Garden Grill, located on the other side of the hotel. The buggy transfer made it easy to get there, and the beachfront setting was beautiful. This was easily my favourite restaurant at the resort. You get to watch your food being grilled over an open flame, which really adds to the experience. The meats were delicious and perfectly seasoned, and the fresh mezze starters were packed with flavour. They did a fantastic job catering to my nut allergy, ensuring nothing on our table contained nuts. Plus, the friendly cats and kittens roaming nearby made the atmosphere feel even more relaxed and homely.
We also had a lovely meal at La Rosetta, where the menu features steak, pizza, pasta, and more. I had the Fettuccine Alfredo with cream, mushrooms, garlic, and grilled chicken — the portion was on the smaller side but incredibly delicious. My friend went for the Filetto di Manzo in Salsa Aioli, a slow-cooked tenderloin with vegetables, mashed potato, and aioli sauce, which she really enjoyed. My daughter had a classic Margherita pizza, which she happily polished off.
Breakfast was another highlight, with a generous spread including eggs, sausages, pancakes, pizza slices, croissants, fruit, yogurt, and both hot and cold drinks. There’s definitely something for everyone, whether you want a full breakfast or just a light bite.
With so many dining options across the hotel, Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh really does cater to all tastes. Whether you have picky eaters, dietary needs, or you’re someone who loves bold, spicy food, you’ll be well looked after.
That said, I do think it would be a great idea to have allergens clearly listed on all restaurant menus. The buffet does this really well, which is super helpful. I made sure to tell the waiters at each restaurant about my allergy, and they were amazing at helping me choose the right foods. But having allergen labels on all menus would offer extra peace of mind, especially for those with severe allergies.
Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh comes with its very own waterpark, complete with 13 slides, a kids’ splash zone, and a wave pool — and it’s absolutely incredible! My daughter had the best time splashing around and going on the slides over and over again. For families with smaller children, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of shallow areas, and several pools have gentle walk-in entries rather than ladders or drop-ins, making it much easier for little ones to get in and out safely.
In the family section of the hotel, you’ll also find multiple pools suitable for all ages, and there’s even a dedicated adults-only pool for guests aged 16 and up. If you take the buggy or walk over to the ‘Only Adults’ side of the resort, you’ll find even more adults-only pools and spaces. These areas are beautifully kept, calm, and perfect if you’re looking for a more relaxed, peaceful atmosphere.
That said, the family pool areas are full of energy, with dancing, music, balloons, and entertainment happening on certain days — it’s a great mix of fun and relaxation. We did notice that some pools were a little cold, but honestly, with how hot it gets in Egypt, the cooler water was actually a welcome break and really refreshing.
One thing we loved was the amazing staff as they were always on hand to help, whether it was setting up parasols or just checking in to make sure everyone was okay. We never once had to put up our own umbrella! As for towels, you’ll be given towel cards at check-in, which you can exchange for fresh towels at various stations around the resort whenever needed — super convenient. And while you relax, there’s always a bar nearby offering cocktails, mocktails, soft drinks, and more, making it easy to stay refreshed all day long.
The beach is open to all guests, though there’s a clearly marked adults-only section for those after a quieter spot. There’s still plenty of space for families to enjoy, with soft sand, loads of deck chairs, and shaded areas perfect for escaping the heat. I’d recommend bringing good, slip-resistant water shoes, especially for the kids. You’ll also spot signs reminding guests not to touch any shells or sea life, which is such an important part of protecting the local ecosystem. The water is crystal clear—you can literally see the fish swimming right by your feet. It’s beautiful.
The kids club was one of my favourite features of the hotel. It was spacious, spotless, and really well thought out. Inside, there were arts and crafts, a TV area, a cosy sleeping zone for little ones, a gaming room for older kids, and even child-sized toilets, which made things so much easier. It felt really safe and secure too. Signing in and out was simple, and the shoes-off policy kept the space clean. Just outside, there’s a playground, and the daily schedule is packed with fun. From yoga and magic shows to bubble shows and even popcorn giveaways, it was such a lovely way to keep the kids entertained. The club runs at set times during the day, and it’s definitely worth making use of it—it gives you the chance to relax, visit the spa, or check out the adults-only section.
I didn’t spend as much time in the adults-only area as I would’ve liked, but it looked gorgeous. Much more peaceful than the lively family aqua park, which is full of slides and water fun. It’s great to have that balance so everyone gets to enjoy their holiday in their own way. Because the beach and adults-only area are across the road from the main family area, the hotel offers a free buggy service to take you safely between the two. It’s quick, easy, and really convenient.
The spa was a real treat. Guests get access to the Jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna for one hour per day, which I thought was more than enough. If you want extra treatments like massages or facials, those are available at an additional cost. There’s also a well-equipped gym next to the spa if you want to keep up with your fitness routine.
Overall, we had a fantastic time at Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh. It really is a great choice for families visiting Egypt. The facilities are well maintained, the staff are lovely, and the whole place feels well thought out for both kids and adults. We’d definitely come back—and if you’re thinking of booking, you can check out package deals on TUI [here].
Have a look at our tiktok for more info.
Now let me introduce you all to Rixos Radamis. If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable family holiday in Sharm El Sheikh, Rixos Radamis should be high on your list. This stunning resort is one of the most impressive family-friendly places I’ve ever visited — and what’s even more exciting is that it’s not even fully completed yet. Once all the final touches are done, it’s going to be even more incredible. Conveniently located just 10 minutes from Sharm El Sheikh Airport, it’s a stress-free journey from plane to paradise, which makes it ideal for families with young children.
Rixos Radamis is made up of three different zones, and we stayed in the Tirana area, which is specially designed with families in mind. This part of the resort includes the kids club, a dedicated play lounge, an e-gaming café, and lots of family-focused entertainment. Our accommodation was the Family Room Tirana, which had everything we needed for a comfortable and relaxing stay. It included a king bedroom with a sofa and a separate twin room, with connecting doors for added privacy. What we really appreciated were the two fully stocked minibars — one in each room — which were refilled daily with water, soft drinks, and beer, all included at no extra cost. The room also featured bathrobes, slippers, two large TVs with international channels, a direct dial phone, and even a telephone in the bathroom. The balcony overlooked the kids club and the pool, offering a lovely view to wake up to or unwind with in the evenings. Everything was spotlessly clean, and I loved the thoughtful, family-friendly touches throughout the space.
The resort itself is absolutely huge. You can walk to the different areas, but with the heat, it’s easy to get tired — thankfully, there’s a regular buggy service to help you get around. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the kids club, or one of the many restaurants, it’s all accessible by buggy, making it easy and convenient for families.
Speaking of restaurants, the food here is amazing. There’s a huge variety of cuisines available — we enjoyed Mexican, Asian, and BBQ dishes during our stay, and each one was delicious. The buffet restaurant is included as part of the all-inclusive package and offers plenty of choices to suit all dietary requirements and allergies. If you’re looking for something extra special, there are premium experiences available too. One highlight for us was the floating breakfast experience at one of the resort’s luxury villas. It’s priced at $100 per person for a two-hour slot, but it’s a truly unique and memorable way to start your day.
What really sets Rixos Radamis apart is just how family-oriented it is. The kids club is out of this world — it feels more like a mini town than a typical club. Children can explore different areas including a beauty salon, acting academy, robotics lab, STEM workshops, and even a police academy. There’s a mini buffet restaurant just for them, with cute swing chairs for seating. It’s open until midnight, and you have the option to stay with your children or securely drop them off. The drop-off system is well managed and makes it easy to relax knowing your children are in safe hands and having the time of their lives.
There’s also an e-gaming Lounge, which I thought was brilliant. It’s $3 for one hour, $5 for two hours, and then just $2 for each additional hour. You pay when you check out, and honestly, it’s very reasonably priced. The space is clean, they offer drinks, and it’s conveniently located right opposite an Irish pub. So if you want to drop the kids off, you can still keep an eye on them while enjoying a drink or two nearby.
One of the absolute highlights of staying at Rixos Radamis is the stunning gondola ride. Guests have compared it to the one at the Land of Legends resort in Turkey — and it’s easy to see why. It’s a beautiful, peaceful experience that adds a magical touch to your stay. If you plan to try it, I highly recommend booking it at night when the resort is lit up with glowing lights — it’s truly breathtaking. This experience does come at an additional cost of $20 per person, but children under five go free. It’s well worth it for the memories alone.
The resort also has its own beach, which is just as impressive. There’s a large playground nearby, perfect for little ones who want to burn off some energy. What’s especially great is that there’s a second kids club located directly on the beach, separate from the main one within the resort. This gives families even more flexibility. There’s plenty of free seating and shaded areas available, so you can relax without needing to pay extra — but if you’re after something more premium, cabana hire is available.
Standard cabanas start at $100 per day, while the more luxurious cabanas with Jacuzzis cost $300 per day for up to six people. We experienced the Jacuzzi cabana and it was genuinely amazing. It included a hammock, hanging chair swings, and several shaded lounging spots. The staff regularly check in to see if you’d like anything, and they’ll bring food and drinks directly to your cabana. Each one also has a mini fridge and a secure locker, so you can safely store your belongings while you head off to explore the beach.
The beach itself is lovely and clean, and when the tide is out, you can see all kinds of marine life. We spotted jellyfish, starfish, and so many different types of fish. There are beach bars nearby for refreshments and showers available if you want to rinse off after a swim. Everything has been well thought out, and the beach experience really adds to the overall charm of the hotel.
Although the water park at Rixos Radamis is still under construction, guests currently have full access to the incredible water park at Rixos Seagate — completely free of charge. A shuttle bus runs regularly between the two hotels, making it super easy to visit. The Seagate water park is huge and has something for everyone, including a lazy river, high-speed slides, and shallow splash zones for smaller children. It’s all included in your stay and well worth taking advantage of during your holiday.
Rixos Radamis has not one, but two luxurious spa facilities — one mixed-gender and one exclusively for women. During our stay, we visited the mixed-gender spa while my daughter was happily enjoying the kids club. The spa experience was incredibly relaxing. The Jacuzzi was large, warm, and inviting, perfect for unwinding after a busy day. The steam room smelled amazing and left us feeling refreshed, and the sauna was a great way to detox and relax. Guests are provided with lockers, and inside each one you’ll find a robe, slippers and towel, making it easy to settle in comfortably. Showers are also available if you want to freshen up before or after your session.
Just like at the Swissotel, spa access is free for one hour per day, which is a lovely perk. If you’re looking to indulge in additional treatments like massages or facials, these do come at an extra cost, but the staff are friendly and happy to explain all the options. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, solo, or with kids, the spa is the perfect way to take a little time out for yourself.
To top it all off, the staff at Rixos Radamis are some of the friendliest we’ve met. They go out of their way to make your stay special. My daughter even got to know several kids club staff members by name — they truly made her feel welcome and at home. The resort is still expanding, and I honestly can’t wait to return once the water park at Radamis is complete. If you’re thinking about staying here, I recommend visiting the official website to check room types, availability, and prices. Costs can vary depending on your dates and group size, but with a bit of flexibility, you’re bound to find a great deal. Without a doubt, this is one of the best hotels we’ve ever stayed in — the scale, the service, the facilities — it’s all just next level. Check out the package deals on TUI.
Have a look at our tiktok for more info.
Final Thoughts on Our Family Holiday to Egypt
To wrap up our Egypt travel experience, I wanted to share some honest reflections and helpful tips based on our time there.
We stayed at two amazing hotels and genuinely loved both — they were spacious, super family-friendly, and packed with activities. There was actually so much going on at the resorts that we didn’t explore outside as much as I had planned. We did manage to visit Old Town and Soho Square, but if I went back, I’d definitely book a two-week stay. That way, we could properly explore Sharm El Sheikh and try out some excursions via GetYourGuide or other local operators.
A few people messaged me asking about stomach issues in Egypt, which is a common concern. I’d seen plenty of stories online about people getting sick, but personally, we were fine. I brought Imodium just in case and took it occasionally as a precaution. We also stuck to bottled water, even for brushing our teeth, and didn’t eat anything too risky.
In terms of getting around, both hotels offered buggies to take you around the resort, which was super helpful. For travel outside the hotel, we used inDrive, an Uber-style taxi app that works well in the area. Just a heads-up — some taxis didn’t have proper seatbelts, so that’s something to consider if you’re travelling with young kids.
Another thing I’d always heard about Egypt is how persistent vendors can be when selling excursions or items in the markets. From our limited time outside the resort, we didn’t find it overwhelming. Yes, people offered things here and there, but it never felt pushy or uncomfortable.
Now let’s talk about mosquitoes! They went straight for my daughter’s legs at one point. We were told to buy the bright orange OFF! spray, and it worked really well. We also picked up some aloe vera gel to help soothe the bites — I definitely recommend buying both just in case.
Our journey back home from Sharm El Sheikh Airport was definitely an experience – and not the smoothest. Security at the airport is taken extremely seriously. We had our passports checked over and over again, so don’t even think about putting yours away. Keep it out and ready the entire time.
One thing to note: you have to print your boarding pass. There’s no option for mobile boarding passes. Even after you’ve printed it yourself, you still have to go to the check-in desk where they’ll give you another printed one. It’s an unnecessary extra step, but that’s how they do things, so just be prepared.
Something I did find helpful is that you don’t need to use plastic bags for toiletries under 100ml. You can just leave them in your usual bag – no faffing around with separate bags at security.
You’ll also be given another immigration card to fill out before departure. Make sure you bring a pen. I lost mine and was running around like a headless chicken trying to find one. The staff won’t give them out, so it’s one of those little things that makes a big difference if you come prepared.
We had to go through at least three different security checks. It felt a bit chaotic and unnecessary, but I guess it’s reassuring knowing the flight is very secure.
We flew with easyJet on the way home, and I decided to try my luck with an extra bag. No one checked if I’d paid for it, so I got away with a little freebie. That said, it’s definitely a risk. The airport is strict, and while it worked out for me, it might not for everyone. If you get caught with extra luggage, you’ll likely have to pay – so only take the chance if you’re prepared for that outcome.
I know the big question everyone asks is: Which resort is better—Swissôtel Sharm El Sheikh or Rixos Radamis? Which one is best for families? Which one would I go back to? Honestly… I loved both equally! While Rixos Radamis is definitely much larger in size compared to Swissôtel, they each have their own standout features that make them special. If I had the choice again, I’d do one week at Swissôtel and one week at Rixos without a doubt. They both offer something unique—whether it’s the incredible kids’ facilities, the beach vibes, or the entertainment. I genuinely couldn’t pick one over the other. They’re both fantastic family-friendly resorts in Sharm El Sheikh, and I’d happily return to either.
All in all, we truly fell in love with Egypt. It’s hot, yes — but it’s also full of culture, sunshine, and family-friendly fun. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
