Return to main article27 Affordable Beach Resorts
The Palace
Egypt
Price: $244 WHAT IT'S LIKE: Marsa Alam, a remote fishing village on the west coast of the Red Sea, has long been a destination for die-hard scuba divers intent on exploring its pristine coral reefs and clear waters. Now there's a reason for the rest of us: Port Ghalib, a new three-hotel complex. The Palace—the grandest of the three properties—is modeled after a 12th-century citadel, with soaring ceilings and elaborate North African wrought-iron chandeliers. The 309 guest rooms look onto terraced gardens, a winding lagoon, and the Red Sea. And there's something here for everyone: rock climbing, camel tours, horseback riding, and more. In December, Delta Airlines added a nonstop route from JFK to Cairo, which connects with Egypt Air's new nonstop to Marsa Alam, making the WHAT TO DO: Take a diving trip along the reef with Emperor Divers (20-12/737-2126; emperordivers.com), which is adjacent to the hotel. —Andrea Bennett
once remote location more accessible.
