Red Sea Property Comparison

Red Sea Luxury Property Comparison 2026
Soma Bay vs. Sahl Hasheesh vs. El Gouna vs. Makadi Heights | Which Location is Right for You?

Choosing where to invest in Red Sea property can feel overwhelming.

With four world-class resort communities—Soma Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, and Makadi Bay—each offering stunning beaches, luxury amenities, and strong investment potential, how do you decide which is right for you?

This comprehensive Red Sea resort comparison breaks down everything you need to know: property prices, lifestyle amenities, community character, rental yields, and investment outlook for 2026.

Whether you’re seeking a vacation home, retirement paradise, family-friendly environment, or high-ROI rental property, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

Quick Comparison: Hurghada Coastal Communities at a Glance

Location	Best For	Developer	Hurghada City Center / Airport Distance
Somabay	Water sports, golf, spa lovers, yachts owners, retirees	Olayan Group	45 KM
Sahl Hasheesh	Families, divers, retirees, tranquility seekers	Variety of developers	18 KM
El Gouna	Expats, luxurious lifestyle, yachts owners, year-round living	Orascom development	25 KM
Makadi Heights	Families, affordable luxury, resort enthusiasts	Orascom development	30 KM

Soma Bay: The Premium Sports & Wellness Resort

Located 45km south of Hurghada International Airport, Soma Bay is a 2,500-acre gated peninsula developed by the Saudi Olayan Group (Abu Soma Development Company).

This exclusive resort represents the pinnacle of Red Sea resort living, combining world-class water sports with five-star luxury.

What Makes Soma Bay Unique

• Kite-surfing Paradise: Consistent winds 300+ days annually make this Egypt’s premier kite-surfing and windsurfing destination
• 500-Meter Jetty: Egypt’s longest jetty providing direct access to pristine diving sites
• Championship Golf: 18-hole Gary Player-designed course
• Five-Star Hotels: Kempinski, Sheraton, Robinson Club, Mövenpick
• Thalasso Spa: Premier wellness center on the Red Sea

Soma Bay Pros & Cons

Advantages:

• World-class water sports facilities
• Prestige developer (Olayan Group)
• High rental yields (8-12%) from year-round tourism
• Property prices rose 39.3% in Q1 2024 vs. 2023
• Exclusive gated environment with 24/7 security
• Prestigious sandy beaches available for owners

Considerations:

• 45km from central Hurghada dining/nightlife
• Higher price point than other locations
• More isolated, quieter atmosphere

Daily Life in Soma Bay

Soma Bay offers an exclusive, sophisticated lifestyle centered around world-class water sports, wellness, and tranquil beachfront living.

This self-contained 10 million square meter (2,500-acre) gated peninsula is accessed via a single controlled gate along a 7km private road, ensuring unmatched privacy and security on the Red Sea coast.

Lifestyle & Activities

Life revolves around balance—active mornings kite-surfing, soaking up the sun, snorkeling or diving, leisurely afternoons at the Thalasso Spa, and serene evenings watching sunset from the 500-meter jetty.

With almost 360 days of sunny weather, this is Egypt’s tranquility, kite-surfing and windsurfing paradise. The Gary Player-designed 18-hole championship golf course attracts serious golfers year-round.

Community Hub

The Marina serves as the community heart with restaurants, coffee shops, shisha lounges, beverage shop, supermarket, pharmacy, fitness center, beauty salon, and 24/7 medical center.

The Play Park offers go-kart racing, paintball, foot-golf, and children’s playground. Four beachfront hotels (Kempinski, Robinson, Sheraton, Breakers) connect via a promenade, plus the new Kaktus Hotel & Co-working Hub.

Social Life

Social events include golf tournaments, beach parties, wellness retreats, musical parties and gatherings.

The community attracts sophisticated international residents—European retirees, Egyptian professionals, and water sports enthusiasts who value privacy and exclusivity.

All of Soma Bay can be explored by golf cart, or bike or even on foot.

Sahl Hasheesh: Luxury Meets Red Sea Beauty

Located just 18km south of Hurghada International Airport, Sahl Hasheesh (“Green Valley”) is a master-planned resort spanning 41 million square meters with stunning Moorish-inspired architecture.

With a lot of developers investing in this area, you will find variety of real estate projects that match your taste.
Each project offers different amenities, services, prices, payment period and construction quality.

What Makes Sahl Hasheesh Unique

Architecture: Stunning variety of designs | Mediterranean, Arabic & Moorish-inspired buildings
12km Promenade: Waterfront walkway connecting beaches, Old Town, restaurants, and shopping
Private Beaches: Pristine sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters
House Reef Diving: Exceptional coral reefs accessible from shore, plus underwater Sunken City site
Five-Star Hotels: The Oberoi, Premier Le Reve, Baron Palace, Tropitel, Marriott, Pyramisa

Sahl Hasheesh Pros & Cons

Advantages:

• Most affordable entry point for luxurious beachfront property
• Closest to airport (18km)
• Beautiful variety of architecture
• Excellent shore diving and snorkeling
• Flexible payment plans (6-7 years typical)
• Strong rental market from European tourists
• High ROI (Return on Investment)

Considerations:

• Fewer international school options
• Smaller expat community
• Less year-round entertainment vs. El Gouna

Daily Life in Sahl Hasheesh

Sahl Hasheesh offers an exclusive lifestyle centered around wellness, serenity, soaking up the sun and tranquil beachfront living.

Expat life in Sahl Hasheesh is defined by safety, privacy, and polished urban design.
This 41 million square meter master-planned area combines architectural elegance with beachfront living just 18km from Hurghada Airport.

Within Sahl Hasheesh, residents walk or cycle for daily needs. Major shopping requires 20 minutes to Senzo Mall in Hurghada.

Families enroll children in Hurghada international schools (British, American, German curricula) with school buses from major compounds.
The lifestyle favors relaxed, stylish evenings at beach clubs with Mediterranean cuisine, fresh food, and chilled lounges.

The Promenade

The 12km seaside promenade is the community star.
Residents enjoy sunrise jogs and sunset strolls as daily rituals, with bicycle paths connecting private beaches, Old Town, restaurants, shopping, and spas.

Old Town Heart

Old Town is the resort heart with shops, spa, and alfresco dining.
The restaurants serves delicious and fresh food, with variety of dishes from Egyptian, Italian, international cuisines.
Casual meals cost $8-12 per person.

Beach & Water

Residents enjoy direct access to private beaches with soft sand and clear water.
House reefs provide excellent snorkeling; dive boats explore nearby sites including the underwater Sunken City site.
Private beach clubs offer secluded shorelines.

El Gouna: Egypt’s Venice & Premier Lifestyle Town

Located 25km north of Hurghada Airport (about 30 minutes), El Gouna is Egypt’s most luxurious established expat community.
Built by Orascom Development starting in 1990, this self-contained town spans 10km of Red Sea coastline across 20 islands connected by lagoons and bridges, earning it the nickname “Egypt’s Venice.”

What Makes El Gouna Unique

Lagoon Living: 20 islands with 10km beachfront and 2 sq km of lagoons
Abu Tig Marina: Yacht moorings, waterfront dining, and vibrant nightlife
International Hospital: European-standard medical care with 24/7 emergency services
International Schools: EGIS (British curriculum), Deutsche Schule (German), Kompass Primary
Championship Golf: Ancient Sands 18-hole course (ranked Egypt’s #1)
Downtown: 60+ restaurants, cafes, boutiques, cinema, art galleries
Year-Round Events: El Gouna Film Festival, marathons, kite-surfing competitions & much more events

El Gouna Pros & Cons

Advantages:

• Egypt’s most established expat community (15,000 residents and growing)
• Self-contained town with all amenities year-round
• Best international schools and hospital on Red Sea
• Highest quality of life and entertainment
• Strong year-round rental market (6-10% yields)
• Excellent capital appreciation track record

Considerations:

• Higher property prices than other locations
• Higher cost of living (groceries, dining)
• Limited new inventory due to high demand

Daily Life in El Gouna

El Gouna provides the most complete year-round lifestyle of all Red Sea destinations, functioning as a true town with 15,000 permanent residents and 4,300+ property owners from around the world.
This vibrant, cosmopolitan community spans 20 islands connected by lagoons.

Town Living

Daily life is remarkably walk-able and bike-friendly. Residents cycle to Downtown for coffee, take tuk-tuks around lagoons, or use boats to cross waterways.
The town has reliable fiber internet making it popular with digital nomads. G*space co-working costs about €5/month.

Dining & Services

Gourmet Market offers groceries with vegetarian and healthy choices. Dining ranges from $10-15 casual to $40-60 fine dining at The Smokery, Zia Amelia, and Chuchichäschtli Swiss House.

Downtown features 60+ restaurants, cafés, boutiques, cinema, and art galleries.
El Gouna Hospital offers European-standard medical care; education includes EGIS (British curriculum), Deutsche Schule (German), and Kompass Primary.

Social Life

Social life is exceptionally active with the El Gouna Film Festival, marathons, kite-surfing competitions, and art exhibitions. The expat community is welcoming.

Typical days include morning kite-surfing, enjoying beaches or diving, working from marina cafés, lunch at Abu Tig Marina, afternoon golf, shopping Downtown, and dining at one of 60+ restaurants.

Safety is excellent with 24/7 security throughout the gated community.

Makadi Heights: Orascom’s Elevated Integrated Community

Located 30km south of Hurghada Airport (about 35 minutes), Makadi Bay is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent value.

The area includes the elevated Makadi Heights development by Orascom, positioned 78 meters above sea level with panoramic Red Sea and mountain views.

What Makes Makadi Bay Unique

Premium Sandy Beaches: Some of Red Sea’s finest white sand with gentle slopes, perfect for families
Water Parks: Makadi Water World with 45+ slides, multiple hotel aqua parks
Makadi Heights: Elevated modern town by Orascom on 900 acres (250 acres built); 85% green spaces
All-Inclusive Resorts: 30+ five-star hotels (JAZ, Sunrise, Prima Life, Stella, Iberotel)
Golf: Madinat Golf Resort access
Family Attractions: Mini Egypt Park, Dolphin World

Makadi Heights Pros & Cons

Advantages:

• Affordable Red Sea luxurious property prices
• Perfect for families (water parks, kids clubs, gentle beaches)
• Strong short-term rental potential from tourist market
• Makadi Heights offers modern infrastructure and international school access
• Growing area with strong appreciation potential

Considerations:

• More resort-focused, less “town” feel than El Gouna
• Limited year-round dining outside hotels
• Smaller permanent expat community
• Car needed for shopping and amenities
• Beach access is included for free but not written in the contract, although that the management is trying to provide a permanent beach access for the owners

Daily Life in Makadi Heights

Makadi Heights offers unique elevated coastal lifestyle at 78 meters above sea level, combining self-sufficient town amenities with Hurghada proximity.
Residents enjoy cooler temperatures, constant sea breezes, and spectacular panoramic Red Sea and mountain views.

Town Walk

The Town Walk promenade serves as the vibrant heart with retail shops, cafés, restaurants, and entertainment. Cycling tracks and pedestrian paths wind through 85% green spaces (3.4 million sqm total), making car-free living feasible within the community.

Amenities

Comprehensive on-site amenities include hypermarket, pharmacy, medical clinic, and fully-equipped hospital with 24-hour emergency care.

The 33,000 square meter clubhouse (Egypt’s largest) features Ignite gym, swimming pools, restaurant/bar, sports courts, and extensive children’s play area.
Beach access via shuttle to private beach club with water sports, snorkeling, and diving.

Community

The community attracts Egyptian professionals, European vacation-home owners, and retiree couples. Social life is active with international DJ performances, concerts, sports tournaments (football, fishing), film festival nights, and cultural celebrations.

Orascom organizes Christmas gatherings, Ramadan events, and summer festivals. Reaching Hurghada, Senzo Mall, or airport (15 minutes) requires car or taxi.

Side-by-Side Hurghada Coastal Communities Comparison

Price Comparison Summary

Most Affordable: Sahl Hasheesh & Makadi Bay
Best Value: Sahl Hasheesh (closest to Hurghada city & airport)
Premium Lifestyle: El Gouna (with highest quality of life)
Exclusive Luxury: Soma Bay (for sports & wellness focus)

Rental Yield Potential

Soma Bay: 7-12% (year-round sports tourism)
Makadi Bay: 7-11% (strong family vacation market)
Sahl Hasheesh: 7-10% (seasonal peaks)
El Gouna: 7-10% (consistent year-round, higher occupancy)

Best Red Sea Property For Different Buyers

Choose Soma Bay if you:

Are a water sports enthusiast (kite-surfing, diving, golf)
Want exclusive, uncrowded luxury environment
Seek prestige developer (Olayan Group)
Value wellness and world-class spa facilities

Choose Sahl Hasheesh if you:

Want closest Hurghada and airport proximity (18km)
Love turqoise sea views
Seek affordable beachfront entry point
Enjoy shore diving and snorkeling

Choose El Gouna if you:

Want year-round lifestyle with dining, nightlife, events
Plan full-time living or need international schools/hospital
Love lagoon living with marina access
Want established expat community and walk-able town
Seek highest quality of life

Choose Makadi Bay if you:

Have young children (water parks, kids clubs, sandy beaches)
Seek strong rental income from family vacation market
Like modern & luxurious architecture
Looking for excellent value with growth potential

Making Your Red Sea Property Investment Decision

All four Hurghada coastal communities offer exceptional Red Sea resort living, but each has its distinct character.

Your Red Sea property choice depends on your priorities:

Budget: Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh offer most affordable entry
Lifestyle: El Gouna provides unmatched year-round amenities
Sports: Soma Bay is paradise for kite-surfers and divers
Families: Makadi Bay excels with water parks and sandy beaches
ROI: Soma Bay and Makadi Bay lead in rental yields (8-12%)
Appreciation: El Gouna has strongest track record; Soma Bay rose 39.3% in Q1 2024

The best approach to choose your Red Sea Property?

Visit each location, experience the different atmospheres, and work with experienced local real estate professionals who understand the nuances of each community. Your perfect Red Sea property investment awaits!

Ready to Find Your Perfect Red Sea Property?

At Aqar Property, we specialize in all four Red Sea resort locations. Our expert team provides:
Comprehensive Red Sea resort comparison and location analysis
Exclusive access to properties in Soma Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Makadi Bay and Hurghada
Complete legal support for foreign buyers
ROI analysis and rental yield projections
Property management and after-sales support
Guided tours of all Hurghada coastal communities

Contact Aqar Property today:
Phone: +2-01000560404 | +2-01270266891
Email: contact@aqarproperty.com
Your Red Sea dream property starts here!