Sun, Sand, Sea Sonesta The Sonesta Taba refines the formula for the perfect getaway    By   Michael Hein

Surrounded by natural beauty and steeped in rich history, the city of Taba is at a crossroad of cultures, overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba, which connects the coastlines of Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Saudi Arabia. The Sonesta Taba puts you at the heart of it all, with the added convenience of comfortable accommodations and classy service.

Entering the hotel foyer, you are surrounded by open space accented with calming pastels of green, blue and salmon - a relaxing end to your journey to Sinai’s eastern edge. The sunken reception area with its cool marble floor gives way to the buffet and out to the pool area.

courtesy of Sonesta Taba The spacious hotel lobby

The expansive circular pool is heated during the winter and equipped with a water polo net for the kids. There are ample, capacious lounge chairs on the shore of the Red Sea. While Sonesta’s strip of sea is rocky and murky near the shore, the hotel staff is on hand with swimming booties to make your walk out to clearer water more manageable.

The rooms are simple yet comfortable, and a welcome refuge after a dip in the pool or sea. With 440 rooms, the Sonesta Taba personalizes your stay with soft bedding and all the standard amenities such as TV, in-room safe and 24-hour room service. Indulge yourself one night with a feast on the balcony - the views of the pool, sea or mountain views make dining in your room an enchanting experience. The menu offers everything from a romantic snack of cheese, fruits and bread to a more substantial steak or seafood entrée.

courtesy of Sonesta Taba The Gulf of Aqaba in front of the Sonesta pool

The Palmira Dining Room breakfast buffet is particularly inviting with the aromas of pastries, fresh omelets and kofta, which seems to be a popular treat as the kofta line was exceptionally long each morning during my stay. General Manager N.K. Akers makes the rounds during brunch, welcoming guests, checking on service and tasting a delectable morsel here and there.

For a more romantic or formal dining experience try Scallini or Blue Fish. With the à la carte Italian dishes at Scallini and the fresh seafood offered at Blue Fish, you might have trouble choosing between the two, so make sure to try both during your stay. The resort also has traditional Lebanese cuisine at Fatoush, an English-style lounge in the Piano Bar and a choice of three other outlets. Many of Sonesta’s restaurants and bars overlook the Red Sea. If you have larger parties in mind, the hotel organizes business meetings and conferences in its banquet hall, which has a capacity of 1,000 people.

courtesy of Sonesta Taba Bedouin nights

The extravagant meals needn’t worry the health-conscious: The Sonesta Taba has a health and fitness center for a land-based workout and a dive center for those who prefer more aquatic activities. The center provides equipment and training for divers of all levels. The resort can also arrange desert adventures, so bring your hiking boots. For its young guests, the Sonesta Taba has the Just Us Kids program, with games and activities for children ages 5 to 12.

One of the best features of Taba is its proximity to historical and natural wonders. Deep in the Sinai Mountains is St. Catherine’s Monastery, some 370 kilometers away, dating back to the fourth century AD. Closer to Taba is the Colored Canyon, where thousands of years of erosion have carved out massive walls of brilliantly hued sand- and limestone. About a half hour away is Nuweiba, where you can get a quick lesson in Bedouin transportation at Habiba Resort’s Camel Riding School.

courtesy of Sonesta Taba Just Us Kids program

Sonesta’s on-site travel agent can set up an excursion to one of the local oases like Ein Hodra, where the Bedouin will share bread and lasaf, a pungent drink made from capers. Lasaf tastes a bit like wasabi mixed with salt-water - not terribly appetizing, but the locals claim it promotes longevity. With age comes wisdom, so don’t expect the Bedouin to cut you a deal on their handmade goods including shirts, handbags or even a belly-dancer’s headdress.

After a day of outdoor adventure, it’s nice to know comfort and care await you at the Sonesta Taba. This same feeling will keep you coming back again and again, seeking sanctuary deep in the heart of the Sinai.

courtesy of Sonesta Taba Sonesta’s piano bar.

courtesy of Sonesta Taba A guest room with a view of the Sinai Mountains