Imagine trading the relentless grind of city life for a place where the sun kisses your skin and adventure whispers your name. That’s exactly what happened when I, a self-proclaimed 'city girl,' stumbled upon Somabay. Little did I know, I’d return home with an unexpected obsession: golf. But here’s where it gets controversial—could a single weekend in a sun-soaked oasis really transform someone who’d never held a golf club into a budding enthusiast? Spoiler alert: it did.
Every year, we carve out 25 precious days to escape the 9-to-5 grind, seeking sun, sea, and stories worth telling. On an unremarkable midweek day, I left the gray skies of London behind and landed in a world of sunshine so vibrant, it felt like rediscovering an old friend. After years of navigating the concrete jungles of bustling cities—both at home and on holiday—arriving at Somabay’s Kaktus Hotel and Co-Working Hub was like a balm for my weary soul. Nestled an hour south of Hurghada, this tiny oasis on the Red Sea may seem small, but it’s a treasure trove of adventures waiting to unfold.
After a feast of authentic Egyptian dishes at the Kaktus Hotel’s buffet, I sank into a bed so comfortable, it rivaled the deepest sleep I’d had in years. And this is the part most people miss—after months of sublet hopping in New York and London, I’d forgotten how luxurious a good night’s rest could feel.
The next morning, I stepped out of my freezer-like room into a wall of heat, ready for the day’s surprises. A short drive later, I found myself at the Somabay Golf Academy, greeted by a sprawling double-ended driving range. While seasoned golfers eagerly grabbed their clubs, I stood clueless, unsure which end of the club was up. But within an hour, under the patient guidance of an instructor, I was not only hitting the ball but sending it soaring. His advice—'Don’t kill the bird, but don’t let it fly away'—has stuck with me ever since. I’m no athlete (I still mix up rugby and football), but that hour sparked a mild obsession with golf.
The rest of the day was spent at WYTE Beach Club, a private slice of Somabay’s stunning shoreline reserved for Kaktus Hotel guests. As an Australian, it takes a lot to impress me when it comes to beaches, but this one did. Lounging under an umbrella with a magazine and the Beach Boys playing in my head, I felt like I’d found paradise. Between naps, I waded into the crystal-clear waters, letting the stresses of city life—deadlines, taxes, tube strikes—melt away with the waves.
Here’s where it gets even more indulgent—after a few hours of swinging clubs, I treated myself to an aquatonic session at the Cascades Spa & Thalasso. While I initially hoped it was a cocktail, the hydrotherapy jets worked wonders, kneading away any remaining tension.
The next morning, I rose before dawn for a horseback ride at Jasmine Stables. As I trotted across the desert on Layla, the horse, I felt a version of myself awaken—one that had been dormant in my city life. Later, I swapped saddles for a snorkel, exploring Somabay’s underwater wonderland: the Seven Pillars. Guided by Ibrahim, I swam among needlefish, blue tang, stingrays, and turtles, marveling at the vibrant coral spires. But here’s the thought-provoking part—how does a place like Somabay balance tourism with preserving its natural beauty? It’s a delicate dance, but one they’re committed to, protecting coral reefs and keeping the sea pristine.
By the end of the day, I was sun-kissed and energized, ready for one last round of golf. With my instructor’s Yoda-like patience, I tackled bunkers and perfected my swing. Now, I’m planning golf days with friends in Sydney—something I never imagined before Somabay.
Throughout it all, the Kaktus Hotel was my sanctuary. With two pools, day beds, and a bar, it was the perfect respite between adventures. Here’s the question I’m left with—can a place truly change you, or does it just remind you of who you were all along? As I sit in rainy London, I know Somabay isn’t just a destination; it’s an escape I’ll always crave. But what do you think? Could a weekend in paradise shift your perspective, or is it all just temporary magic? Let me know in the comments!
