Over the dune to find Egypt's real paradise

An-all inclusive resort is not the work destination PORTIA JONES dreamed of but Hurghada hits the spot

- PORTIA JONES

SAND AND DELIVER Camel rides on a desert safari

Every January, I try to escape Britain's gloom for some sun and wine that does not cost £8 a glass. Each year, I also convince my long-suffering husband to log off and join me on escapades to sunny and cheaper places like Sri Lanka and Costa Rica. In January last year I was itching for a new destination, so what we now call "the Egypt saga" was set in motion.

Cut back to Christmas 2024 when, fuelled by mulled wine and poor judgement, I was doom-scrolling and found a deal that made me stop mid-sip.

It offered almost four weeks in an all-inclusive resort in Hurghada – an Egyptian resort town on the Red Sea – flights included, for just under £1,700 for both of us. I booked immediately.

No research and no caution. That was mistake number one.

I was so giddy with the adrenaline of bagging a bargain that I forgot the first rule of resort booking. Always check the reviews.

As a freelancer, I intended to work during my extended jaunt, preferably with a pina colada in hand, like the smug world citizens I see on Instagram.