The debate has been on forever, what exactly are we building in the North Coast with its secluded gated communities? And the speculations are various and sometimes scary, from Ahmed Khalde Tawfik’s ‘Utopia’, a dystopian novel that features the elite living in their Northern secluded compounds while the poor struggle to eat, to the simple and basic theory of the late housing minister who had an idea to populate the area so he had the government build three resorts there, each almost a hundred kilometers far from the next.
The North Coast of Egypt has succeeded over the past couple of decades in cultivating an image as a world-class beach resort, by catering to an upscale, or dare we say, exclusive lifestyle through high-end communities.
The question is: how exclusive is it?
The Northern Coast of Egypt
The northern coast of Egypt extends for almost 1,050 km along the Mediterranean Sea. One of the longest Mediterranean coastlines in North Africa, It technically starts from the eastern side of the Sinai Peninsula to the western village of Sallum.
However, what people usually refer to by The North Coast, shortened in Arabic as El Sahel, or just The Coast is the shoreline that extends from Borg El Arab west of Alexandria to just Before Marsa Matrouh.
This is still considered a very long coast to cater to less than 15% of the population, so why isn’t the shore more accommodating to the middle and lower classes?
Supply and demand
The North Coast is very popular, among both Egyptians and tourists. This popularity has led to an increase in property prices that have neared a real estate bubble in some resorts.
But we are not talking about real estate investment here, are we?
Do some wonder why there aren’t some cheap value-for-money hotels along the Northern shore?
Why wouldn’t investors build camps for youth, like the ones in Dahab for example?
It seems to be a good idea, doesn’t it?
I mean, even if the land is expensive, a project like that would most probably bring handsome revenue, wouldn’t it?
Should I be an innovator? Nah!
Most investors though think in a different way. This coast has gained a reputation because it is an elite getaway, why would someone risk building a different type of business that may or may not succeed!
They rather build another gated compound, sell some units, rent some, and maybe build another hotel that looks exactly like the others, even if the plot is smallish in size, and even if it lies on the other side of the road.
So what did we end up with?
Except for some areas, The Coast is mostly constructed now, with elegant communities and a few resorts and hotels.
Nonetheless, the further you go west, the fancier the gated communities get. So at the moment, half the shore is not so elite, mostly middle-class Egyptians vacate and rent there, and the other half is so expensive that most people only go there to frequent the premium restaurants and razzy cafes.
This situation might be good for the people, as everyone can find a place they like, but the communities are all still the same, albeit built with more or less luxurious facilities.
What would we love to see?
Something different for sure!
I would love to see a camp built on one of the vacant land plots along the shore, and maybe some rustic cheap restaurants and cafes.
I wish an imaginative investor would see this as an opportunity to create something different and unique.
The best upscale resorts on the North Coast
Regardless of my own wish to see something different and creative, the shore does house a large number of elegant resorts, these are the best of them.
Marrassi
When luxury is mentioned Marrassi comes to mind. If you are looking for a fancy resort to spend your vacation so why not go for the creme de la creme!
Marrassi is located 125 km from Alexandria and 25 km from Marina, and the project is located on one of the most famous beaches of Egypt, which is Sidi Abdel Rahman Bay, adjacent to the El Alamein area, in which a modern city and airport are now being built.
Marassi includes various units for sale and rent as well as a luxury hotel, it features all the facilities, services, amenities, and luxury possible.
Hacienda Bay
Located 200 kilometers away from Alexandria, most people who frequent the North Coast are familiar with Hacienda, if not for the luxurious accommodation and the crystal blue water then for the myriad of fancy restaurants and cafes in the resort. The restaurant area is called The Lakeyard, and people travel a considerable distance to spend the evening there as it is one of the most hip and happening areas along the North Coast.
Also on Sidi Abdel Rahman Bay, Hacienda features an amazing beach. It also features greenery, swimming pools, and a large number of facilities and amenities.
La Vista
A bit quieter than the previous two, but not by any means less fancy and luxurious. La Vista was built to be a quiet resort, not a lively tourist destination, and that is where the difference comes from.
170 kilometers away from Alexandria, La Vista houses luxury properties for sale and for rent, and no hotel or dining area, just a large number of facilities, amenities, swimming pools, and gardens.
Telal
Also a quiet destination, Telal is situated 129 kilometers away from Alexandria. The fancy resort is famous for its elegant villas and houses, even the images of the place exude serenity.
But just because it is quiet doesn’t mean that it lacks luxury by any means. All amenities, facilities, and services can be found in the upscale compound.
