- Play Hard
- 23rd Sep 2023
- 0
- 6 minutes
Editor’s picks: 3 winter beach holidays from Newcastle Airport

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The sun, sea and sand breaks that we want to book immediately.
Is there anything better than stepping off a plane and feeling the heat on your face?
Whether you’re looking for a week of relaxation, wellness or water sports, these routes from Newcastle International Airport are perfect for a city break that combines sun, sea, sand, and world-class dining. What more could you want?
SHARM EL SHEIKH – EGYPT
Flight time: 5 hours 45 minutes
Frequency: Up to twice a week with TUI
Sharm El Sheikh is back – and it’s better than ever. Guaranteed winter sun, superb snorkelling in the Red Sea, horse riding in the desert, indulgent spas – there really is something for everyone.
But our favourite part – Sharm El Sheikh really does offer affordable luxury. With 5* hotels, super attentive staff, and world-class dining – many of the resorts are all-inclusive meaning you can enjoy all the finer things in life, without worrying about a hefty bill on check-out.
WHERE TO STAY
Looking for an Arabian fairytale? Book The Four Seasons Resort (pictured). Nestled on a hillside between the desert and the Red Sea, this resort offers a huge range of rooms and suites, where you can choose between modern luxury or traditional Arabian décor. There are 13 restaurants offering literally anything your heart could desire, as well as experience dining such as a traditional Bedouin breakfast on the beach or intimate private beach dining for couples. If a break with friends is more your vibe, check out the adults-only Meraki Resort. A cool mix of bohemian wellness by day, and lively partying by night, everything you need is in one place.
WHAT TO DO
Absolutely no judgment if you wanted to sip cocktails on a sun lounger all day every day (we’d be right there with you). But for the more adventurous among us, the range of activities that Sharm El Sheikh has to offer is impressive. Snorkelling or scuba diving in the Red Sea is perhaps the most obvious one, thanks to the region’s beautiful coral reefs and thriving sea life. Take a sunrise hike on Mount Sinai, a day trip to Cairo and the Great Pyramids of Giza, stargaze in the desert – the opportunities are endless. Everything is super easy to book, with seamless pick-ups and drop-offs from your hotel.
DISCOVER WITH NEWCASTLE AIRPORT
HURGHADA – EGYPT
Flight time: 5 hours 45 minutes
Frequency: Up to twice a week with TUI
One of Egypt’s best kept secrets, Hurghada is a heavenly coastal city with St Tropez-style marinas, gourmet restaurants and bustling bazaars.
With incredible snorkelling, fully serviced beaches, island boat trips and the authentic Hurghada City to explore, it has all the ingredients for a holiday you won’t forget.
WHERE TO STAY
Perfect for families, the Jaz Makadi Aquaviva comes with free unlimited entry to Egypt’s largest waterpark, Makadi Water World, which has 50 slides and rides to play on. For couples, the adults-only Makadi Gardens (pictured) is all about fine dining and luxury relaxation, with its own private beach, quiet pools and culinary-themed nights. For ultimate luxury, at the Baron Palace Sahl Haseesh you’ll be treated like royalty whilst spoilt for choice at the hotel’s eight restaurants, seven bars and sprawling facilities.
WHAT TO DO
The best beaches in Hurghada are south of the city in an area called Sigala. Here you’ll find Makadi Bay which has kilometres of white sand. Most of the hotels offer day access to non-residents so you can enjoy great service from the comfort of your lounger. Take a boat trip to the Giftun Islands where you can sit underneath a palm-frond shelter, switch off from the world, or hop on the Sindbad Submarine – the only tourist submarine operating in the Red Sea. In the evening, Hurghada Marina comes alive. Catch the sunset here before dining in Cheguevara – the highest-rated restaurant in the area.
DISCOVER WITH NEWCASTLE AIRPORT
SAL – CAPE VERDE
Flight time: 6 hours 35 minutes
Frequency: Once a week with TUI
This island in Cape Verde is relatively unknown to the mainstream market, but it’s a paradise.
Its location off the coast of Africa has made it a melting pot of culture – discovered by the Portuguese but with African and Brazilian influences. As a result, Sal’s white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and brightly coloured villages look like they could be straight from the Caribbean.
WHERE TO STAY
For ultimate wellness vibes, ROBINSON Cabo Verde is an adults-only beach hotel with a spa that has a rooftop sundeck, Finnish sauna, and massage rooms. The food is fresh and wholesome, with a healthy eating station for snacks throughout the day. Lovers of water sports will be in their element with a huge range of activities available straight from the beach. For more of a party vibe, the Melia Llana (pictured) has tonnes to offer, with two restaurants and four bars across the site, including a beach bar down by the white sandy beach.
WHAT TO DO
On the east coast of Sal are the salt mines of Pedra de Lume. In the crater of an old volcano, here, the seawater turns to salt. It’s worth a visit to see the white and bright pink salt pans, and you can also enjoy floating in the medicinal water, salt scrubs and mud treatments. Make sure to visit Sal’s busiest town, Santa Maria, which has a great atmosphere – think crayon-coloured buildings, surf cafes, craft shops and restaurants serving authentic food.
DISCOVER WITH NEWCASTLE AIRPORT
GET 10% OFF PARKING AT NEWCASTLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Parking at Newcastle International Airport is so easy and can keep your holiday stress-free without worrying about taxis or lifts from friends and family.
With a range of short and long-stay options, as well as premium fast-track and meet and greet.
And of course, we’ve got you covered with a 10% discount for HLN readers: HLNWINTER
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