Swimming in December: 15 Egyptian hotels with a warm pool

In December, the water in the Red Sea stays around +23 °C. That is enough for a quick dip, but kids and anyone who gets cold easily come out of the water fast. Swimming in a pool is more comfortable if the hotel heats the water. That is why winter demand for such resorts in Egypt keeps growing.

We have rounded up 15 hotels in Egypt with heated pools, from Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada to Marsa Alam and Sahl Hasheesh. For each hotel you will find the location, number of heated pools, cuisine, and who it suits.

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How to choose a hotel with a heated pool

💡 In short:

• Pools in Egypt are heated roughly from November through April, when the sea cools to +22...+23 °C.
• In Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, winter air stays around +20...+24 °C, so a pool matters more than the sea.
• Check how many pools are heated: some hotels heat only the kids' pool.
• Sea water temperature: as of 09/2026, seatemperatures.net.

Look at the number of heated pools. Some hotels heat both the adult and kids' pools, others only the kids' pool. Ask at the front desk until what time the heating runs. In the evening, the water cools down first.

Next, look at the location. Sharm El Sheikh hotels sit by Naama Bay, Nabq, and Sharks Bay; in Hurghada it is Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh. The beaches differ. A sandy entry is convenient for kids, a pontoon jetty is convenient for divers.

The table below helps compare hotels by resort and heating. The number of pools and restaurants is based on hotel data.

1. Sentido reef oasis senses aqua park resort

The beach faces a coral reef and the Sinai mountain range with a nature reserve at its foot. The reef comes close to the shore, so you grab a mask and snorkel right from the pontoon here. This reef is actually called "The Temple." Underwater there is a structure with columns.

The grounds are taken up by a large, well-kept park. There is a water park and 14 pools, 3 of them heated. There are outdoor, indoor, and kids' pools. There is plenty of space by the warm water, and almost no lines for loungers.

The wellness center offers massage, beauty treatments, and hydromassage baths. On the beach you get diving and snorkeling gear. Tennis and billiards are nearby. The animation team is busy all day, with shows in the evening. Excursions include the King Tut Museum and the El Fanar lighthouse. The staff speaks English and Arabic.

The restaurant serves European and local cuisine, with plenty of fresh juices and fruit: guava, mango, oranges, strawberries.

• Location: Sharm El Sheikh, beach by a coral reef (per map).
• Pools: 14 pools, 3 heated, plus a water park (per hotel data).
• Who it's for: families with kids and divers.

Check winter prices: prices on Trip.com.

2. Hilton marsa alam nubian resort

The hotel sits in Abu Dabbab Bay. It has a private beach, but you cannot enter the water directly: the shore is protected by a barrier reef. You go a bit farther to swim, where signs point you. The trip takes a couple of minutes by mini train.

The complex consists of an administrative building and 24 one- and two-story villas. Around them are 4 pools and a 24-hour gym. Several cafes and restaurants serve buffet-style international and national cuisine. There is a halal and vegetarian menu. One venue is decorated in Bedouin style, with dancers performing in the evening.

The main restaurant serves wood-fired pizza, kebab, salads, and desserts, with plenty of fruit and juices. The staff speaks several languages and is happy to help. The spa salon offers a wide range of treatments, and souvenir shops are nearby. At the reef, popular with divers, you will see turtles, rays, moray eels, and colorful fish.

• Location: Abu Dabbab Bay, Marsa Alam (per map).
• Pools: 4 pools and a 24/7 gym (per hotel data).
• Who it's for: divers and couples who value a quiet getaway.
• The catch: you cannot enter the sea directly from the beach because of the barrier reef.

Check prices for your dates: available dates on Trip.com.

3. Jaz Belvedere Resort

The hotel occupies Montaza Beach, about 20 km from the center of Sharm El Sheikh. Nearby are a shopping and entertainment complex and an international congress center.

The grounds are well maintained, the buildings are decorated in an Arab-Moroccan style, and the rooms open onto sea views. Families are well catered for here: kids have their own areas and activities. Sports lovers can enjoy beach volleyball, tennis, windsurfing, diving, snorkeling, and canoeing.

In the evening there is a nightclub, live music concerts, and karaoke. The spa salon offers beauty and wellness treatments. The food is good, and returning guests get a complimentary gala dinner.

• Location: Montaza Beach, about 20 km from the center of Sharm El Sheikh (per map).
• Who it's for: families with kids and active vacation lovers.
• The catch: the city center is about 20 km away, not walkable.

Prices and availability: check on Trip.com.

4. Cleopatra luxury resort makadi bay

© kallerna · CC BY-SAPhoto: kallerna, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The hotel sits in Makadi Bay, not far from Hurghada, on the first line by the sea. This is a resort town popular with diving enthusiasts. The hotel has its own beach, a water park, 8 outdoor pools, a spa complex, and a dive center. Some pools are heated in the cold season. Shops, a supermarket, and a market operate on the grounds.

The hotel suits different guests. Families with kids get childcare, animation, and dietary meals. Adults can join excursions to sea caves and coral reefs. There you will see barracudas, crabs, and starfish.

Bars and restaurants on the beach serve local and European cuisine until late at night. The seafood and fruit menu are especially good. Themed programs and concerts run in the evenings. Nearby is Mini Egypt Park with scale models of the country's main landmarks.

• Location: Makadi Bay, not far from Hurghada (per map).
• Pools: 8 pools, some heated, plus a water park (per hotel data).
• Who it's for: families with kids and divers.

Book your dates: prices on Trip.com.

5. Mövenpick resort Sharm El Sheikh

© Tanya Dedyukhina · CC BYPhoto: Tanya Dedyukhina, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The complex is decorated with arabesques and sits 2 km from the center of Sharm El Sheikh, with views of Naama Bay. Nearby are a convention center, a nightclub, a diving school, a racing track, and a casino. The hotel owns 5 private sandy beaches protected by reefs. The bay is home to plenty of marine life.

The hotel is known for its wellness center, spa with massage rooms and a hot tub, and a fitness center with cardio equipment. Active guests can use the tennis court, a golf course nearby, water sports, and horseback riding. Horseback rides go around the grounds, along the beach, and into the desert. They are suitable for beginners too.

Dining runs without complaints. Among several themed restaurants, El Kababgy handles national and Middle Eastern cuisine, La Brise handles seafood and barbecue, and Rangoli handles Indian dishes.

• Location: 2 km from the center of Sharm El Sheikh, by Naama Bay (per the map).
• Beaches: 5 private sandy beaches (per the hotel).
• Who it's for: couples, foodies, and golf lovers.

Check room rates: rooms and rates on Trip.com.

6. Desert Rose Resort

© lenok136 · CC BYPhoto: lenok136, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The hotel sits on the Red Sea coast, 16 km from the center of Hurghada. The grounds are decorated with palm trees and date groves. Its private beach, almost 1.5 km long, opens onto a calm lagoon. The resort's pride is its Olympic-size pool.

Families have it easy here: childcare for toddlers, nanny services, a playground with entertainers, and a mini club for kids of all ages. The grounds include a water park, a sauna, 3 pools, and a spa. The gyms and courts host aerobics, fitness, volleyball, table tennis, soccer, and dance classes.

Instructors help guests learn windsurfing and snorkeling or improve their scuba diving. Italian, Mexican, Lebanese, and seafood restaurants are open to guests. The food here gets praise for its quality.

• Location: 16 km from the center of Hurghada, private lagoon (per the map).
• Pools: 3 pools, one Olympic-size, plus a water park (per the hotel).
• Who it's for: families with kids and water sports lovers.
• The catch: Hurghada center is 16 km away, so you need a transfer to get into town.

Book now: rates on Trip.com.

7. Coral Sea Holiday Resort and Aqua Park

© Vlad Shtelts (Stelz) · CC BY-SAPhoto: Vlad Shtelts (Stelz), CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The hotel sits near Naama Bay on a white-sand beach, with views of Tiran Island. The grounds are spacious and well kept. It's easy to book a tour to Ras Mohammed National Park from here. Business guests have access to a business center and a conference hall.

Families like the kids' facilities. Active guests can enjoy swimming, tennis, archery, and evening entertainment. The hotel heats 5 pools in winter. The water park has slides for all ages and a lazy river. The spa's hot tub, sauna, and massage are in high demand.

• Location: near Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh (per the map).
• Pools: 5 pools heated in winter and a water park (per the hotel).
• Who it's for: families with kids and corporate groups.

Check availability: see rates on Trip.com.

8. Baron Resort Sharm El Sheikh

© Roland Unger · CC BY-SAPhoto: Roland Unger, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The hotel sits 3 km from Soho Square and 15 km from Naama Bay. It has a private white-sand beach and a lagoon pool with a diving platform. From here it's easy to reach Ras Mohammed National Park. At the sunken ship you can swim among the reefs.

The property has 3 pools, one Olympic-size, heated in winter. Families like the kids' club, the children's pool, and babysitting services. The Health Club & Relaxation center offers seaweed wraps and Egyptian massage, plus a steam room and fitness facilities. Volleyball, tennis, billiards, cycling, and yoga are available on the courts and grounds.

Nearby are the Sharm El Sheikh musical fountain and Al Mustafa Mosque. On-site restaurants serve Italian and Asian cuisine. Guests praise the breakfasts with red fish, fresh fruit, and pastries. There is a cigar bar and a lobby bar.

• Location: 3 km from Soho Square, 15 km from Naama Bay (on the map).
• Pools: 3 pools, one Olympic-size and heated in winter (according to the hotel).
• Who it's for: families and divers.
• The catch: Naama Bay is 15 km away, so in the evening you'll need a taxi to get to the center.

Check prices: prices on Trip.com.

9. Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh

© Photographer: Mosbatho · CC BYPhoto: Photographer: Mosbatho, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The hotel stands on the shore of Sahl Hasheesh Bay. Because of the sea views and the private sandy beach, the area is called the Egyptian Riviera. The building is designed in Mediterranean style and surrounded by gardens.

The resort caters to families with children, honeymooners, and corporate guests. There are event spaces, gyms, safe children's playgrounds, babysitters, and entertainers. The spa is known for massage, steam room, and hammam, with cosmetologists available for consultations. There are 7 bars and 8 a la carte restaurants serving Mexican, Middle Eastern, and local cuisine. Guests order grilled dishes prepared right in front of them.

• Location: Sahl Hasheesh Bay, near Hurghada (on the map).
• Facilities: 7 bars and 8 a la carte restaurants (according to the hotel).
• Who it's for: families, couples, and groups hosting weddings.

Prices for your dates: check on Trip.com.

10. Steigenberger Alcazar

The hotel is in the northern part of Sharm El Sheikh. The bay is surrounded by mangroves, and its protected-area status keeps the water clean. Birds and fish live here, and a coral reef runs along the shore.

The grounds are well maintained. It's comfortable year-round: the hotel heats 3 pools in winter, when the sea is already cool. The food is good quality, though not very varied. At lunch, meat and seafood are cooked in front of guests. Near the beach there's a seafood restaurant with shrimp, lobster, and several kinds of fish. Fruit, fresh juices, and desserts are available at any time.

Entertainers keep guests busy all day, and kids love the children's programs. Parents can leave their child and take care of their own plans. Little ones are looked after at the children's pool and playground. Shops are nearby for some shopping.

• Location: northern Sharm El Sheikh, a bay with mangroves (on the map).
• Pools: 3 pools heated in winter (according to the hotel).
• Who it's for: couples and families with children.
• The catch: the main restaurant's menu isn't very varied.

Check prices: see on Trip.com.

11. Sunrise Diamond Beach Resort - Grand Select

The hotel is near the center of Sharm El Sheikh, in a natural bay on Ras Um El Sid beach. The Travco yacht marina is nearby. The property has 4 pools, some heated in the cooler season. The white-sand beach is clean and well equipped for guests.

The resort has a fitness center, a water park, and an international diving school. Instructors introduce guests to the reefs and marine life. The spa offers massage, wellness and beauty treatments, plus a sauna, steam room, and hammam. There are 12 bars and 5 restaurants with Italian, Middle Eastern, and Indian menus.

• Location: Ras Um El Sid beach, near the center of Sharm El Sheikh (on the map).
• Pools: 4 pools, some heated (according to the hotel).
• Who it's for: divers and families.

Book now: prices on Trip.com.

12. Sunrise Royal Makadi Resort

The hotel sits on the beachfront 30 km from Hurghada, in Makadi Bay. It's a newer resort with Middle Eastern architecture and a classic beach. A large garden surrounds the property.

Winter here is just as good as summer. The sea cools down, but divers still come to see the reefs and marine life. The hotel heats 2 of its 5 pools in the cold season. For children, there's a water park with slides and a mini disco. There's a fitness center and a spa with beauty and wellness treatments. The 6 restaurants serve European, Mediterranean, Greek, Mexican, and Asian cuisine. Dietary dishes are available on request.

• Location: Makadi Bay, 30 km from Hurghada (on the map).
• Pools: 5 pools, 2 heated in the cold season (according to the hotel).
• Who it's for: families with children and divers.

Check prices: prices on Trip.com.

13. Sunrise crystal bay resort - grand select

The hotel is located in Hurghada on the Red Sea coast. It has its own sandy beach and a large tropical garden area. The water in the lagoon is clean and calm, with a gentle entry into the sea. Half of the half-kilometer beach is reserved for Royal Club guests under canopies. The Senzo shopping center is nearby.

The resort suits a variety of guests. Staff help arrange engagements, weddings, and anniversaries. Besides the beach, there are 3 water areas. The large outdoor pool and the kids' pool are heated in the cooler season. Diving and snorkeling gear is provided, and the fitness center has gym equipment, a tennis court, and a game room.

The spa with a sauna, jacuzzi, and massage room combines Egyptian practices with European techniques. Specialists tailor individual programs and use plant oils and Dead Sea mud. The main restaurant serves a daily rotating themed buffet. Others offer Mediterranean, Greek, Indian, and Egyptian cuisine.

• Location: Hurghada, private lagoon with a gentle entry (per the map).
• Pools: 3 water areas, outdoor and kids' pools heated in winter (per the hotel).
• Who it's for: couples, families, and guests hosting weddings.
• The catch: part of the beach is closed off for Royal Club guests.

Prices: check on Trip.com.

14. Rixos Sharm El Sheikh

© Fjmustak · CC BY-SAPhoto: Fjmustak, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The hotel sits on a white-sand beach in Nabq Bay. It overlooks the Gulf of Aqaba and Tiran Island. The buildings are designed in an Eastern style and are spaced far apart. Guests reach the water via a long pontoon bridge.

The bay is calm, with almost no wind. Divers come here from all over the world to see the reefs and colorful fish of the Red Sea. The hotel keeps 12 pools open year-round, with water heated in winter. The 7 restaurants serve Turkish, Italian, Japanese, and Brazilian cuisine, with seafood being a standout. Guests praise the cheeses, fruit, fresh juices, nuts, and meat delicacies.

In the evening, open-air concerts, contests, dance lessons, and a disco take place. There is a gym and a sports club with CrossFit, Pilates, and yoga. Beach volleyball, tennis, diving, and snorkeling are available.

• Location: Nabq Bay, Sharm El Sheikh (per the map).
• Pools: 12 pools year-round, heated in winter (per the hotel).
• Who it's for: families, athletes, and divers.
• The catch: sea entry is via a long pontoon bridge, not from the shore.

Check prices: check on Trip.com.

15. Sunrise arabian beach resort

© Hatem Moushir · CC BY-SAPhoto: Hatem Moushir, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The hotel is surrounded by flower and palm gardens and sits on a private beach in the Sharks Bay area. The bay's name translates as "Shark Bay." Reefs start at the shore and extend into deeper water, so swimming and diving here are more convenient from a pontoon.

The buildings cascade down toward the shore. Near the water you can see colorful fish, sometimes a pontoon is enough. Nearby at Soho Square there is a large open-air shopping and entertainment center where you can buy souvenirs.

The wellness center offers hydromassage, a sauna, and a steam bath. In the gym you can do your favorite sport. Restaurants offer Indian, Thai, French, and Italian cuisine. Guests are happy with the food, entertainment programs, and service.

• Location: Sharks Bay, Sharm El Sheikh (per the map).
• Who it's for: divers and couples.
• The catch: there is no sandy sea entry, swimming is from pontoons.

Check prices: available dates on Trip.com.

All 15 hotels on the map of Egypt

The map below shows all the hotels from this selection. Open it to estimate distances to the airport and neighboring bays.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When do hotels in Egypt heat their pools?

Heating is usually turned on from November to April, when the sea cools to +22...+23 °C (as of 09/2026, seatemperatures.net). Check exact dates with the hotel: some properties keep warm water year-round.

Can you swim in the sea in winter?

Yes. In January, the average water temperature in Sharm El Sheikh is about +23.7 °C, and in Hurghada about +23.1 °C (as of 09/2026, monthly measurements). Guests do swim, but not for long. For children and those who get cold easily, the pool is more comfortable.

Where are there more hotels with heated pools: Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada?

Both bays offer plenty of options. This selection includes 9 hotels in Sharm El Sheikh, 5 in the Hurghada area including Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh, and one in Marsa Alam. Hurghada is cheaper to fly to, while Sharm El Sheikh is closer to Ras Mohammed National Park.

What do you need to enter Egypt?

EU tourists get a visa on arrival or an e-visa, the fee is about $25-30 (as of 09/2026, cairotourism.org). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. For trips only to Sharm El Sheikh, a free Sinai stamp applies.

Is it worth going to Ras Mohammed from Sharm El Sheikh?

Ras Mohammed National Park covers about 480 km² and was opened as Egypt's first marine park (as of 09/2026, egyptfortravel.com). Tours depart from Sharm El Sheikh and Nabq hotels, the drive takes about an hour. Go in the morning: by midday there are a lot of boats near the reefs.

How much does a stay at a hotel like this cost?

The price depends on the date and room type. New Year's and Christmas dates are the most expensive, in other weeks the difference is smaller. Compare options by date on aggregators and check whether the transfer is included in the price.

In short: what's worth booking

If you're traveling in winter with kids, go for Sentido Reef Oasis Senses Aqua Park Resort: it has 3 heated pools and a water park. Desert Rose Resort also works for families, but check with the hotel about pool heating. If reefs and diving matter to you, look at Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort and Rixos Sharm El Sheikh. For a wedding and spa, Sunrise Crystal Bay Resort is a good fit, and for calm sea by the beach, head to Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh.

Compare dates and prices for all 15 hotels: see prices on Trip.com.