Here's your Extra Scoop

Reasons you should be considering Egypt this year, a new opening in Gran Canaria and how to hack the buffet... [Everything's better On the Beach]( All the best bits and (holi)bobs in your inbox every Thursday. [The Extra Scoop]( [The Extra Scoop]( I’ve just come back from a week in Sharm El Sheikh where I’ve been visiting some of our top (and I do mean ‘top’) hotels. It was a grueling week, consisting of buffets, quad bikes, snorkeling and more – all in the name of research. I know you’re thinking ‘wow, what a tough life’. But come on, somebody needs to test drive all our jollies and finest hotel for you lovely people. [Your secret admirer] [5 days in Sharm El Sheikh]( [5 days in Sharm El Sheikh]( Have I already mentioned that I just came back from a week in Sharm? Here’s what I got up to: Day 1: Arrived at Rixos Premium Seagate and checked into my sea-view room. Quick mooch to the poolside cabanas before collapsing into a hammock with a bottle of Sakara Gold (the best Egyptian beer). We got here late but the late-night buffet’s open til 2am. Winner winner, falafel dinner. Day 2: Sharm’s way more than just a beach holiday, so we booked a day out riding quad bikes through the Sinai Peninsula. Sand dunes, mountains and the bluest of skies – this is proper Egypt. We even grabbed some traditional food from local Bedouins. Day 3: Pretty much every hotel In Sharm has its own private beach so today we went snorkelling. The water was crystal clear and surprisingly warm, and we spotted a boatload of fish and marine life. Day 4: Headed to Soho Square to grab a traditional Egyptian lunch. I opted for lamb kofta and ful – a stew of fava beans and spices, and it was top-notch. Quick stop at The Queen Vic pub for a more English tradition; pints and football (the toon were playing, to be fair.) Then back home, but not before watching the amazing water display at the Dancing Fountain – it’s a must-see. Day 5: Time to check out the activities at the hotel, and I really was spoiled for choice. Managed to squeeze in some volleyball, a spot of tennis, and even some water polo. Topped it all off with a trip to the on-site waterpark, because you’re never too old for a waterslide. [Keep Sharm and carry on >]( [Keep Sharm and carry on >]( [Paradise at the Paradisus]( [Paradise at the Paradisus]( We see a lot of hotels here, and it takes a lot to impress us. So when Tamas, our hotels expert, told us about a BRAND NEW five-star beachfront hotel that’s just opened in Gran Canaria, we were like “Sounds cool – but what’s so special about it?” “How about the adults-only options, and rooms with their own jacuzzis?” He said. “Or that it’s all inclusive with a local spin on the food and activities?” We’re listening. “Or the beach cocktail bar, the mega facilities and their focus on sustainability and getting back to nature so you can feel good about yourself whilst you’re lounging beachside with a mojito? Plus, On the Beach is cheaper than Tui, Jet2 and easyJet for holidays to Spain and the Canaries this summer!” That conversation might not be 100% real, but my booking for this summer is. [Five-star Paradise >]( [Five-star Paradise >]( [Holiday vs Home: How much does that cost?!]( [Holiday vs Home: How much does that cost?!]( on a boring meal deal on your lunch break 2 pints of ice-cold beer in Turkiye? for all-day parking at the multi-storey a full English in the sun in Benidorm? on a stale coffee from the local cafe a big, pink lilo with cupholders to use in the pool? on paint for that spare room you’ve never got around to a deposit for your next summer jolly? The decision’s easy, let’s be honest. [Spend it wisely >]( [Spend it wisely >]( [How to hack the Breakfast Buffet!!]( [How to hack the Breakfast Buffet!!]( The breakfast buffet; a the cornerstone of any holiday. But how do you get the most out of it? Well, they don’t call me the jolly expert for nothing (no one actually calls me that…yet). Here’s how you can hack that buffet: Spread out your plates and pace yourself. Make it a 4, 5, 6, or 7-course meal. Start off with lighter bites like fruit or pastries, then build up to those plates of eggs and bacon piled high. Always do a lap of the buffet spread before sitting down. Scout it out. Make sure you know where the best stations are located for sheer efficiency. You’ve got serious eating to do, there needs to be a plan here. Let’s talk about those absurdly tiny juice glasses – they’re meant to limit your OJ intake. Don’t let them fool you, fill up a few at a time and keep yourself stocked up. Better yet, find the biggest cappuccino mug available and use that instead. Avoid the angry glares, everyone else is just mad that they didn’t think of it first. It says ‘all you can eat’, but does it say ‘all you can eat here’? Plan ahead and grab yourself a bit of lunch whilst you’re there - bit of fruit, a pastry or two. Heck, why not make yourself a sausage sarnie for later? Get imaginative. You don’t get this sort of spread at home, so let’s try new things. 12 different types of cereal in one bowl? Sure. Bacon, brie and raspberry jam on a croissant? I’ll try it. Oh there’s an omelette station? A BIT OF EVERYTHING PLEASE. [Buffet properly >]( [Buffet properly >]( [Start your holiday search...] [Start your holiday search...] [Last-minute sun >]( [All inclusive >]( [Family >]( [Couples >]( [Everythings' better on the beach]( [Everythings' better on the beach]( [Everything’s better on the beach]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [YouTube]( [Download on the App Store]( [Get it on Google play]( Can't view the email correctly? [Click here to view in browser]( If you want to stop receiving our emails you can [unsubscribe here](. To help ensure our holiday updates always get to you, please add holiday@e.onthebeach.co.uk to your email address book. For a full breakdown of how our flexible payments work, including terms that apply, [click here](. On the Beach is a registered company in England and Wales. Registered number: 03162982. Registered office: 5 Adair Street, Manchester, England. M1 2NQ.   *On average price comparison with Jet2Holidays and EasyJet Holidays. Search conducted on 21st March 2023 for 2 adults travelling on 5th April 2023 for 7 nights, from the following UK departure airports (Birmingham Airport, Bristol Airport, London Gatwick Airport, London Luton Airport, London Stansted Airport & Manchester Airport) for an all-inclusive board basis. 5 package holiday prices were checked for the Grand Park Lara Hotel, Antalya, Turkey.