Pickalbatros Aqua Blu Resort – Short Break with Tennis & Padel Courts Near Orange Bay Island This Christmas & New Year | Book from £20 Deposit

Planning a festive short break that blends active sport, Red Sea sunshine and iconic island scenery? Pickalbatros Aqua Blu Resort on Safaga Road, Hurghada delivers exactly that combination. Positioned along the southern stretch of Hurghada's coastline, this highly rated resort sits just a short boat ride from the legendary Orange Bay Island – one of Egypt's most photographed coral-fringed escapes – making it the ideal base for a Christmas or New Year short break that mixes beach days with genuine on-site sport.

With dedicated tennis courts and padel courts on-site, guests who want to keep their game sharp over the holiday season will find everything they need without leaving the resort. Whether you are squeezing in a competitive padel match before a sunset trip to Orange Bay, or rallying on the tennis court on Christmas morning while the rest of the world sleeps in, Aqua Blu caters to the active traveller who refuses to sacrifice sport for sun.

Rated 4.7 out of 5 across 7,591 verified reviews and bookable right now on Madyen.com with just a £20 deposit, instant confirmation and flexible payment options, this is one of Hurghada's most compelling festive short-break choices for sport-loving couples, friends and families alike.

• On-Site Tennis & Padel Courts: Hit the courts before breakfast or after a morning snorkel – the resort's dedicated tennis and padel facilities mean your game doesn't stop just because you're on holiday. Court availability over Christmas and New Year makes this a rare find in Hurghada.
• Closest Major Resort to Orange Bay Island Access Points: Situated on Safaga Road, Pickalbatros Aqua Blu is perfectly placed for organised boat excursions to Orange Bay Island, the shallow turquoise lagoon and pristine white-sand beach that define the southern Red Sea experience.
• Festive Atmosphere Without the Crowds: Hurghada's Christmas and New Year celebrations are warm, relaxed and genuinely joyful. The resort hosts seasonal events and themed dinners so you get a festive feel under Egyptian winter sunshine rather than grey skies.
• 4.7-Star Guest Rating from 7,591 Reviews: Consistent praise for cleanliness, food quality, beach access and staff friendliness across thousands of independent reviews gives you confidence this short break will deliver.
• All-Inclusive Sport & Leisure: Beyond tennis and padel, the resort offers watersports, multiple pools, beach volleyball and non-motorised water activities – ideal for short breaks where you want maximum variety in minimum time.
• Short-Break Friendly: Even a 3- or 4-night stay over Christmas or New Year feels complete here. The compact, well-organised layout means you can pack in sport, beach, island excursions and festive dining without rushing.
• Red Sea Winter Climate: December and January in Hurghada average a comfortable 22–26°C – warm enough for outdoor tennis and padel, perfect for snorkelling at Orange Bay, and blissfully free from the intense summer heat.

At Madyen.com we make booking your Christmas or New Year short break to Pickalbatros Aqua Blu Resort as straightforward as possible, with terms that suit real travellers:

• £20 Deposit to Secure Your Dates: Lock in your Christmas or New Year availability right now with just a £20 deposit. No need to pay the full amount upfront – ideal when booking festive travel months in advance.
• Instant Confirmation: Receive your booking confirmation immediately after payment. No waiting, no uncertainty – your tennis and padel short break near Orange Bay Island is confirmed on the spot.
• Flexible Payment: Spread the cost of your holiday in manageable instalments leading up to your departure date, keeping your festive budget under control.
• Free Cancellation on Most Bookings: Plans can change, especially around the festive season. Most rates at Pickalbatros Aqua Blu Resort on Madyen.com include free cancellation, giving you genuine peace of mind.
• Save Up to 15% on Madyen.com: Exclusive rates mean you could save up to 15% compared to standard booking channels – savings you can put towards Orange Bay Island excursions or extra court time.

Short-break rates at Pickalbatros Aqua Blu Resort over the Christmas and New Year period vary depending on room type, board basis and exact travel dates. The festive window – particularly 23 December through 2 January – is the resort's most popular period, so early booking is strongly recommended to secure both availability and the best rates. On Madyen.com you can reserve your room with just a £20 deposit today and pay the balance closer to your departure, with flexible payment options throughout. Thanks to Madyen's exclusive deals, guests can save up to 15% on published rates. Whether you are booking a standard double room for a couple's festive escape or a larger suite for a family short break with daily padel and tennis sessions, use the search tool on Madyen.com to view live pricing, availability and the latest free-cancellation offers for your specific dates near Orange Bay Island.

With a 4.7 out of 5 rating across 7,591 verified guest reviews, Pickalbatros Aqua Blu Resort consistently earns exceptional praise across the categories that matter most on a festive sport-focused short break. Guests repeatedly highlight the quality and maintenance of the sports courts, noting that the tennis and padel facilities are well-kept and bookable without long waits – a significant advantage during the busy Christmas and New Year period. The beach and water quality receive particular acclaim, with reviewers describing the house reef and calm Red Sea conditions as ideal for snorkelling excursions towards Orange Bay Island. Food and drink at the all-inclusive restaurants and bars draws consistent five-star mentions, with guests praising the variety and freshness of the buffet spread and the quality of the themed festive dinners. Staff friendliness and professionalism is perhaps the most frequently cited highlight, with numerous reviewers describing the team as genuinely warm and attentive. For a Christmas or New Year short break that combines active sport, island access and reliable hospitality, the review record at Pickalbatros Aqua Blu Resort speaks for itself.

Pickalbatros Aqua Blu Resort is located on Safaga Road, Hurghada – the southern coastal strip that runs between central Hurghada and the port town of Safaga. This positioning is highly advantageous for guests focused on Orange Bay Island, as the island lies to the south of Hurghada's main tourist zone and is most easily accessed from the Safaga Road corridor. The resort sits directly on the Red Sea coastline with its own private beach, providing immediate access to the calm, clear waters for which this stretch of Egyptian coast is famous. The Safaga Road location also means guests benefit from a quieter, less commercialised atmosphere compared to the central Hurghada strip, while remaining within easy reach of the town's restaurants, bazaars and nightlife. Hurghada International Airport is approximately 25–35 minutes by road, making arrival and departure on a short break efficient and straightforward.

Reaching Pickalbatros Aqua Blu Resort on Safaga Road from Hurghada International Airport (HRG) is simple and quick, which is a genuine bonus when maximising a short festive break:

• Private Airport Transfer: The most convenient option for Christmas and New Year arrivals, especially with sports kit or luggage. Pre-bookable through Madyen.com or local operators, with journey times of approximately 25–35 minutes direct to the resort.
• Resort Shuttle: Many guests travelling on package arrangements will have a resort shuttle included. Confirm with your booking details at the time of reservation.
• Taxi: Licensed taxis are readily available outside Hurghada Airport arrivals. Agree the fare before departure; the journey to Safaga Road resorts typically takes 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.
• Ride-Hailing Apps: Apps such as Uber and Careem operate in Hurghada and offer a metered, transparent fare option from the airport to the resort.
• For Orange Bay Island Excursions: Boat trips to Orange Bay Island depart from nearby marina and beach points along the Safaga Road coastline. The resort's activities desk can arrange transfers and excursion bookings directly.

A short break at Pickalbatros Aqua Blu Resort places you within easy reach of some of the Red Sea's most celebrated natural and leisure attractions:

• Orange Bay Island: The headline attraction for guests staying on Safaga Road. This protected coral island features a stunning shallow lagoon, brilliant white sand and exceptional snorkelling. Boat excursions typically take 20–40 minutes from the resort's coastal area and are bookable through the activities desk. A must-do on any Hurghada short break.
• Giftun Island National Park: Adjacent to Orange Bay, Giftun Island is part of a protected marine reserve offering world-class snorkelling and diving among vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life including reef sharks and sea turtles.
• Hurghada Marina: A lively waterfront area with restaurants, boutiques and boat-trip operators. Easily accessible from Safaga Road for an evening stroll or festive dinner out.
• Hurghada Grand Aquarium: A family-friendly attraction showcasing Red Sea marine species – a great option for a Christmas Day outing with children.
• Desert Quad Biking & Jeep Safaris: The Eastern Desert begins just inland from Hurghada. Half-day quad biking or jeep safari excursions into the desert are popular over the Christmas and New Year period and provide a dramatic contrast to beach and court time.
• Hurghada Bazaar (Sharia Sheraton): Browse spices, souvenirs and local crafts at the traditional market area – ideal for picking up festive gifts with an Egyptian flavour.

December and January represent one of the finest times of year to visit Hurghada, and particularly to base yourself at Pickalbatros Aqua Blu Resort for a sport-focused short break near Orange Bay Island. Here is why the festive season works so well:

Climate: Winter temperatures in Hurghada hover between 22°C and 26°C during the day, dropping to a mild 14–18°C in the evenings. This is ideal for outdoor tennis and padel – cool enough to play comfortably without the exhausting heat of summer, yet warm enough to swim, snorkel and sunbathe. Sea temperatures remain around 22–24°C, making Orange Bay Island excursions genuinely enjoyable rather than just photogenic.

Festive Events: Pickalbatros Aqua Blu Resort hosts dedicated Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations, including themed buffet dinners, live entertainment and seasonal decorations throughout the resort. New Year's Eve is a highlight of the resort's calendar, with a gala dinner and countdown event that draws guests together for an unforgettable evening under Egyptian stars.

Court Availability: While the resort is popular over Christmas and New Year, the tennis and padel courts are well-managed and court time is typically bookable in advance through the sports desk – far preferable to summer peak season when demand can be intense.

Orange Bay Island in Winter: Visibility in the Red Sea is excellent in December and January, making this the prime season for snorkelling at Orange Bay. Calmer sea conditions and lower boat traffic compared to summer mean a more exclusive and peaceful island experience.

Short-Break Suitability: Hurghada's compact layout and the resort's all-inclusive model make even a 3- or 4-night short break feel genuinely fulfilling over Christmas or New Year. Fly out on 23 December, enjoy Christmas on the courts and at Orange Bay, and return refreshed on 27 December – or stay through to ring in the New Year with the resort's gala celebration.

If your ideal festive short break combines active sport on quality courts, easy access to Orange Bay Island's turquoise waters and a warm, well-run all-inclusive resort with a genuine Christmas and New Year atmosphere, then Pickalbatros Aqua Blu Resort on Safaga Road, Hurghada is a compelling and highly specific match for your needs.

The combination of on-site tennis and padel courts, a prime Safaga Road location for Orange Bay excursions, 22–26°C December sunshine and a 4.7-star rating from nearly 7,600 guests is genuinely rare. Add the festive resort programme and the exceptional Red Sea snorkelling conditions in winter, and this short break ticks every box for the sport-and-sun Christmas or New Year traveller.

Book today on Madyen.com with just a £20 deposit, benefit from instant confirmation, flexible payment, free cancellation on most rates and savings of up to 15%. With festive dates filling quickly, early reservation is strongly advised to secure your preferred room type and the best available rate for this unique Hurghada short-break experience.