Home Diving & Snorkeling Domina Coral Bay, Sharm El Sheikh [REVIEW]

Domina Coral Bay, Sharm El Sheikh [REVIEW]

by Lisa Stentvedt
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I have just returned from a week-long stay at the Domina Coral Bay in Sharm El Sheikh, and couldn’t wait to share my experience with you. As someone who has stayed at numerous all-inclusive resorts, I can confidently say that Domina Coral Bay exceeded my expectations.

Note that this was a complimentary stay, and I was invited by the hotel to test everything out for the purpose of reviewing it. I was excited to be invited, and packed my bags and left freezing Norway for the warmth of the Red Sea (using my all-inclusive packing list, of course).

Of course, I am completely honest in my review below, and aim to give you a true idea of what it is like to stay there. This is the post for you if you are planning a trip to Egypt, and are considering which resort to stay at in Sharm El Sheikh.

I made it a point to test out as many amenities available at the hotel as I could, and I can confidently say that there is something for everyone here. Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing swim in one of the pools, a relaxing day at the Elisir spa, or even an adventurous dive in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, Domina Coral Bay has you covered.

The variety of activities and amenities available ensures that you’ll never have a dull moment during your stay.

Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic getaway, a family seeking a fun-filled vacation, or even a solo traveler in search of tranquility, I can recommend Domina Coral Bay in Sharm El Sheikh. It truly is a resort that caters to all your needs and leaves you with some great memories.

Keep reading for my full review of the Domina Coral Bay in Sharm El Sheikh!

Domina Coral Bay, Sharm El Sheikh
A photo of a quiet lake, with some sand-colored rocks, palm trees and white buildings on the other side of the lake. The sky above is blue. This is the lake at Domina Coral Bay hotel in Egypt.

Summary/Overview

Overall, I highly recommend Domina Coral Bay Resort to travelers visiting Egypt. Situated in a stunning location overlooking the Red Sea, the resort offers a perfect blend of activities and relaxing.

From a variety of dining options to a range of recreational activities such as snorkeling, diving, and spa treatments, there is something for everyone at Domina Coral Bay Resort.

About Domina Coral Bay, Egypt

The Domina Coral Bay is an all-inclusive resort nestled in the coastal city of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. With an array of amenities and activities, and tours leaving from the docks or lobby area of the hotel, it’s easy to spend a week without even leaving resort grounds.

Highlights include getting pampered at the luxurious spa, a casino, nightly shows, a beach club, crystal-clear waters and a reef to explore just off the beach, and a variety of water sports. There are several all-inclusive packages to choose from, so the Domina Coral Bay ensures that each guest can tailor their stay to their preferences and desires.

Whether you’re seeking tranquility, adventure, or simply a luxurious getaway, this resort promises an experience that will exceed all expectations.

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Sunset over a beach with white beach beds and the ocean to the left of the image. The sun is causing a small bit of sun glare in the middle of the image.

The Rooms and Different Hotel Areas

During my stay at the Domina Coral Bay, I had the pleasure of staying in one of their Aquamarine beachfront rooms. The room itself was spacious and furnished with all the basic amenities one would need, including a comfortable bed, a mirror, a dining table, chairs and a TV (that I didn’t turn on once because I was out exploring all day).

However, what truly made this room stand out was the balcony with an incredible ocean view. It was the perfect spot to enjoy a breathtaking sunrise while sipping a cup of coffee (and I did, most mornings).

The room had a safe and a mini-bar, providing convenience and peace of mind. But perhaps my favorite feature of the room was the shower, which had a tiled seating area. This feature made it incredibly convenient for shaving my legs before heading out to the beach (female travellers will get me).

Overall, I was very happy with my Aquamarine room at the Domina Coral Bay, offering comfort, convenience, and stunning views.

Aquamarine is one of several areas (or separate “hotels”, if you’d like) at the Domina Coral Bay. Think of the Domina as the umbrella hotel, and then the following are areas with rooms, and all-inclusive packages that go according to the room:

  • Aquamarine
  • King’s Lake
  • Sultan
  • Harem
  • Oasis
  • Bellavista
  • Elisir
  • Prestige

So, when I say the resort is big, I really mean it. For our stay, we were in the Aquamarine rooms (as mentioned), but on the King’s Lake all-inclusive package. This meant that we had a couple of the a la carte restaurants included in our package, as well as the buffet restaurants.

A king bed with white sheets and flowers decorating it, with a beige wall in the background and a large mirror hanging on it.
This was my comfy bed for my week at the Domina Coral Bay!

Features and Amenities at Domina Coral Bay

There are three buffet restaurants included in the all-inclusive package, each evening brings a new theme and options, such as Mediterranean, Egyptian and International. Whether you’re craving Italian, Asian, or Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of flavors throughout your stay.

The all-inclusive bars, aptly named “convenience points,” are scattered across the resort, ensuring that you’ll never be far from a refreshing drink. These bars not only serve a wide range of beverages (including local alcohol) but also offer snacks at specific times, ensuring that you’re always fueled for your next adventure.

My favorite all-inclusive bar was the one at the very end of the resort, at the top of a small hill overlooking the beach. That’s where I took the sunset photo further up in the article!

Additionally, there are different levels of the all-inclusive packages to choose from. The basic one includes what I mention above, but the King package also includes the Blue Lake a la carte restaurant for breakfast and lunch, and two of the a la carte restaurants (La Piazzeta and the Steakhouse) for dinner.

Personally, I recommend getting a package that includes a la carte restaurants, to give you more options to choose from.

Some of the packages and hotel areas (such as Prestige) also include access to a private beach!

The Domina Coral Bay App

The Domina Coral Bay offers its guests a truly impressive feature (that I don’t think I’ve experienced at a resort before): a user-friendly app that will enhance your stay. With the app you can effortlessly plan your activities and make the most of your time at the resort.

From browsing the lineup of shows and other happenings (such as water aerobics and yoga classes) to booking excursions, the app provides you with the convenience and flexibility to tailor your experience to your needs.

And that’s not all! The app also offers a detailed resort map, ensuring you never miss a beat while exploring the beautiful surroundings. This was necessary especially in our first couple of days getting to know the resort.

The Food (All-Inclusive)

As you can now tell, we had a wonderful experience at the Domina Coral Bay, especially when it came to the food. One highlight was definitely the Steakhouse restaurant, where we ended up having 2 to 3 courses on several occasions.

The steak was great, with several sauces and side dishes to choose from (don’t sleep on the mushroom ragu, pictured on one of the small plates below). The wine was also the best we had during our stay, which is always a plus. As you know, I love learning how to order wine in different languages (I did it when I was in Moravia, Türkiye and nor Egypt). So I spent the week (thinking I was) impressing the servers and trying all the local whites and reds.

A photo of a steak dinner at a restaurant with dark, wooden tables. There is a plate in the foreground, with a baked potato, steak, onion ring and small sauce container on it, a glass of red wine next to the plate, and plates of french fries and mushrooms in the background.

However, it was at La Piazzeta where I discovered my favorite dish – the ravioli. Filled with a mozzarella-like cheese and cooked perfectly al dente, I wish I could go back and have it again.

We ended up going back to Blue Lake Restaurant (nestled along a, you guessed it, blue lake) for breakfast and lunch almost every day. It was so nice to eat outside in the sun, and the staff were super friendly (and we loved how they learned our coffee and egg order by heart, making sure we felt right at home every day).

I mean, just look at the setup below! What a relaxing place to start your morning every day.

A photo of a small buffet table in the foreground, and a lake seen in the background. There is a pergola roof over the buffet, and tables with white chairs in the background.
Blue Lake Restaurant at Domina Coral Bay

Beaches & Pools

With several beaches to choose from, each catering to different areas and packages, there is something for everyone. Some of the beaches are privately linked to specific areas, offering a more secluded and exclusive experience, while others are open to the public.

There are also separate areas for D Club Members (Domina has hotels in other locations as well, such as Sicily – which looks divine!) and the Luxury Beach Club (but more on that below).

While swimming directly from the beach is a little challenging due to rocks and the reef just off the shoreline, the resort has made sure to provide docks and jetties across the property for easy access to the ocean. On one of them they have also made “pools” in the jetty, letting you swim in the ocean sheltered from waves!

And if you’re a fan of snorkeling, you’re in for a treat. The reef stretching the entire length of the beaches/resort makes it the perfect spot to explore the underwater world, with vibrant marine life and breathtaking coral formations. So whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or both, the beaches at Domina Coral Bay have got you covered.

A girl in an orange dress walking away from the camera on a pathway along a sandy beach, with a white sign in the foreground reading "I Heart the beach".

Elisir Spa

The Elisir Spa is truly a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation. During my stay, I had the pleasure of indulging in not one, but three massages at the spa (paid for myself), and each one was absolutely incredible. While all three treatments left me feeling blissfully pampered, the facial massage stood out as my absolute favorite. The skilled hands of the therapist worked their magic, and I found myself wishing that the experience would never end.

The Spa itself is worth paying for access to. For those staying in the King or other all-inclusive packages, entrance to the spa is included. Trust me, it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

The spa boasts a luxurious pool where you can unwind and soak up the tranquil atmosphere. We were sad because we didn’t find it until our final day (we just didn’t realise how big the spa was, and stopped after we had reached the three jacuzzis). The hydrotherapy showers provide a delightful sensory experience, while the jacuzzis with varying temperatures (tepid, hot and hotter) offer the perfect spot to ease any lingering tension.

Also, every pool at the spa is salt water, which is so good for your skin. Me and Emily spent most of our afternoons relaxing in the hot jacuzzi (when we had had enough sun for the day).

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A light blue pool with jet showers and a waterfall to the left of the image. On the far end of the pool are white, luxurious sunbeds. In the far background are palm trees.
The pool at the Elisir Spa is absolutely beautiful.

The Shows

Every night there is a new show at the Domina, making sure you are entertained. From sensational Michael Jackson and Elvis tributes to exciting karaoke nights, there is something for everyone. There was also a “Mr. Macho” night where guests could sign up their dads and boyfriends to compete for the title! What a blast.

However, my personal favorite was the Aladdin show! As a true Disney enthusiast, I couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear throughout the entire performance, and they performed Arabian Nights, A Whole New World and Prince Ali with impressive showmanship and choreography (that we may or may not have practiced in our room after).

The Domina Coral Bay offers a diverse lineup of shows that will surely leave you with unforgettable memories.

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A group of performers on a stage, wearing white outfits in a middle eastern/aladdin style.

The Luxury Beach Club

The Luxury Beach Club is a gem for beach lovers seeking a touch of luxury. Situated along the main beach, this beach club offers an unforgettable experience. It is the perfect spot to unwind and bask in the beauty of the sun-kissed sands and crystal-clear waters.

The club boasts a restaurant, serving international food that caters to most visitors. Whether you crave a refreshing cocktail or a gourmet meal, the attentive staff is always ready to cater to your every need.

The comfortable sun loungers and sun beds provide the ultimate relaxation, allowing you to soak up the sun’s rays while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. During our stay at the Domina Coral Bay, we were fortunate enough to have access to this exclusive beach club, and it became our go-to place for unwinding and rejuvenating.

The combination of the stunning surroundings and the impeccable service truly made our experience unforgettable.

Related: The best beach clubs in Cabo

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Two legs crossed on a white beach lounger on a beach, with several more beach loungers and umbrellas seen in the background, and the ocean in the far background.

Highlights

Below are my personal highlights from my stay in Sharm El Sheikh, and my favorite things about the Domina!

  • The Size of the Resort: The Domina Coral Bay is, as mentioned, a massive resort. Once we had gotten familiar with the layout, it was so nice to have such a large area to play around in. Several beaches, a great gym, plenty of restaurants, everything you need. I think this is the first time in my life I haven’t felt the need to read a resort for a week!
  • Aladdin Show: One of the standout highlights of my stay at Domina Coral Bay was the Aladdin show. The talented performers brought the story to life with their mesmerizing dance routines and familiar tunes. It was a truly magical experience, and I was definitely in the target audience.
  • Friendly Staff: The staff at Domina Coral Bay were not only welcoming but also incredibly friendly. They went above and beyond to ensure that our stay was comfortable and enjoyable. One thing that stood out to me was how patient and encouraging they were when I tried to practice my Arabic while ordering wine (or making conversation). It definitely added a special touch to my dining experiences.
  • The Dive Center: If you’re a fan of diving or want to try it for the first time, you’ll be delighted by the dive center at Domina Coral Bay. The knowledgeable and experienced divemasters made me feel safe and confident throughout my diving sessions.
  • The Excursions: Another great aspect of Domina Coral Bay is the variety of exciting excursions they offer. Whether you’re interested in exploring natural sites (such as Ras Mohammed National Park), experiencing local culture, or indulging in thrilling adventures, there’s something for everyone. From guided tours to off-road safaris, the options are endless, and each excursion promises an unforgettable adventure.

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Diving with Sheikh Coast Diving Center

One of my most memorable experiences was diving with Sheikh Coast Diving Center. It was my favorite thing that I did during my entire stay. I spent two incredible days with them, immersing myself in the underwater world.

On the first day, I took the PADI Refresher Course to brush up on my diving skills after a three-year hiatus. My instructor (Bolbol – might be spelling that wrong) was so patient and thorough, making sure I felt comfortable and confident before heading out into the open water.

The second dive day was even more exhilarating as I joined a boat excursion to Tiran Island (where Emily and others went snorkeling). The crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life left me breathless. It was truly an unforgettable experience that reignited my passion for diving and made me appreciate the beauty of the ocean.

As you know, I love diving, and have written about it in the past (and I used to write for PADI). I am so happy to be “back in the saddle” underwater, and am very grateful that I got to do it in Sharm El Sheikh!

Make sure to read my full guide to diving in Sharm El Sheikh before you go!

A girl in a short wetsuit and full dive gear underwater, showing the OK sign to the camera. She has a bright pink mask on, and her legs are bent so you can see her swimming flippers.

Things Worth Knowing About Before you Go

In addition to the highlights above, this wouldn’t be a fair review if I didn’t include a few thinks to be aware of before going. None of these greatly affected our amazing stay, but are all worth knowing about.

The shows (such as the above-mentioned Aladdin show and the tribute shows) can be heard very well in the Aquamarine rooms, which may disturb those who want to go to bed early or relax at night. It is advisable to stay in another section of the resort if you prefer a quieter experience. Of course, if you are a fan of live shows, you will definitely enjoy the high-quality performances offered at Domina Coral Bay, and you won’t be in your room at that time anyway.

There is only one nighttime bar that is included in the all-inclusive package, and it is not located where the entertainment takes place. This means that if you want to enjoy the live music, you will need to purchase drinks separately. However, if you want a quieter spot to grab a drink, you’ll love the rooftop all-inclusive bar.

We went to the Beach Luxury Club Dinner Show (which happens every Friday), and the music played in between the “sets” was is extremely loud, making it difficult to hold a conversation over dinner. This can be frustrating for those who want to enjoy a more relaxed and intimate dining experience. However, if you enjoy a lively atmosphere and don’t mind the noise, you’ll appreciate the night club vibes during dinner.

Tours from Domina Coral Bay

During my stay at Domina Coral Bay in Sharm El Sheikh, I had the pleasure of experiencing their incredible tours first-hand (we got two tours sponsored by the resort). One of the things I absolutely loved about these tours was the convenience of departing right from the hotel. It made the whole experience seamless and hassle-free.

As mentioned above, one of our tours was the boat tour to Tiran Island. What made it even more special was the fact that the boat departed directly from the hotel’s private dock. This definitely sets Domina Coral Bay apart from other hotels in the area as it is one of the few that has a private dock.

Fun fact: Tiran actually belongs to Saudi Arabia, so even though we didn’t go on land, I have *technically* been there too now.

When we reached Tiran Island, we were greeted by crystal-clear turquoise waters that beckoned us to dive in and explore the wonders beneath the surface. The snorkeling and diving experience was simply breathtaking.

From vibrant coral reefs to an array of colorful marine life, it felt like stepping into a whole new world. The knowledgeable dive and snorkel guides ensured our safety and made sure we didn’t miss any hidden treasures beneath the waves. So whether you snorkel or dive, the Red Sea is unparallelled.

Browse boat excursions from Sharm El Sheikh to Tiran Island here (this is the highest-rated one):

Apart from the boat tour, another highlight was the quad biking adventure in the desert. The adrenaline rush as we zoomed through the sandy dunes was unparalleled, and nothing beats Emily’s look here.

The vast expanse of the desert and the stunning views around us created a sense of freedom and excitement, even as we were driving in a line of around 15-20 bikes. It was an exhilarating experience that added a perfect blend of thrill and fun to our trip.

Overall, my first-hand experience with the tours from Domina Coral Bay was nothing short of amazing. From the convenience of departing right from the hotel to the unforgettable adventures, it was a truly memorable and enjoyable experience.

A girl in black clothing and with a black and white headscarf sitting on a quad bike and smiling at the camera.

Final Thoughts: Should you book Domina Coral Bay?

In conclusion, if you are planning a trip to Egypt, I highly recommend considering Domina Coral Bay as your accommodation choice. I came back home to Norway feeling relaxed (and tanned), and it was a perfect way to spend a week.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Domina Coral Bay has it all. If you’ve enjoyed this review, make sure to explore all my hotel reviews, where you can find more hidden gems like this one.

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