The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

While Cairo’s exhausted and exasperated head to the North Coast in droves for their seasonal dose of sun, sea and sand, Sahel’s original beachside fun-pen, Alexandria, often goes ignored by holiday-goers.

But in the Four Seasons San Stefano, Egypt’s second largest city has the perfect summer combination of beachside amusement and luxury – particularly with the five-star hotel’s special summer packages, which offer you the chance to get that quintessential Alex-experience, with all the lavish trimmings one would expect of the Four Seasons name.

That perfect day can begin at Fresca Café with fresh homemade bakeries, gourmet coffees, refreshing smoothies and various healthy nibbles. He view is just as tasty; beyond the lush green surroundings of the café sits the clear sea and sand – which would be your next stop.

The hotel’s private beach is as stunning a stretch as you’ll find along the city’s coasts – the perfect atmosphere for some much-needed vitamin D.

The next stop is the one we’re most excited about; under the guidance of the acclaimed Chef Hossam Saeid the Beach Restaurant offers the taste of the Mediterranean with all kinds of seafood favourites, as well as this year’s two seasonal specialities: shawerma and saj stations, where Chef Hossam has been putting together some weird and wonderful spins on the traditional foods.

Alternatively, Bleu Restaurant’s take you from the beaches of Alexandria, to the beaches of Cancun. The Mexican restaurant is known for being big on flavours with everything from tacos and quesadillas, to Oaxaca style chicken and many more authentic Mexican dishes.

Oh, and if you needed any more convincing, you can enjoy 30% savings on room rates or a fourth night free when booking suites, while Egyptian nationals can enjoy a 15% savings when booking directly with the hotel.

For more information, call the Four Seasons San Stefano on 035818000.