The Best of Beach Bungalow Living at Matarma Beach in Egypt’s Ras Sudr

Matarma Beach Residence sits at the end of a winding road that leads to the humble and muted wilds of Ras Sudr. As you cross to Egypt’s Sinai and leave the city behind, the desert gradually gives way to the vast, unyielding calm of the Gulf of Suez. It’s a stretch of shoreline where the Red Sea meets the land in a union so fluid, the water appears almost still. This is not the Ras Sudr of crowded beaches and bustling resorts. Matarma Beach—you come to find—is a quieter, more considered retreat.

The first thing you notice is the sea, calm and clear, a deep turquoise that allows you to see right down to the sand beneath your feet. In the summer, the weather is cool, with a breeze that brushes against your skin, making you forget the heat of the city. As the sun makes its descent, the mountains across the water in Ain El-Sokhna begin to appear in cascading pink and orange silhouettes, the sky turns a warm burgundy, and the stars—slowly cropping up one by one—start to light the sea underneath.

The resort itself is divided into phases, with the first two welcoming guests and the third still under construction. The accommodation options range from deluxe studios to family suites, each with a simplicity that complements the surrounding landscape.

The incontestable attraction of Matarma Beach, however, is the bungalows, tucked away near the shore a short walk from where you leave your car outside reception. These A-frame structures, with their steeply angled roofs, are designed with large glass windows that bring in the light and let you keep the sea in view. The exterior is clad in light wood contrasting against the rich, dark wood of the roofs. Each bungalow has a small patio, where you can sit in a pair of bean bags or at a simple table and chairs, watching the day unfold.

Inside, the theme of simplicity continues. A low-profile wooden bed sits against a paneled wall, its crisp white linens and neutral-toned pillows adding to the sedate atmosphere. Above the bed, a low mezzanine serves as an extra sleeping area, accessible by a small ladder. The design is intentional – the elements are chosen in such a way to create a space that is both functional and serene. Woven rattan decorations hang on the walls, adding texture without overwhelming the room. The lighting is subtle, with soft strip lights and sun rays filtering through a large window to create a warm, inviting glow.

Beside the accommodations, the resort stretches along the coast, with plenty to keep you occupied if you choose to leave the comfort of your room. Water activities are plentiful—kayaking, paddleboarding, and more are available for those who want to explore the calm waters of the bay. On the sandy beach, you’ll also find volleyball, ping pong, and even an outdoor cinema that plays movies at night under the stars.

The hotel’s dining option is a restaurant serving an open buffet, which includes seafood that comes straight from the fishermen’s boats to your plate. If you’re in the mood for a drink, the rooftop bar is a good place to watch the sunset, with views that stretch across the entire resort. When the season is busy, the bar turns into a lively spot for music and dancing, and even then, there’s a sense that everything here is done with a certain restraint.

Everything at Matarma Beach, from the architecture to the activities, is designed to let the natural beauty of Ras Sudr take center stage. While other resorts might distract with glitz and glamor, Matarma lets the landscape speak for itself, allowing visitors to truly disconnect and appreciate the quiet charm of the coast.