A beach, a lounge and a vibrant crowd are all it took Hacienda Bay to become this year's hottest spot in the ever-expanding variety of North Coast resorts. Still under construction, the Palm Hills Developments compound is following in the footsteps of other yet-to-be opened resorts in the area, by giving their potential customers more than a mere sales tour. "We want to give people the feel of the community and way of life they will get at Hacienda Bay, said Dalia Abdel Shafie, assistant marketing manager at Palm Hills Developments. "We want our guests to get the feel of the seven vibes available at Hacienda Bay, she added, referring to the compound's logo, the rainbow. The Palm Hills Developments team prepared a packed schedule for their guests every weekend. On the weekend of Aug. 13 to 15, there was the International Wake Boarding World Cup. Twenty-six of the world's top wake boarders flew in from as far away as the US, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Austria and Japan. However, the raging waves of the Mediterranean Sea weren't optimum for the competition, which requires lakes or similar flat water surfaces. Still the relentless players put on a great show at the lagoon, with a jet-ski pulling them and decided to divide the prize money between themselves. Guests were amazed by the wakeboarding performances lining up around the lagoon to watch. "The players gave the people what they wanted, they managed to put on a show despite the unsuitable conditions for wakeboarding, said Omar Abdel Fattah, a wakeboarding player himself. On the weekend which ends on Aug. 23, guests will have enjoyed the International Women's Beach Volleyball World Cup. While guests with special passes enjoyed the exclusivity to the beach by day it's the The Lounge at Hacienda Bay that is the main draw for hundreds of North Coasters eager to party all night. Featuring some of the world s best female DJs, and the latest summer hits played by Egypt's own Awadi Brothers, the Lounge fast became a vital part of the holiday experience this year. "Great music and a great crowd, it's a great place, said Noreen Tawakol who chose to go the extra miles from Hacienda compound to Hacienda Bay to party with friends. One thing that bothered guests, specifically the ladies, was that they had to carry around their stilettos all night to avoid getting stuck in the sand, but overall Hacienda Bay was the hit of the summer People can't wait for Palm Hills Developments' 2009 surprise: Nikki Beach - yes the one at St Tropez and Miami - will be at Hacienda Bay next year. Hacienda Bay Kilometer 124 North Coast Highway, Alexandria
