A new training camp location for swimming teams opens in Somabay
Leave the familiar indoor pool behind for a few weeks and train under the sun instead. For many swimmers, this is a welcome change in their annual training routine.
Just a few hours away by plane, a new training camp destination has emerged in Egypt—more precisely in Somabay—designed specifically for swimming. The recently opened Aquatics Center, part of the Soma Sports Arena, is operated by ONEflow Aquatics, headquartered in Neckarsulm. We were invited to the opening of the swimming pools to get a comprehensive on-site look at the new training facility. The event also hosted numerous international coaches, select athletes, and journalists.
Somabay is a peninsula located directly on the Red Sea, accessible from all major European metropolitan areas within four to five hours via direct flights. The region's focus on sports is almost a natural fit due to its proximity to water. The local conditions are also excellent for open-water swimming. Somabay’s suitability as a competition venue has been tested over the past two years, with the Open Water World Cup Series making a stop at the Red Sea. In addition to the sunshine and year-round warm temperatures, Somabay stands out as a training camp destination for its top-tier quality and strong on-site support services. There are also a variety of leisure options such as snorkeling, golfing, or windsurfing.
From a sports perspective, the conditions in Somabay are also ideal. Training groups can enjoy not only an Olympic-sized pool—featuring 10 lanes of 50 meters—but also a second 25-meter pool located right next to it. Strength and athletic training equipment is positioned directly poolside, enabling seamless integration of land and water-based training sessions.
Additional facilities for tennis, track and field, soccer, and squash are also planned. In February 2025, the Kaktus Hotel, part of the Soma Sports Arena, is set to open. This hotel will feature 190 rooms, a co-working space, and both indoor and outdoor fitness areas. Jan Niklas Schmidt, the reigning German junior champion in the 400m individual medley for the 2006 age group, expressed his admiration for the high quality of the accommodation during a visit to the future hotel. He highlighted its potential to positively impact recovery after intense training sessions.
“I particularly like that the concept is designed with athletes in mind, allowing for the combination of training camps and other activities, such as schoolwork,” the young talent remarked. “I would especially recommend Somabay because it offers all the possibilities one could need in every aspect. It’s truly a place where you can feel comfortable
The Aquatics Center in Somabay is not a standalone project.
Active Planet LTD began establishing its first training centers in Egypt back in 2020. "We always intended to create a location where training camps could be held," recalls Oleg Shats, CEO of Active Planet LTD. During the search for a local partner, a collaboration with the Somabay region was formed, leading to the development of a larger vision. According to Shats, the goal is to offer guests "a complete experience for an entire destination." This high standard of quality is intended to attract not only elite teams but also club groups to Somabay.
Current pricing is €119 per day for a single room, €89 for a double room, and €79 for a triple room. These rates include full board, access to all sports facilities, shuttle services both to the airport and within Somabay, as well as complimentary drinking water at the sports venues.
You can find all the details about our training camp here: https://activeplanet.com/en/somabay-swimming-training-camp-in-egypt.html
The plan is to use this concept to attract regional teams and, in collaboration with local schools, establish a local swimming team. In addition to being a site for training camps, Active Planet LTD also aims to turn Somabay into a competition hub. Initial ideas for the future include a competition series for children and youth from Egyptian clubs and other countries in the region. Starting in 2026, Somabay will host an international qualifying competition modeled after the Stockholm Swim Open.
The sports complex is set to be fully completed by the end of December 2024. The opening of the swimming pools in early October marks the first major milestone, already enabling the first training camps under the Egyptian sun. This month, two national teams—Slovakia and Denmark—are taking advantage of this opportunity.
The plan is to use this concept to attract regional teams and, in collaboration with local schools, establish a local swimming team. In addition to being a site for training camps, Active Planet LTD also aims to turn Somabay into a competition hub. Initial ideas for the future include a competition series for children and youth from Egyptian clubs and other countries in the region. Starting in 2026, Somabay will host an international qualifying competition modeled after the Stockholm Swim Open.
The sports complex is set to be fully completed by the end of December 2024. The opening of the swimming pools in early October marks the first major milestone, already enabling the first training camps under the Egyptian sun. This month, two national teams—Slovakia and Denmark—are taking advantage of this opportunity.
Training camps can now be booked through Active Planet LTD. You can get in touch with the team directly here:
https://activeplanet.com/en/contacts.html