Sharm El Sheikh is an Egyptian city that was practically built for travellers. Sitting happily on the Red Sea it offers a real experience for those wishing to scuba dive, explore or even just relax in the sun.
It is located on the Southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, and has had a varied history of occupation. Now a centre for business and tourism, due to its beautiful landscape and consistently hot beaches, it has retained some of the local Bedouin culture.
The Royal Albatross Moderna:
This 5-star hotel is ideally located in the Nabq Bay area, surrounded by gardens that reach down to the sea. It is a famous destination for those wishing to explore Sharm El Sheikh’s 250 coral reefs, and is family friendly with two “designer” pools. Guests will receive all inclusive treatment, which really is a “treat” when considering the wonderful range of bars and restaurants the resort contains (i.e. the New Columbus coffee bar and the White Elephant Sushi Bar).
Hauza Resort:
Just a small peak at pictures of the Hauza resort’s multi-layered rock-pools is evidence enough that this would be the ideal destination for a visit to Sharm El Sheikh.
Perhaps it is the architecturally “landscaped” nature of the resort, or the fact that every room has its own private terrace or balcony, that makes the Hauza so impressive. The Hauza can cater for any guest, with special rooms designed for those with disabilities, and has a number of in-house restaurants offering a variety of world cuisines. Those with children would also release a sigh of relief when looking at the children’s clubs and play facilities.
The Royal Savoy:
The name says it all. Elegant, fashionable, and exclusive, the Royal Savoy in Sharm El Sheikh would make any English gentleman feel immediately at home. The 220 km2 surroundings contain a lagoon style pool, and the natural delights of Sharm El Sheikh are also appreciable from this vantage point as the Savoy is located in the foot-hills of the Sinai Mountains.
Energetic activities, such as ice-skating and bowling, are also on offer here, whilst sportsmen would enjoy the 6 swimming pools, water-sports centre, 18-hole golf course and flood-lit tennis courts. I would particularly recommend the Savoy for newlyweds, as the Savoy’s Honeymoon Suite comes equipped with a 4-poster bed, Jacuzzi and all of the little luxuries you could dream of.
Having already lauded the Royal Savoy hotel, I must return to it because of its multiple and exquisite dining venues. For whatever type of food you would like to taste, the Savoy’s Soho Square will most likely have a world-class option. A taste of France, for example, could be found at the L’Entrecote brasserie restaurant, whilst Japanese cuisine is available at The Sushi Bar and Tepanyaki.
* Please visit www.soho-sharm.com/ to find out more.
The Camel Bar and Roof-Top Restaurant: For something a little bit different, visit the Camel Bar. Split into three areas, visitors can enjoy big sports games in the interior, cocktails on the terrace or meals on the roof-top. With good “pub” food and a fantastic atmosphere, Sharm El Sheikh will never taste so good!
Diving: Although this is strictly more of a hobby than an attraction, there is no doubt that the beautiful reefs and fish of the Red Sea have made Sharm El Sheikh the tourist hot-spot that it is. The under-water city is divided into different areas: The Ras Mohammed Marine Park, The Straits of Tiran, and the Wrecks from Sharm. Which to choose? Well the Ras Mohammed is made up of famous diving sights and marine conservation sites. Those keen to swim with dolphins would be best swimming down the Straits, whilst the danger-loving divers would enjoy a trick to the famous Red Sea wreck of the S.S. Thistlegorm (bombed during WW2).
* To explore the diving options available, visit: www.elite-diving.com or www.ocean-college.com.
Star Gazer Night: For those less keen on watery-graves and slippery sea-life, Sharm El Sheikh’s other big attraction might appeal: a night under the stars in a Bedouin tent. This luxury tour whisks you away from the hustle and bustle of the City by means of a camel, and allows you to taste and experience the historical and traditional Bedouin culture. With friendly and responsible guides, comfortable and traditional “out-door” accommodation and telescopes, there really is no better way to see Egypt (and the stars).
Sharm El Sheikh is unique in that it would be an ideal holiday destination all year round. Whilst it has a constantly warm climate, with lows of 13oc during the winters, it never reaches the stiflingly hot heats of other desert locations.
In January or in August, Sharm would still be pleasant.
