Nestled between the desert of the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea, the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh is best known for its world class diving, thanks in part to the richly diverse marine life that can be found around the Shark and Yolanda reefs and the Thistlegorm wreck. The town is also renowned for its tranquil sandy beaches, transparent waters and beautiful coral reefs, while the palm tree-lined promenade of Naama Bay is dotted with buzzing bars and restaurants.
As well as watersports junkies, Sharma El Sheikh also attracts large numbers of families and couples looking for a relaxing break amid beautiful surroundings and year-round sunshine. Many of them choose one of the town’s array of all-inclusive resorts for their stay, and here are five of the best.
Sunrise Arabian Beach Resort
From £135/ night
Situated on a private beach in Sharks Bay overlooking Tiran Island and surrounded by scenic gardens, this luxury hotel is blessed with a wide range of lavish amenities. Among them are a choice of 6 restaurants and a spa and wellness centre offering a well-equipped gym, hot tub, steam room and sauna, as well as indulgent beach massages. Tastefully decorated in authentic Arabian style, guest rooms feature air conditioning, a flat-screen satellite TV, an en-suite bathroom, and a private balcony or terrace. The resort is 6.8 miles from the tourist hub of Naama Bay and Sharm El Sheikh International Airport is 5.6 miles away.
Hilton Sharks Bay Resort
From £46/ night
For an upscale hotel that won’t break the bank, Hilton Sharks Bay is ideal. Featuring its own private beach, it offers a daily programme of family entertainment and leisure activities, including a kid’s club and an on-site professional diving centre, ensuring you’ll never be short of things to do. There are a total of seven outdoor pools and a high-tech gymnasium, while food and beverage options are spread over an impressive 13 restaurants and bars. Modern guest rooms include a private bathroom complete with bath and bathrobe, a flat-screen TV, a fridge, and a private balcony. Sharm El Sheikh Airport is just over 3 miles away.
Park Inn by Radisson Sharm El Sheikh Resort
From £62/ night
Another high-end but affordable hotel, the Park Inn by Radisson has its own private beach, along with two restaurants, an aqua park, numerous swimming pools, a wave pool, a lazy river, a gymnasium and a luxurious spa featuring Turkish baths. One of the on-site restaurants has its own terrace overlooking the hotel’s courtyard and gardens – ideal for pre-dinner drinks or nightcaps – while the other dining option features a Bedouin tent providing an authentic Arabian culinary experience. For families, there’s a dedicated kid’s club running regular daily activities for little ones. Sharm el Sheikh International Airport can be reached in 10 minutes by road and the hotel offers daily shuttles on request.
Falcon Naama Star Hotel
From £32/ night
A few minutes’ walk from the main tourist hub of Naama Bay as well as a popular beach, this mid-range hotel has a great location. Amenity wise, it features an outdoor pool, hot tub and a restaurant serving regional specialities and there’s also a terrace bar where guests can enjoy snacks and exotic cocktails – perfect on balmy Arabian evenings. As for entertainment, the hotel runs a programme of regular evening music shows including live folk performances, and there’s also a games room housing table tennis and billiards. Guest rooms are spacious and decorated in beige colours, and come with a TV, air conditioning and minibar. Sharm el Sheikh International Airport is 7.5 miles away.
Amar Sina Village
From £42/ night
Nestled in the district of Ras Umm Elsid, close to Sharm El Sheikh’s old souk and the Ras Mohamed National Park, this mid-range hotel has a private beach, outdoor swimming pool, a spa and a diving centre. The main restaurant serves all-day food, while other eateries offer Italian cuisine, seafood dishes and other international options too. Cocktails can be enjoyed at the pool bar. Guest rooms offer pool views and each has a seating area, a satellite TV and a minibar. Other hotel amenities include table tennis, billiards and volley ball, while for a more indulgent experience guests can awaken their senses with a professional massage in the on-site spa. The bustling strip of Naama Bay is just 5 miles away and Sharm El Sheikh International Airport can be reached in 15 minutes by car.