Sharm El Sheikh

The Charm Of Sharm

The southern coast of the Gulf of Aqaba between Tiran Island and Ras Mohammed Natural Park features some of the world's most captivating scenery. Sharm is well positioned for scuba divers and snorkellers to explore these crystal clear waters and stunning coral reefs teeming with exotic fish. And for non divers there are other watersports like skiing and parasailing, plus camel riding to Bedouin Villages, climbing Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa) to experience the sunrise, horseback riding along the beach and trips to Dahab, Nuweiba and the Coloured Canyon.
Most resort hotels are centred on Na'ama Bay. If you like a bustling atmosphere and being where the action is Na'ama is the place for you. It consists of a beachfront walkway and a pedestrians – only area of hotels, restaurants, gardens and shops. Most hotels have their bit of beach or an access agreement with another resort. And a narrow stretch of public beach can be found beside the Hilton Fayrouz Village, but it is usually crowded. .The further away you go from Na'ama, the quieter it becomes. Most of the upscale resorts lie in their own vast landscaped grounds to the northeast of Na'ama and all are within easy access to the centre by taxi.
Sharm El Maya lies 6km west of Na'ama Bay and is centred on the Old Market, and to the southwest is the port. Still considered part of Sharm, although it lies some 35 km northeast, is Nabq, the largest coastal protectorate on the Gulf of Aqaba. Named after an oasis there it extends over 600 sq km between Dahab and the Tiran Straits. It is not as busy as Na'ama Bay and gives you a good idea of what Sinai was like before the tourism boom.
If diving is the main reason for your visit I recommend you check in at the Camel Club, ten minutes drive from the airport. Right in the centre of Na'ama this comfortable yet unpretentious hotel was founded in the early 1980s by diving pioneer Hesham Gabr. It is attached to an adjacent dive centre of the same name. Here you can learn to dive or do a one-day PADI refresher course before setting off to explore Pearl Garden, Jackson Reef and Thistlegorm and Dunraven wrecks. So geared is the place to diving that its attractive swimming pool, bordered by bougainvillea, is tiered with different depths , allowing for open-water skills to be taught and practised.
On the dining front Camel is famous for its courtyard candlelit top class tandoori restaurant. The rooftop terrace is an atmospheric place for tea of sunset drinks and there is also a pizzeria and a patisserie-cum-gelateria at street level. Seating is indoor and out and everything is freshly made. If you plan to take a course or go diving it is best to book a package in advance. This also includes transfers, room with breakfast, and equipment hire.
Just a few steps away along the beach our next resort Maritim Jolie Ville is larger and more luxurious. Set in sprawling flower-filled gardens the property boasts both freshwater and seawater pools, four tennis courts, a gym and a spa. A child-friendly place too, it offers free cot hire and Kids Club daily 0930-1300 and 1500-1700. There is also entertainment thoughout the day and oftentimes in the evening too.
Accommodation in the sports area is in one or two storey bungalows with ensuite bathrooms , a balcony or terrace and all mod cons. In the Palm Area guests can choose between Preferred Rooms sleeping 2 – 3, Twin and, a rarity these days, Single Rooms. Meals can be taken buffet style at Orangerie or a la carte at La Fleur (French cuisine) or Ziglioni (Italian). Or you can order a barbecue or Bedouin dinner. Jolie Ville is suitable if you are looking for an active sociable time and want to be in the centre. Two sister resorts, Maritim Jolie Ville Golf and Maritim Royal Peninsula, located in tranquil Marikha Bay, are located beside an 18-hole championship course.
Heading eastwards adjacent to Na'ama Bay the Hyatt Regency Sharm resort hotel houses 471 guest rooms with private balcony or terrace. There are also Regency Club rooms and Lounge plus Presidential and Royal Villas. Here things are done on a grand scale – there are several outdoor pools, a long sandy beach, watersports centre, plush spa and beachside dining. The setting is reminiscent of an oasis and the resort is also good for diving enthusiasts – there is even a reef a few metres offshore. Also on site are shops, a children's play area with programmed activities and live entertainment.
If you, like me, like your hotels to be spacious, opulent and calm with unobtrusive service a good choice is the Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh. This sophisticated retreat comprises 136 guest rooms, including 27 suites. In addition 61 residential suites and 3 villas offer even more space for families, friends and traveling companions. The last-word-in-luxury spa offers all natural treatments and massages and a yoga instructor draws on many disciplines in the lush seaside surroundings. Guests can dine at a choice of five restaurants including Arabesque, where I sampled a delicious mezze, fresh lobster and lamb tagine.
Our last resort, Coral Sea Holiday Village lies along a 320 metre sandy beach in Nabq. With its extensive grounds, 12 pools, lots of sports and other activities such as climbing and dance classes it will appeal to those who like megaresorts. Some 484 rooms (more are planned) are spread along the seaside or in the sprawling hibiscus-filled gardens. Meals can be taken buffet style (there is even a kid's buffet) or at one of four a la carte restaurants. If you have children in tow they will love the village with its Stage Academy, Swim Kids programme, PADI SEAL team, kids indoor and outdoor pool, toddler playground and adventure playground. And there is even a Soccer Academy nearby.