To & From:
Egypt is a challenging destination from Dublin as no direct flights are readily available, our last visit was direct to Sharm El Sheik, but we have flown to both El Gouna and Hurghada via Manchester and Gatwick, neither probably ideal but we have always felt worth it for the fabulous sun holiday. The latter two destinations are on the mainland overlooking the Gulf of Suez and idyllic.
Sharm El Sheik sits on the Gulf of Aqaba side of the Sinai peninsula looking out onto the Red Sea, we caught a charter flight with TUI and stayed at the Sensatori Resort, which is a beachfront hotel with half a dozen restaurants and bars, and an all inclusive package ensuring you want for nothing.
See 1 under useful links .
Arrival into Sharm El Sheik International Airport ( SSH ), couldn’t be more straightforward and the resort strip at Shark’s bay is literally adjacent to the runway, so you will arrive at your hotel within an hour of landing, assuming the bags come out on time, and be on schedule to take advantage of some late afternoon sun.
This part of Egypt enjoys near all round sun, but fiercely hot in the summer months, which may be best avoided unless you really enjoy temperatures in the high 40’s.
It is worthy to note that Egypt is open to Russians and the Brits without visa, so do expect Vladimir to be drinking beer on the beach at 9 am, and Nigel to be re-enacting a scene from EastEnders as he marches up and down the beach on his mobile phone talking to somebody called geezer.
Being an all inclusive resort there is no need to travel far, but the hotel does have a shuttle service into Sharm El Sheik old town about 30 minutes away if you want a change of bar and restaurant, we did head in for curry one night but the town isn’t up to much and the inhabitants hungry to exchange their wares for currency.
Best stick with the bar and restaurant options at the resort; great views whilst you enjoy “free” cocktails on the balcony.
Leaving the beach behind at Sharks Bay we had also enjoyed a visit further down the coast closer to Old town at Naama Bay.
This was an unusual stay as we were lucky enough to be part of an opening trial for the Hotel Stella di Mare, a magnificent five star sat on its own private beach.
See 2 under useful links .
It is a bit further from the airport but similar to Sharks Bay sat in beautiful grounds with plenty of eating and drinking options, all of course inclusive. One thing we have found out is that an all inclusive package in a luxury five star is worth every penny as the service and selections are excellent and always offer a number of different dining options so you have variety!
The views overlooking Naama Bay and Tiran island in the distance are stunning –make sure to book a sea facing room –on clear days you will see Saudi Arabia.
As this was a soft hotel launch we had no competition for beds at the pool or private beach, although it may not have opened for the German guests at our time of visiting.The Red Sea is a mecca for water sports particularly diving and windsurfing.
There is little reason to head into the Old town as we had previously found out so dinner options were plentiful and with few guests we had the run of the place.
Sharm El Sheik does have famous attractions relatively close by, and trips are sold to those that want to travel, probably most notable is Saint Catherine’s Monastery –but like the pyramids we though just to far away to make the trip–perhaps when we are retired as they are not going anywhere. Unlike us who must set sail. In summary the Red Sea is an ideal opportunity time permitting to combine with a trip to see the pyramids in Cairo /visit the Valley of Kings in Luxor & Aswan or even cruise the Nile ! Many of concierges at the hotels organise private trips from the Red Sea and there are lots of internal tour companies operating also .
See 3 in useful links .
VISIT to the Desert:
A camel ride is a must while on holiday in Egypt & of course dinner under a tent in the desert ! All of which we arranged through the concierge at our hotels.
Awake Tip :Egypt have an exit visa which needs to be paid in cash at the airport upon departure so have the correct funds available, as the airport staff do not possess the same social skills you will find in the resorts.
We are very fond of the Red Sea but in latter years due to volatility in Egypt we have had to give it a miss . However we
look forward to returning very soon !
Keep up with all our travels :
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Useful Links :
- https://www.coralsearesorts.com/en/destination/sharm-el-sheikh/coral-sea-imperial-sensatori/
- https://www.stelladimare.com/beach_hotel/
- https://www.sinaimonastery.com/index.php/ar/
