Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh

The approach along a perfectly straight driveway lined with parallel rows of palm trees sets the tone for this immaculate and luxurious Four Seasons Resort. Lofty ceilings, hanging lanterns, and elegant stone arches combine with water features and intricate traditional tiling to create a palatial feel in the hotel's lobby. The resort is styled around an Arabian village spread over a hillside and lined with manicured lawns, colorful flowers, and neatly sculpted shrubbery sloping down towards the coral-rich Red Sea. The vibe is unmistakably high-end throughout, with numerous luxurious touches, impeccable service from attentive staff, and even the hotel's own funicular train that ferries guests back uphill after a hard day lounging on the private sand-and-shingle beach (though this means that there are plenty of steps to navigate when it's out of order).

The hotel is located on a hillside just off Sharm El Sheikh's main El-Salam road overlooking the Red Sea. One of a strip of large resorts that line the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, there's little within walking distance in the area, though the Soho Square entertainment center can be reached in about 10 to 15 minutes on foot. Naama Bay, the central tourist hub of Sharm El Sheikh that is full of restaurants, bars, and buzzing nightlife, is about 15 minutes by car. The Sharm El Sheikh International Airport is a 10-minute drive and the hotel provides free luxury shuttle service for all guests.

The hotel's accommodation ranges from standard Superior Rooms to luxury suites, including large Residential Suites and lavish Royal and Presidential Suites. Decor follows the Arabian theme with canopied beds, carved latticework, and Moroccan hanging lamps and tiling. Deluxe amenities include well-stocked minibars, high-end flat-screen TVs, and DVD/CD players. There are also plenty of entertainment amenities that can be hired for a fee, including iPads, games consoles, and Apple TVs, and though basic Wi-Fi is free, high-speed connection incurs a daily charge. Spacious bathrooms are finished in marble and granite and include walk-in showers, separate soaking tubs, fluffy bathrobes, and L'Occitane toiletries. All rooms also open to furnished balconies or terraces, most with lovely views of the sea.

Dining options include a choice of five restaurants ranging from Middle Eastern and Moroccan, to Italian, Asian, and seafood, most offering an alfresco option and views over the sea, as well as three lounges for cocktails and coffee. An extensive and excellent breakfast buffet is also served each morning and included in the rate. Prices, however, are generally very expensive, especially for alcoholic drinks, and there is no all-inclusive plan available. Spa treatments are on the pricey side as well, though there's an impressive range on offer and spa suites include private saunas and jetted tubs.

The hotel has four pools, the largest of which is the Waha, a heated free-form freshwater swimming pool that's over 10,000 square feet in size and features underwater music, an island bar, and views over the sea. There's also a dedicated kids' pool and another for laps. The beach is small, but then the resort itself is smaller and more intimate than many in the area, with just 136 rooms. Two jetties offer access to the water (you can't swim out right from the shore because of the shallow reef), and there's a real focus on water sports with a first-class dive school and even two 79-foot yachts available for guests' use (note that diving and yacht hire often need to be booked in advance). There's a small kiosk with towels and sunscreen, and guests can expect typical Four Seasons pampering such as free treats passed out by staff (think: fresh fruit or cakes) to loungers. 

A range of sports are also catered for, including a tennis center offering lessons from professional coaches. Unlike many high-end hotels, the Four Seasons is a kid-friendly resort offering plenty of entertainment, including a kids' club (four four- to 12-year-olds), a playground, and a games room, and there's even a center for teens.