Review of Ritz Carlton Sharm el Sheikh, by Maxine Jones

An immense blue horizon greets you when you walk into the huge reception area of the Ritz Carlton Sharm el Sheikh. Glass replaces walls and makes the most of the hotel’s spectacular setting on the edge of the Red Sea. The startling inky blue of the water is complemented by the deep green of the constantly watered lawns. Amazingly, after the arid, rocky terrain I’d crossed to get here, the extensive gardens are ablaze with blossom and flowers.

This is not Egypt proper. It is Sharm el Sheikh, but here you feel you are in your own oasis and the myriad other hotels don’t impose. The beach is private and boasts a multi-award-winning dive centre. A free trial session in one of the pools (there are seven) didn’t tempt me as I’m terrified by the thought of scuba diving. I was up for a bit of snorkelling, however, just a few feet from my room.

Two sides of my ground-floor corner deluxe room are floor-to-ceiling glass with sea views. Doors open onto a spacious tiled patio, manicured lawn and coral beach. A hammock swings enticingly between two tree trunks. Generously proportioned, the room has a full-size bath and separate shower, two deep armchairs and a decadently comfortable king-size bed. A wide-screen satellite television, minibar and kettle complete the home comforts.

The pools, beach and gardens were never crowded and it was always possible to find a pleasant and secluded spot, within the orbit of obliging, unobtrusive staff. The accommodation is spread out over 100,000 square metres. This and the fact that the beach area is a series of small coves rather than a single swathe of sand add to the feeling of peace and exclusivity. Beach umbrellas are permanent aesthetic features, woven from wicker and installed on palm trunks. Wooden loungers have thick mattresses. The vast, open-plan reception area also has plenty of comfortable lounging spots.

I found lunch in the poolside Wave bar was more style than substance and prices reflect the international standards of the hotel. The large oval Lobby Bar is impressive and could come from a Hollywood set. The library was a disappointing cupboard with a dozen books. The breakfast buffet is a highlight. Italian, Japanese and Arabian restaurants are among the dining options. Romantically inclined guests can enjoy candlelit dinners in individual pagodas along the shore.

There’s nightly entertainment in the Lobby Bar and low-key activities during the day, as well as a children’s club. Kids will love the lazy river and water park. This is not hi-de-hi, though. The focus is on relaxing, fine dining and diving. The Spa with its 12 treatment rooms is also popular.

For me the exclusive setting, tropical gardens and amazing techni-coloured sea life on my doorstep made this stay memorable. Incidentally, I arrived on a bicycle, on which I had been touring the Middle East. This initially caused some puzzlement with door staff, but before I left my bicycle had been buffed to shine and a broken chain guard neatly mended with wire thread.