Sharm El Shaikh

Stunning from above, stunning on the surface, stunning under the surface and definite sadness whens its time to leave.

That’s the best way I can describe Sharm El Shaikh, a place that’s ocean beauty and clarity can rival the mighty Maldives.

How to get there:

Sharm El Shaikh has a international airport to cater for the influx of tourist. I used Egypt Air to fly in from Hurgada International Airport at a cost of R600 one way. Otherwise via Cairo International im sure is the most popular way.

Why go there:

Very affordable 5 star hotels ( beware a hotel restaurant meal can set you back what a room costs per night ) and the city is famous for its excellent diving and snorkelling reefs all over, the calm waters ensures even a beginner will have the time of their lives dipping face under the surface. Egypt’s currency has also devalued from 5 x stronger than the Rand to only 1.7x currently.

Where to stay:

I chose the Hyatt Regency as I had a Diamond confirmed suite upgrade certificate to burn ( book standard room at rate of $104 per night and get the Regency suite valued at $388 per night for up to seven nights per certificate – Hyatt Diamond members get 4x certificates per year).

I value one Diamond suite certificate worth + R29000 for a full week in terms of upgrade and meal perks alone.

By luck the bonus part was reef at Hyatt Regency which seems to be the most popular with diving boats offshore.

Regency Suite also gets..

Everything private such as the Regency private beach with unlimited drinks and access to the private pool.

Access to the Regency Lounge for unlimited snacks and drinks inclusive of breakfast and hot dinner snacks in evening.

The happiest taxi driver I have ever met. Departure time – Hurgada Airport.

Flying in.

A 40min flight dash across the ocean beats the long haul drive up to the Suez Canal and back down to almost the same longitude position.

They don’t give ice in winter hey. Crediting miles to SAA Voyager only yields 27 miles.

Imagine the beauty those divers down there are experiencing in the middle of The Red Sea.

Great morning Sharm El Shaikh. Monaco of the Middle East.

The Hyatt shuttle also gives 3x per day complimentary service to Na’ama Bay shopping and nightlife.

Tip: Always check with a hotels concierge or management if they provide complimentary shuttle service. In this case I managed to save the $70 fee.

The hotel booking.

I paid $104 per night and got the suite worth $388 per night via Hyatt’s confirmed Diamond suite certificate. The other room standard rate is 8000 Gold Passport points per night.

Confirmed suite certificate upgrades are exclusive to Hyatt’s chain.

You could splurge over $5000 per room ( double story villa) per night.

The suite.

Dedicated check-in counter at the reception or private check-in available at the Regency Club.

The bathroom comes kitted out with a flat screen TV.

The Regency Club and private access areas.

The Regency Club.

Private pool for Regency Suite guests.

All day juices and soft drinks are complimentary here.

3-5 meter deep holes to explore in the reef.

The Resort.

Reef so stunning its worth loosing both shoes over.

Royal Villa no1.

Royal Villa no2.

The Royal Villa’s front garden.

Dedicated and supervised kiddies area.

The breakfast.

I just realised upon writing this trip report, I had not taken any pics of the breakfast spread, mornings were always a rush to wake up and get into the water after anxiously sleeping waiting for the sun to arise ( scroll down further and you’ll see why), nevertheless I had salmon with rocket on a fresh croissant with fresh orange juice every morning.