Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh nestles at the southern tip of the Sinai peninsula between the revered Mount Sinai and the Red Sea, 60 minutes flying time from Cairo. It′s dramatic terrain, jagged granite peaks, miles of gorgeous beaches and coral reefs give the Sinai peninsula an enormous diversity. This resort bustles with a wide range of shops, bazaars, ‘Shesha Cafes’, trendy International restaurant chains and bars. There′s an endless range of activities to indulge in from watersports to desert jeep safaris and local cultural excursions. Whether you choose to take a PADI course, sample the sulphur springs (which some consider therapeutic for rheumatism and skin ailments) or simply relax and bask in year round sunshine, Sharm El Sheikh is a destination which can truly offer something for everyone. With ninety metres (295 feet) of vertical reefs, home to an astonishingly abundant marine world, much of it unique to these waters, you are certain to be overwhelmed by the magnificent eruption of life that awaits you under the waves. Known to much of the world through its role in the Bible Sinai is the setting for the book of Exodus where Moses received the 10 commandments and has drawn thousands of pilgrims throughout the centuries due to it′s religious significance. Visitors can ascend to the summit either by climbing by the ‘ancient route’ consisting of some 4000 steps built by monks or by following an easier, but longer path. At the foot of Mount Sinai lies the ‘Monastery of St. Catherine’. Built between 527-565 A.D. around the ‘Church of Transfiguration’ where Moses is believed to have seen ‘the burning bush’. The living bush on the grounds today is purported to be the original. The existing granite basilica dates from the 6th century A.D. where the remains of ‘St. Katherine of Alexandria’ are said to be buried. It′s huge library houses numerous preserved ancient manuscripts. The recently opened museum exhibits the original letter from the ‘Prophet Mohammed’ guaranteeing the monastery′s security and pages from the ‘Codex Sinaiticus’, one of the oldest and most complete copies of the Bible.

Our Thoughts

Na′ama Bay is the main, busiest spot with shops, bars and restaurants behind the promenade. The areas of Shark′s Bay (North) and Ras Um Sid (South) are quieter but yet still only a short distance from Na′ama Bay. The Sinai area is becoming a fast growing golf destination. The 5 star Jolie Ville Mövenpick Golf & Resort features a PAR 72 PGA Championship golf course with a host of facilities for avid golfers and can be pre-booked by guests who are not staying at the hotel. Sharm El Sheikh has given the Red Sea an International reputation as one of the world's most extraordinary diving destinations. For more extensive information on official local dive centres we suggest you check out www.padi.com. Excursions to Mount Sinai and the ‘Monastery of St. Catherine’ can be booked locally with our local ground handler. It is important to note that these excursions depart at unsociable hours and climbing Sinai can take approximately 3 hours and therefore it is not for the faint hearted. However, it is well worth the trek as the view from the top is truly breathtaking, especially at sunset.

Transfers

Journey time from the Sharm El Sheikh International Airport are subject to prevailing traffic conditions averaging approximately 25 minutes to Na′ama Bay hotels, 5 minutes to Shark′s Bay hotels, 30 minutes to Ras Um Sid and 10 minutes to Garden Reef Bay.