|
The Ritz-Carlton
Puttin’ on the Ritz in Sharm El-Sheikh
By Jimmy Dunn
 In what seems to be a tradition among Red Sea resorts, the
Ritz-Carlton Sharm El-Sheikh is huge. This vacation resort sits in
a 100,000 square meter landscaped garden with over 300 rooms
spread out across the landscape. In words that we have used to
describe other hotels of the Red Sea, it is truly majestic.
As you would expect, all of the rooms are very nice, though in
a standardized, western sort of way. They have all the amenities,
including color satellite TVs, individually controlled air
conditioning, direct dial telephones, fully stocked
mini-refrigerators, in-room safes, hair dryers, computer and fax
hook-ups, spacious private balconies and twice daily maid service.
Two aspects of this hotel truly set it apart from others.
First, there is the spectacular grounds, including a pool that
winds about the front part of the property as canals and includes
cascading waterfalls and fountains, bridges everywhere and lush,
fragrant gardens. There is also the children's pool, not to
mention the hotel's own beach with a number of private coves, and
direct access to the reef.
 The other aspect is the recreation and health facilities. The
spa and fitness center is world class. Under the roof of an Arab
tent, guests can be peeled with salt on a cliff high above the
sea. Other revitalization products include treatment with coconut
milk, sea algae, oils and herbs. One may bath in fragrant essences
of lavender, lemon, peppermint or creamy milk. These treatments
are complemented by numerous massage therapies including
anti-stress, anti-cellulite and Japanese shiatsu. Other exotic
body treatments include Javanese lulur with Asian herbs and
moisturizing yogurt essences, reflex zone foot massage, after-sun
treatments, detoxifying algae packs as well as manicures and
pedicures with warm oil.
 In addition to these treatments, the fitness center offers most
modern American equipment for workouts and there are free power
walks, stretching, aerobics, aqua aerobics and general gymnastics
with personal trainers available. Guests can relax in the heated
whirlpool, sauna, steam bath or a room for aroma inhalations.
Recreational activities include beach volleyball in a Roman
style amphitheater, lighted tennis courts, a nearby 18-hole golf
course, horseback riding, and a diving center for every form of
water sports. Nearby is Naama Bay, with numerous restaurants,
nightclubs and a casino.
 But one need not leave the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton, as it
has a number of its own entertainment and restaurant venues.
Included are the La Luna Italian gourmet restaurant with its own
private wine room, the Fayrouz Lebanese pool side restaurant, The
Blue Ginger Asian Restaurant, the Cafe, which is a casual, all-day
dining pool side restaurant and the Wave daytime pool restaurant.
For entertainment there is the Lobby Patio with Nightly
entertainment, the Lobby Lounge and Library, the Pyramid Pool Bar
and Cigar Divan, a formal cigar bar with classic cocktails.
Certainly, this is a great place to vacation in one of Egypt's
premier party zones. Sharm El-Sheikh is a beach lover’s
paradise, and if you have the bucks, then try puttin’ on the
Ritz.
The Ritz-Carlton
Om El Seed, P.O. Box 72
Sharm El-Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt
Phone: 20-69-661-919
Fax: 20-69-661-920
Reservations
|
