Staff Choice:
Dean Does Sharm-El-Sheikh
Our staff are bursting to tell you about their own favourite Archers Direct holidays. This month our Long Haul Product Manager, Dean Stilwell shares his recent holiday experience of Sharm-El-Sheikh in Egypt's beautiful Red Sea Riviera.
Dean's Quick Guide to Egypt
Egypt, Land of the Pharaohs, home to an ancient civilisation, and gateway to the East! Whilst all of this is true, Egypt is now also a modern country, with holiday resorts geared to meet the needs to today's holidaymaker.
My first view of Egypt was from the air, the clear sky offering fantastic views as we flew along the Suez Canal and down towards the airport in Sharm El Sheikh.
Following a short transfer I was in Sharm El Sheikh, or Sharm as its know locally, which is situated on the shores of the Red Sea and close to the Egyptian desert. Lucky I was in my summer clothes, as the resort enjoys warm temperatures and clear skies year round.
Dean Don's A Wetsuit & Goes Under
I arrived at the Sea Life Resort, my home for the next seven nights. The hotel is located in Nabq Bay – a quieter part of Sharm El Sheikh, ideal for those looking for a relaxing stay away from the hustle of Naama Bay, the hub of life in Sharm.
Standing directly next to it's private beach, The Sea Life is an All Inclusive hotel and offers excellent leisure and sport activities, including snorkelling and diving in the coral filled waters of the Red Sea. Like most hotels in Sharm El Sheikh the Sea Life has its own diving school, ideal for a learner like me! It wasn't too long before I plucked up the courage to don my wetsuit and go under! I was certainly glad I did, the Red Sea is a host to a whole variety of fish and coral, I was even provided with an underwater camera to provide the ultimate souvenir!
Dean Ventures Out
After a day or so improving my tan, and enjoying the hotel's various facilities, I decided to venture into the centre of Sharm El Sheikh, Naama Bay. The 20 kilometre journey takes around 20 minutes by taxi, and cost the small amount of £5, although most hotels, including the Sea Life, offer free shuttle buses. Naama Bay is home to many restaurants serving local and international cuisine, bars, shopping centres, sports centres and even a casino.
Dean's A Cheeky Barterer
I headed to the old town, which houses Sharm El Sheikh market, the ideal place to practice your bartering; don't be afraid to be cheeky, the locals enjoy it and you can often pick up a bargain! Leather goods and jewellery are a particularly good buy.
Feeling in the holiday mood, we returned to Naama Bay in the evening and enjoyed a nice meal and a glass of wine, in a local restaurant not too far from the main street. I'd really recommend trying this for that “real Egypt” experience, or if you're feeling really brave why not try a waterpipe!!
Dean's Glass Bottom Experience
Another opportunity to explore was given on the excursion to Ras Mohamed National Park, one of the most famous places in the world for marine life. We were taken to the park for our ride on a glass bottom boat, which offered stunning views of the colourful fish, and beautiful coral reef – enjoyed by divers and landlubbers alike!
Sharm el Sheikh is a wonderful resort, and truly does offer something for everybody, from relaxing in the comfort of a modern hotel, to diving the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea, from shopping in the old town, to dancing the night away in Naama Bay.
Got a Question for Dean?
If you would like to ask Dean a question about this destination email him at dstilwell@cosmos.co.uk and he will get back to as soon as possible.
Follow in Dean's Footsteps
Has Dean's holiday inspired you to visit Sharm el Sheikh? If so use our search panel at the top of this page to find our holidays of Sharm el Sheikh. You'll find full holiday itineraries, availability and prices. You can even book online in four simple steps.
Click here for our previous Staff Choice article
